Let’s talk tomatoes!
It all begins with an idea.
Watch the YouTube Video by clicking here!
There are more than 10,000 variety of tomatoes available out there to grow. Here are a few of the most common tomatoes to grow as well as some of my favorites. Because tomatoes do best with consistent moisture, add 2-3 inches of bark mulch, straw, or shredded leaves around your plants. Water tomatoes regularly, especially in sunny, hot weather. Stick your finger in the dirt and water if the top inch of the soil feels dry. Regular watering will help prevent your tomatoes from cracking, splitting, or developing blossom-end rot, which is discussed in more detail below. Pro tip - Marigold flowers have been grown with tomatoes for years as gardeners believed that the marigolds deterred harmful insects.
Heirloom - In general, heirlooms are commonly less seedy, more flavorful and colorful, and sweeter then hybrid tomatoes. They are normally selected for flavor. Plant your heirloom tomatoes in full sun, or at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Heirloom tomatoes can be grown successfully in a pot if you give the root system adequate space. Choose at least an 18-inch diameter pot for determinate or bush tomatoes. You can grow indeterminate tomatoes in a pot that is 24 inches or larger. Use high-quality potting soil for tomatoes and make sure the pot has adequate drainage. Add support like a tomato cage, trellis, or stakes.
Red Beefsteak - No matter how you slice it, you can count on Red Beefsteak Tomatoes to deliver bright and balanced flavor. Full of sweet juice, complemented by a meaty texture, they offer the best of both worlds for the ultimate burger topping or fresh salsa. This disease-resistant plant is one of our very best cherry tomatoes and are easy to grow. However, Red Beefsteak tomatoes need space to grow. These are not the best for small spaces. Place tomato plants at least 18 to 36 inches apart. Beefsteak varieties are especially tall and require lots of space and training. For optimal growth space 5 feet or more apart. Tie the plant to a trellis, stake, or cage.
Campari Tomatoes - Campari tomatoes are sought after for their inherent sweetness. They are great for snacking, and are often served fresh over salads, mozzarella, or specialty meats. Larger than cherry tomatoes but smaller than grape tomatoes, Campari tomatoes are globe-shaped, and brilliantly red in color. They are perfect for small-space or container gardeners who want a productive, early, and delicious grape variety. Campari's tomatoes can be grown on your back porch in pots and a grow box. The grow box, which I used for the first time last year, produced my healthiest and most abundant plants.
Plum Tomatoes - Also referred to as Roma Tomatoes. These small but mighty tomatoes are perfect for snacking, salads, and roasting, and they grow well in containers, making them suitable for small spaces. Plum tomatoes are great for sauces due to their high liquid content as well as their rich tomato taste. Typically, tomato plants will produce ready-to-eat fruit 40 to 50 days after the initial planting.
Cherry Tomatoes - Cherry tomatoes are great for container planting or hydroponic gardens because they're small and don't require much space. They also do great in a hanging basket. Plus, they're incredibly flavorful and often come in many different colors, so they really brighten up a space! They thrive with gentle morning rays and some afternoon shade. As they mature, their leaves thicken, craving full sun to fuel fruit production.
Sun Gold (a popular cherry tomato) - If you don't have space for a garden, Sungold tomatoes can be easily grown in pots. Choose a large pot, around 5-gallons, with good drainage holes. These distinctive, tangy-sweet fruits are best eaten fresh off the vine or in salads and party trays. This Japanese tomato ripens early and appears in a golden orange and normally has an extra-sweet flavor. In addition, Sungold tomatoes stay firmer longer than other cherry varieties.Care Tips. Under cover or outside they need staking, regular watering and weekly feeding for best results. Pinch out side shoots as they develop and then pinch out the tops once they have set 5 or 6 trusses.
When to Plant
It all begins with an idea.
The best time to plant tomatoes outside is when the danger of a freeze has passed. We don't have a specific date, but can offer a general timeline. Our average last spring frost is around mid March. That is generally a safe time to plant your tomatoes outside, but be ready to protect them if a late freeze arrives. After potting your tomato plants, keep an eye on the weather for the following few weeks. Keep your plants outdoors in a sunny spot on warm days. Your spring planted tomatoes should start producing harvestable fruit in late May through June and early July depending on the type and variety.
What they need
It all begins with an idea.
Sun: Tomatoes need full sun, 8 hours at least. These full sun hours do not need to be consecutive, but they really need the sunshine to thrive.
Water: Tomatoes do need water, but do not need to be overwatered. New plants may need to be watered daily, but you still need to allow some time for the drying out process. Established plants prefer deep, thorough, but inconsistent drinks, just like Mother Nature would ideally offer. An hour or two on a drip system once a week is perfect.
Soil: Deep soil is needed for the deep roots, 15” – 18” minimum, more is better. Container grown tomatoes need space too. A 15 gallon – 20 gallon sized will house ONE indeterminate type of tomato plant (2 smaller sized plants). You should also plant your tomatoes deep, planting up to the first set of leaves on the stem. Feeder roots will develop all along that buried stem, and increase the strength of the plant.
Items to Purchase
Lists of items worth purchasing:
Marigold’s
Heirlooms
Beef steak tomato
Campari tomato
When to Harvest
It all begins with an idea.
Tomatoes need full sun, 8 hours at least. These full sun hours do not need to be consecutive, but they really need the sunshine to thrive. Your spring planted tomatoes should start producing harvestable fruit in late May through June and early July depending on the type and variety.