Gardeners know that tomatoes grow best when they receive full sunshine.

But, tomatoes also need a lot of water, and a fertilizer high in phosphorous and potassium.

There's still plenty of time to plant this popular home garden crop. Plants can be placed in the ground in this area from mid-April through mid-May.

Many gardeners and others interested in home gardens received a number of tips on tomatoes and other home-grown vegetables Saturday during the SEMO Master Gardener's Symposium, which was held Saturday at the Jackson National Guard Armory.

"This was the first year for the symposium," said Don Koehler, president of the SEMO Master Gardeners, sponsor of the one-day session which featured a dozen speakers and subjects. "We've had a good turnout, and are looking forward to the second annual symposium next year."

More than 75 people were in attendance at the meeting, with about a third of them in a session called "Things Mom and Dad Didn't Tell You About Vegetable Gardening," conducted by Jane Kniestedt.

Kniestedt, who was raised on a farm and is now a Master Gardener, fielded questions concentrating on a number of "home remedies" for gardening.

She talked about banana peels, matches and Cayenne peppers as useful items in a garden operation.

Banana peels can provide potash and phosphorous for tomatoes, egg plants and rose bushes.

"Take about three to four banana peels to a bush," said Kniestedt. "You can place them around the plant in the spring when the plants start blooming.

Kniestedt uses a spray of cayenne pepper for her corn, to keep varmints such as raccoons and squirrels away. "The animals don't like pepper," she said.

Another favorite trick by Kniestedt is to use book matches to provide sulfur for pepper plants.

While Kniestedt was conducting her presentation, Pat Wedge was informing another group on "how, what and when to feed plants," and Dorothy Hickam was discussing "Grandma's Roses."

The symposium opened at 8:40 a.m. with an address by Dr. Charles H. Korns, retired professor of horticulture from Southeast Missouri State University, who discussed lawns and turf, and how to maintain, improve and keep grasses.

Other sessions during the day featured Koehler and his wife, Carol, discussing the growing and using of herbs. Other speakers were Octavia Scharenborg, Sue Brewer, Bill Hallam, and Kathy Venneman.

Garden and lawn tool displays were set up at the armory by Rental Land Inc., of Cape Girardeau. Debby Naeter, the Plant Lady displayed a number of tropical plants. She was also a speaker at the conference.

People attending the symposium received numerous flower and vegetable garden tips, along with information on composting and other topics concerning gardening.