Plant: Tomato

Garden Prep Pointers: 

*Select full sun location where these plants have NOT been planted within the past 24months: Tomatoes, Peppers, Raspberries, or potatoes.

*Till soil thoroughly, mix in 15-15-15, or organic fertilizer (amount specified on package).

Planting Season: 

*Seeds: Start indoors mid-late March under grow-lights

*Transplants: Plant outside May 15^th – June 15^th (May 15^th is best)

Plant Selection Tips: 

*Healthy, fruit and blossom free transplants from a garden center are best, opposed to starting seedlings

*Choose bushy plants, with dark green color. 

*Choose plants with larger pots (representing greater root growth and a healthier plant)

Planting Guide:          

*Plant 18-24” apart to create hedge, otherwise 36-48”

*Drive wooden stake next to each plant, or cage around each plant, securing plant to stake or cage with twine.

*Planting on a hill (mound) is optional

*Planting through black plastic sheet helps warm soil and prevent weeds    without additional labor or chemicals

Planting Notes: 

*Bushy, compact plants- Plant root system 2-3” below soil surface

*Taller, leggy plants- bury bottom half of stem and root system below surface.

*Water thoroughly (both situations)  

Upkeep:

*After planting, avoid fertilizing again until fruit set.  Upon fruit set begin fertilizing with liquid fertilizer once every 2-3 weeks until end of season.

*Water daily, plastic mulch helps retain moisture in soil if one day is missed.

Fruiting Habits:

            *Plants usually fruit 6-8 weeks after planting.

            *Each plant yields 10-15 lbs of tomatoes over 3-4 weeks.

Growers Favorite Varieties:

            *Slicing tomato: Jetstar, Goliath, Jetsetter

            *Cherry: Sweet Million

            *Large Grape: Juliet

            *Yellow: Caroline Gold

Grower Notes:

*When planting on plastic, place soaker hose under plastic, OR puncture holes in coffee can or similar container, set into ground next to plant and fill can to water plant.

*Twine is bio-degradable, and creates less of a problem should some be left in the garden after the season.

Fruits of Knowledge: 

*The three numbers on fertilizer represent percent Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium respectively.  For example 12-15-12 signifies 12lbs nitrogen, 15lbs phosphorus, 12lbs potassium per 100lbs applied

*Fruiting stresses plants, the additional bit of fertilizer helps extend the life of the plant and increase yield

*Hairs on Tomato stems will develop into roots when under-ground.