Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden

Abstract

Tomatoes may be the most popular crop grown in Sonoma County home and community food gardens. With the right variety selection for your microclimate plus proper planting and cultural care, gardeners and their families can enjoy delicious tomatoes throughout the summer and into fall. 1. Can I grow tomatoes in my yard? Tomatoes require 6 to 8 hours of sun a day. If you don't have that much sun, consider planting in containers in a sunnier location. 2. Should I grow tomatoes from seeds or purchased seedlings? Many home gardeners prefer to purchase seedlings for their vegetable gardens. Purchase plants that are about 6-to 8-inches tall, stocky and well covered with healthy green leaves. Ideally, tomatoes should be outdoors in the sheltered sun one week before planting. For gardeners who wish to plant seeds, see ANR Publication 8159, "Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden," for more information. 3. When should I plant my tomatoes? Plant after frost danger is past, soil has warmed and nighttime temperatures are in the 50's. Sonoma County has many microclimates. In warmer areas of the county, tomatoes usually can be planted earlier than in cooler growing areas. In the cooler areas of Sonoma County, look for tomatoes with an early date of maturity, for example, 50 to 60 days to ripen. 4. What is the difference between "heirloom" and "hybrid" tomatoes? Hybrid tomatoes are cross bred from two or more different plants. If hybrid seeds are planted, the resulting plants may not replicate the original. Heirlooms are open-pollinated which means that their seeds can be saved and the new plants will replicate the original plant. 5. What is the difference between "indeterminate" and "determinate" tomatoes? Indeterminate tomatoes will continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost. These tomato plants grow quite large and need support such as staking or caging. Determinate tomatoes grow to a certain size and stop, and often fruit ripens over a short period of time. These plants usually are bushier, shorter and may not need additional support. 6. How should I plant my tomatoes? Dig a hole deep enough so that the plant shows only the top 3 inches of foliage. New roots will form along the buried stem that has been stripped of its foliage. Before planting, fill the hole with water and add compost to the hole. You also may add a well-balanced organic fertilizer, such as 7-5-7 (these numbers refer to the Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium content of the fertilizer). Follow the directions on the package. Place the seedling gently in the hole, fill in with the soil and press firmly around each plant so that a slight depression is formed for holding water. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets around the