For the Love of Tomatoes

It's simple, select your overnight postage cost than a minimum of 6 to 9 varieties of tomato.

Pick-up is available in Rawene. Seedlings posted during Spring when mature, this is a pre-order system.

I source quality heirloom seeds from trusted sellers, and then I find the newest and zaniest varieties so I can bring them to you. Most types of tomato seedlings are available by Labour Weekend, and I can post up to 6-9 plants to anywhere in New Zealand. You read this correctly I post my tomato seedlings via overnight courier. Just select your delivery type then add your choice of six tomatoes. I began doing this three years ago with great success, and the plants were received in good order by all of my customers. I roll my tomato pots with paper using a wine bottle to aid in my fight against plastic. It led to a serendipitous discovery that I can pop six plants tightly into a cardboard wine box. The plants fit perfectly, and even if the container is upside down the plants stay in place!

My love of tomatoes is 100% over the top. The stems have to be thick, and the leaves need to be vibrant and green. I don't grow vast quantities I produce quality. I use the best potting mix, seaweed fertilisers and my own secret, tomato tonic to bring to you a vigorous tomato seedling rearing to grow. I realise I'm so fortunate to have had family in particular grandparents that took the time to share with me their passion for gardening. I hope you enjoy my seedlings as much as I do but most of all I hope you get to share the fruits of your labour with the ones that you love the most. I know I will never forget my grandfather's beefsteaks or his giant strawberries.

I add photos in the gallery of the love apples progressing so you can check in to see how things are coming along. No, I'm not selling apples, but you'll work it out when you go to the gallery.

Currently, I reside in beautiful Rawene in the Hokianga, and its beauty has captivated me. I dig this place, literally! And if you need honey, head on over to my family's website, www.hosannahoney.co.nz. Yes, I love nature, my phone doesn't recognise my fingerprint at the moment because I've worn it off. The struggle is real for gardeners.

That's my first years attempt in Rawene and the hardening off process. It was a real learning experience.

I've been growing my seedlings since I guess I was just a seedling. Five years ago friends and family encouraged me to start selling them to the public. I sold some and gave away many of them in my home town, Rawene, and they turned out to be a hit. I've changed a few things since my humble beginnings. Each year that passes, I discover more fantastic tomato varieties and stories behind them that only make them seem that much more special. My heart will forever be in the Hokianga, where many of my fondest memories remain. So if you are ever in the far north seek out Rawene, a historical township well worth a visit, grab a coffee at the Boatshed or catch the ferry to Kohukohu. The fish & chip shop does fresh flounder and chips, don't miss out on that either.

All rights for the above photo belong to Marina Elisara.

There was a house on a hill in Te Puke, surrounded with gardens and hidden paths that winded thru rockeries and camellia trees. Aunty Carol's chocolate cosmos, chamomile, lavender and sweet pea, forever and always will remain in my memory. I will never forget the day you introduced me to a flower that had the scent of chocolate, incredible!

"When you increase the number of gardens, you increase the number of heavens too!"― Mehmet Murat Ildan

The legend herself, my Aunty Carol.