In the US and other countries gardeners grow more tomatoes than any other vegetable. The Tomato is one of the most popular home garden crop. Some say ninety-five percent of our gardeners grow tomatoes both commercially and for their own personal garden. Pretty much anywhere you find food, tomatoes will be found in some form. They can grow in a small area, bear through most of the season, and easy to grow. They are low in calories and a good source of vitamin C.
Selecting Growing Area
Tomatoes should be grown in full sunlight and planted away from trees and shrubs to obtain the highest yield. The plant requires abundant moisture, and well drained soil because poor drainage promotes root loss. Growing tomatoes can be done in the yard or most any place with plenty of sunshine. Be aware that tomatoes are easily killed by frost and early plants should be covered for protection.
Soil Preparation
Tomatoes will grow in many types of soil, but they prefer well-drained loams. They are also easily grown in a flower pot in the window or as a tree-like plant. Tomatoes grow well in many types of soil but prefer deep, fertile, well-drained soil that is amply supplied with organic matter and is slightly acidic. The soil should be worked only when it is dry enough that it will not stick to tools. Garden soil may be improved by adding rotten manure, leaf mold, peat moss, or other organic materials. A good supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is needed for tomato production. Some good sources are green crops worked into the soil, manure compost, rock minerals, and other nutrients are needed to produce well.
Tomato Types
The two types of tomato classifications for many gardeners are the determinate and indeterminate groups. Determinate are the lower growers. They have less production since the stem ends at the flower cluster. Determinate type tomatoes tend to set and ripen all at one time making it easier to harvest and can. Seldom does this group require pruning or major caging. Indeterminate vines do not end at the flower cluster but keep on growing. An indeterminate type tomatoes can set fruit earlier by pinching the tips of the main stem in the early summer.
It is necessary to consider varieties based on need or use. For varieties that do best in your area it may be helpful to ask an experienced neighbor or your local extension service who may also have helpful literature.
Starting Production
Properly setting your plants gives them the solid start they need, minimizes stress, and in many ways defines the entire growing season. Earliness of production and quantity of fruit produced are influenced by the quality of the plant and the time it is transplanted in the garden. The best tomato plant should be six to eight inches tall and dark green with a stocky, husky stem and well-developed root. Normally, six to eight weeks are required to produce this type of plant from seed. If growing from seed, after the plant has developed the first set of true leaves, transplant them at least two inches apart and give them plenty of light for stocky stem development. The seedlings should be transplanted into a pasteurized potting mix. If starting them in your home, expose seedlings to a south window and rotate them to give them uniform light.
Planting
Tomatoes should be set in the garden when the weather has warmed and the soil temperature is above 60 degrees. The first step is to prepare the soil first by breaking it up with a garden rake. Remove all leaf stems except for the top ones by pinching them off. Dig a small hole in the center of a soil/compost mixture and set the plant. Do not set plant too deeply. I try to maintain the plant’s natural soil line during transplanting just as they were grown in the seedbed. If you are setting plants started in peat moss, however, plant them about one inch below the soil line to prevent dryout. You should them in the evening or on a cloudy day to keep the plants from wilting and getting too dry. Once the plant is in place, fill in around the new plant with fine mulch. In general, use a one-part compost to three-part soil. Always be certain the soil and compost are very well mixed. Use recycled cardboard to make a plant collar (3 ½ to 4 inches high). Staple the collar together to make a circle with a 4-inch diameter. Push the collar an inch into the soil with your plant in the center.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer applied only when planting will not supply adequate nutrients for the entire season and you will have poor production. It will create heavy vegetative growth but poor fruit set. Fertilize the first time when the first fruit are one-third grown. One pound of ammonium nitrate (33-0-0) or equivalent fertilizer per 100-foot row or one level tablespoon per plant can be used. Mix the fertilizer into the soil then water, being careful not to get the fertilizer on the foliage. A second application should be made two weeks after the first ripe fruit and a third one month later. Water the plants thoroughly after fertilizing.
In following these simple guidelines, you should be on your way to growing healthy and tasty tomatoes.
