Are YOU ready to get planting?
Have you already started planting but need a little bit of help?
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Growing Tomatoes
from Seed
There are two basic Types of Tomatoes: Determinate and Indeterminate.
Determinate
tomatoes produce the fruit all at once. These are typically bush
tomatoes, and make the best tomatoes for container gardening. Since all
the tomatoes are ripe within a short period of time, these are great
plant choices if you plan to can or have a short tomato growing season.
Indeterminate tomatoes grow on a vine. If properly cared for, will produce all season until the first frost.
Preferred Growing Conditions
Tomatoes
love sun, and lots of it. Determinate or bush tomato plants work best
for tomato container gardening. Soil should be rich in organic matter.
Compost works best mixed in with the soil, and is a great organic
fertilizer.
Tomatoes tend to do well in soil that is a little acidic. Get a soil pH tester if you are unsure of your soil's pH level.
Mulch
will be important around tomato plants. Since tomato plants prefer
full sun, the soil will dry out. Mulch will help retain moisture in the
soil.
Starting Tomatoes from Seeds
I
recommend soaking your seeds in water for up to 24 hours. This can
increase the amount of seeds that germinate and how quickly they
sprout. Use organic potting soil OR Organic Coconut Coir if you are
seed-starting indoors or in small containers to be transplanted
outside. Whether you direct sow or plant in containers, plant tomato
seeds approx 1/4 inch below the soil.. Seeds can germinate in as few as 3
days (when I soak) and as many as 14 days.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Space
out tomato plants 13 - 17 inches apart. Really just follow the
planting instructions with the variety you choose. It will all depend
on the variety of tomato you grow. You just want to make sure they will
have enough room to grow and the roots not compete with each other.
You can plant tomato seedlings after the last frost. Seeds can be
started just before the last frost.
Tomatoes
do well in raised beds. Rows should be 4-5 feet apart. But, don't
forget that determinate tomato varieties grow well in containers, too!
Companion Plants for Tomatoes
Growing these companion plants around tomatoes will be helpful: Basil, chives,oregano, parsley, onions, carrots, asparagus, marigolds, celery, Nasturtiums and geraniums.
Borage can deter tomato hornworms and is a must in my garden!
Some plants actually are bad to the health of tomato plants.
Avoid these plants around tomatoes: black walnut, corn, cabbage, potatoes, kale, and rosemary.
Maintaining Your Tomato Plants
Not sure what
to do in the meantime? You will most likely need to stake your
tomatoes. Again, depends on the variety. Bush tomatoes may need to be
staked or caged for support. But, indeterminate tomatoes, or vine
tomatoes, will definitely need support since they continue to grow all
season. A trellis works nicely with vine tomatoes or a tomato cage.
Should you
prune tomatoes? Depends on who you ask! Suckers, or side shoots, grow
in the "v" of the stem and branch. You can pinch them off or leave
them. Leaving the suckers on produces more tomatoes. But these will be
smaller tomatoes. If you have a large tomato plant, like the
indeterminates, you might want to prune the side shoots here and there.
But don't go hog wild, you want these plants to produce.
When to Use Organic Fertilizer
It's a good
idea to use organic fertilizer in your garden, and avoid the chemicals
around your food. Typically, tomatoes are fertilized every 3-4 weeks,
with the first fertilization at planting. The next time you're ready to
fertilize should be about the time the plant is bearing small
tomatoes. Some determinate varieties will only be fertilized two times,
since they produce tomatoes all at once.
In my garden I
use organic and mostly homemade fertilizers such as compost, worm
castings and even banana peals (great source of potassium).
When to Harvest Tomatoes
Tomatoes
usually take 60-80 days from transplant to harvest. Just pick them when they
have turned their full color. You can pick them early and let them
ripen in the windowsill.
But, the best tomato flavor is one that has ripened on the vine.
Tomato Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for tomato hornworms. They are the large, beautiful (ugly) green worms that blend nicely with the stems. Plant borage to deter these worms.
Diatomaceous Earth is another great Organic solution to pest control.
Sprinkle DE around the base of the plant as well as on the leaves.
Helpful Links:
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Mary's Heirloom Seeds
All of the seeds listed are open-pollinated, non-gmo and non-hybrid,
non-patented, untreated, heirloom garden seeds.
Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.
Most seed orders placed Monday-Thursday are shipped within 24 hours,
except for holidays.
*$10 Order Minimum*
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If you have additional questions about getting started or would like more info please feel free to ask. As always, I am happy to help.
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2 comments:
I should have soaked my seeds first! I started a bunch of things from seed this year (including tomotoes). This is my first year really doing a lot of gardening, so I'm still learning. Thanks for your post!
Bobi
My father used to grow the most delicious tomatoes in our backyard garden. Such helpful information and lovely photos of a wonderful concept! Thank you for sharing Growing Heirloom Tomatoes from Seed to Harvest with us at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party! I am pinning and sharing!
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