Tomatoes are by and large one of the most popular vegetables to have in your garden. The varieties are almost endless and tomatoes can be used in so many ways that the hardest part could be choosing which tomato is best to grow. As usual, we recommend trying several different types and varieties to see which one works best for you and your garden. However, some things to consider when choosing your the right tomato for you are:
1. How much space do you have? Determinate tomatoes usually only grow to 3-4 feet tall whereas indeterminate varieties can double that and be 6 feet tall or larger. So if you have limited vertical space, that will be a major factor to consider.
2. What are you using your tomatoes for? Tomatoes can be enjoyed fresh, canned, in sauces, and other endless recipes so depending on how you want to enjoy them could mean the difference between choosing a Sun Gold Tomato and a Mortgage Lifter Tomato. Both are excellent choices but have very different characteristics.
3. Location, location, location. Do you live in a zone with blistering hot and dry summers? Does it stay mostly shaded in your garden? Are pests and diseases a problem for you? All of these are just examples of what to take into account when growing tomatoes in your garden, as each tomato is going to have different requirements.
Once your tomato seedlings emerge and are growing tall and strong, be sure not to touch the stem of the seedling. They’re very delicate and will bruise, which can introduce bacteria and cause you to lose your tomato plant.
If you notice your seedlings leaning over, carefully support them using extra soil, a wooden stake or toothpick.
The taste of a homegrown lettuce is unlike anything store-bought and is more densely packed with Vitamin A! This easy to grow cool season crop is a garden staple for beginners and experts alike.
