Growing tomatoes has proved very challenging the last several years! Growing tomatoes used to be as easy as riding a bicycle, now you have to treat them like a newborn baby. Even though tomato growing is challenging, tomatoes are still considered by many to be the most prized vegetable in the garden. There is plenty of discussion among fellow gardeners as to the best varieties and method of growing each type.

Soil Requirements

Tomatoes require a soil with a pH in the range of 6.2 to 6.8. As many of you know, the best method of checking soil pH is through the analysis of a soil sample. This can be accomplished through the Extension Office. If the pH of the soil is too low, add dolomitic limestone according to soil recommendations. Add lime several months before planting to allow for it to react with the soil. Dolomitic limestone also provides calcium and magnesium, which are important elements for the growth and development of the plants.

Planting

Select only healthy transplants for planting in the garden. Tomatoes can develop roots all along their stems, so plant them deeply to encourage a strong root system. Set the transplants down to the first set of true leaves near the soil surface. If transplants are in peat pots, it is not necessary to remove the container but be sure to plant them deep enough so the pot is not exposed to the soil surface causing the root ball to dry out. Firm the soil around the plants to force out any air pockets.

If plants are to be staked or trellised, space them 24 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart. Although it requires work initially, staking makes caring for tomatoes easier and keeps the plant’s leaves from contacting the ground and possibly introducing disease.

Fertilizer

Tomatoes love fertilizer just like you and I like food. Tomatoes are medium feeders and will require fertilizer beyond the initial starter solution. As stated before, a soil test is the best method to determine soil pH and nutrient levels. In the absence of a soil test, incorporate 1.5 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed prior to planting. After the first tomatoes form on the vine and are about the size of a quarter, side-dress them with 10-10- 10 at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. Repeat every three to four weeks until harvest is complete.

Variety Selection

Variety selection is the most important part of tomato growing. What is the number one problem with tomato growing? You guessed it, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). Because tomatoes are susceptible to diseases, viruses, and insects, some varieties have been bred or hybridized to be resistant to certain pests. Resistance to these pests is usually listed on the plant label.

BHN 444

This is one of my favorite varieties. BHN 444 has excellent quality and size in a perfectly smooth, globeshaped red tomato. This variety is resistant to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus. However, if TSWV is severe, this variety will become partially infected. In other words, the severity of TSMV varies from year to year.

BHN 640

This variety takes all the good qualities of BHN 444 and adds tolerance to a third race of fusarium wilt, while keeping the very important resistance to TSWV.

Rutgers

Terrific flavor and productivity. For many years, this was a favorite for canning because of its abundance, juiciness, and deep red color through and through. Rutgers is not as resistant as some newer varieties.

Better Boy

Rugged vines produce large crops of bright red 12- to 16-ounce smooth, flavorful fruit, 78-day maturity. Better Boy is an indeterminate variety that will continue to flower the whole growing season.

These are just a few helpful tips to help you with the tomato growing process. We have several publications at the Extension Office that will aid your tomato growing endeavors!

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