Tomatoes are tolerant of a wide variety of growing conditions, including those imposed upon the plants by our gardening mistakes. If we pay just a bit of attention to their unique needs, we can all grow great tomatoes.
The first consideration is choosing a variety. Beginning gardeners should pick a popular, tested type. Some possibilities are Early Girl, Better Boy, Beef Master, Yellow Pear, Super Sweet 100, Roma, or Tiny Tim. An experienced gardener can move on to the exotics, such as Amana Gold (resembles a pumpkin), Banana Legs (bright yellow and shaped like a banana), Black Cherry, Evergreen, Garden Peach, Texas Wild, or White Rabbit. Among the thousands of named cultivars available, one or more will suit your fancy. Be sure to choose a tomato suited to your climate and growing season.
The best plants are started at home. Sow the seeds in peat cups or in a shallow box filled with clean, new soil. The plants can be kept in a sunny window and watered on a regular basis to ensure steady growth. In most areas of the country, tomato plants are set out in late May, so starting eight to ten weeks before planting is a good idea. If you don´t have the time, space, or inclination to start your own, the plants available from local nurseries often do just as well. Even a poor quality plant might surprise you and recover and thrive in your garden.
The important aspect of setting out the plants is timing. All danger of frost must be past. Plant your tomatoes in full sunshine, and away from the shade of trees, buildings, and so on. Tomatoes do best in soil that holds moisture but is well drained. Plant carefully to avoid shock. The tomatoes should be spaced at least 24" apart to promote good air circulation and to discourage the spread of disease from one plant to another.
The first consideration is choosing a variety. Beginning gardeners should pick a popular, tested type. Some possibilities are Early Girl, Better Boy, Beef Master, Yellow Pear, Super Sweet 100, Roma, or Tiny Tim. An experienced gardener can move on to the exotics, such as Amana Gold (resembles a pumpkin), Banana Legs (bright yellow and shaped like a banana), Black Cherry, Evergreen, Garden Peach, Texas Wild, or White Rabbit. Among the thousands of named cultivars available, one or more will suit your fancy. Be sure to choose a tomato suited to your climate and growing season.
The best plants are started at home. Sow the seeds in peat cups or in a shallow box filled with clean, new soil. The plants can be kept in a sunny window and watered on a regular basis to ensure steady growth. In most areas of the country, tomato plants are set out in late May, so starting eight to ten weeks before planting is a good idea. If you don´t have the time, space, or inclination to start your own, the plants available from local nurseries often do just as well. Even a poor quality plant might surprise you and recover and thrive in your garden.
The important aspect of setting out the plants is timing. All danger of frost must be past. Plant your tomatoes in full sunshine, and away from the shade of trees, buildings, and so on. Tomatoes do best in soil that holds moisture but is well drained. Plant carefully to avoid shock. The tomatoes should be spaced at least 24" apart to promote good air circulation and to discourage the spread of disease from one plant to another.
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