Story: Growing Tomatoes out of Season
Episode: 7
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 19 April 2025

Lycopene-rich tomatoes and tamarillos, which are linked to reduced prostate disease risk, can be easily grown year-round with determinate varieties and a simple, warm soil setup, offering a natural and delicious way to support prostate health.

• Lycopene, a powerful plant phytonutrient found in tomatoes, is linked to reduced risk of prostate disease, with research suggesting that one tomato per day can dramatically lower prostate disease risk.
• Tomatoes are divided into indeterminate (summer varieties like Grosse Lisse and Roma) and determinate (year-round varieties like cherry and truss tomatoes), allowing for flexible growing throughout the year in warm climates.
• Determinate tomato varieties can be grown year-round, especially in frost-free, north-facing garden spots, by using quality potting mix and creating a simple, unconventional planting method to maintain warmth in the soil.
• The key to successful tomato growth is soil warmth. Using a bag of premium potting mix placed on bricks, with holes punched into it, allows the soil to absorb heat and maintain optimal growing conditions for tomatoes even in colder months.
• For another source of lycopene, the tree tomato (tamarillo) is a great alternative. This Indonesian-origin fruit is a late summer, autumn, and early winter crop, easily grown in various Australian climates, and also beneficial for prostate health.
• Regularly consuming tomatoes or tamarillos in your diet can help support prostate health, offering an easy and delicious way for men to care for their health naturally.