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Last update on August 18 , 2023
Few thing vanquish the flavor or satisfaction of eating a reinvigorated , vine - ripened , juicy homegrown tomato ! The safe news is , it ’s wanton to get your own tomatoes at home – even in containers . Come learn everything you take to bed about growing love apple in thisstart - to - finish scout , including democratic mixture , starting from seed , how to prune andsupport tomato plants , and even ways to eat or preserve impudent tomato !
For well-fixed reading , this clause is split up intofive sections : General Tomato Growing Info , How to Plant Tomatoes , Ongoing Care ( including fertilise , pruning , and supporting ) , Common Diseases and Pest Control , and ultimately Harvesting & Preserving Tomatoes . apply the jumping below or look for the colored headings .
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GENERAL TOMATO GROWING INFO
Growing Tomatoes from Seeds or Seedlings
Tomatoes need a long quick growing season . Therefore , when it amount fourth dimension to institute tomatoes outside , it is proficient toplant found seedlingsin your garden rather than sowing seed directly outdoors . This give them a great nous scratch line , and stand for you ’ll be harvesting novel tomato sooner ! you could plant tomato seedling that you kindle indoors from seed , or pick up some seedling from a local nursery .
To grow tomatoes from semen , pursue the usual best practices forstarting seeds inside . Plant the seeds in clean containers full of germ - starting land mix , provide sizable lightness , consistent moisture , and follow your seeds sprout and grow ! Please seethis articlefor more detailed instructions on how to start seeds indoors . It also covers important ongoing seedling care bakshish – such asthinning , fertilizing , andpotting upseedlings .
If you opt to buy started nursery seedlings instead ( no disgrace in that ! ) , crack out some tips on how to choose thebest seedlings at the nurseryhere . The Cliffnotes : look for varieties well - become for your climate or space , choose the good for you and wise look seedling ( biggest is n’t always dear ! ) and check the seedlings over for pests before bringing them home .
Choosing Tomato Varieties to Grow
If you ’re a seed junkie like myself , seed shopping to develop tomatoes can be serious ! There are literally hundreds of tantalizing miscellany to choose from . See our top 12 preferred places to corrupt organic and heirloom seeds here . Most garden gist also carry at least a dozen dissimilar eccentric of tomato seedlings to opt from . Read plant descriptions carefully!Pay attention to not only what the yield are like , but also what the plants arise habits or requirements are . From there , prefer varieties that sound delicious of course , and willsuit both your desires and climate . What is the variety known for ?
For deterrent example , we live in a coastal climate with nerveless and foggy summertime weather . Unfortunately , this construct it difficult for us to grow huge husky heirloom tomatoes . It only does n’t get hot enough for them to mature quickly on the vine , and the fruit becomes granulose and less flavorsome . To battle this , we opt a heap of betimes - ripening and smaller yield varieties – and still get good deal of amazing homegrown tom turkey ! We also look for diverseness described to do well in overcast or cool weather .
Some ofour favourite varietiesthat fall into the too soon - producing , minor , or cool - weather tolerant group let in : Stupice , Sungold Cherry , Amber , Scotland Yellow , Granadero , and Green Zebra . For more melodic theme for a broader raiment of mood , check out thisTop 10 Heirloom Tomatoes Varietiesarticle from Seed Savers Exchange , or thisTop 20 Listfrom Mother Earth News .
Certain tomato varieties are love for their excellentfresh - eatingqualities , often call large “ slicers ” or salad tomatoes . Others are touted for being the idealcanning and saucetomato , such as library paste Lycopersicon esculentum or Roma varieties . in person , we care to fuse it up and acquire a variety of all variety . Yet if you have limited space , you ’ll want to be more selective in your option and make indisputable you ’re get what you desire from the plant !
Another factor to debate when prefer what variety tomato to farm is if they ’re determinate or indeterminate .
Determinate vs Indeterminate Tomatoes: What is the Difference?
When you grow tomatoes , you need to know if the multifariousness you ’re growing is an indeterminate or a determinate multifariousness . The differences between them will regulate how you support , prune , harvest , and even plant the tomato ! I have found that undetermined tomato are more common in home gardens , but we wish to grow a few of each .
Determinate Tomatoes
Determinate or“bush”tomato plants stay slightly shorter , normally around three to five infantry in height . They put off most all of their yield during a shorter time period of time , givingone big bountiful harvest . Do n’t worry , it is n’t usually all in just one twenty-four hours or two ! But do be prepared to harvest , eat , or otherwise preserve most of the plant ’s tomatoes over about a month timespan on modal . Since they “ finish ” more quickly , determinants can be a unspoilt choice for folks with ashorter uprise time of year – either due to your climate , or if you desire a immediate harvest so you may implant something else in its place .
Due to their manageable and summary size , determinate tomatoes do very well in container . They are generallylower - maintenancethan undetermined types . In fact , it is not recommended to prune determinate miscellanea at all , as it can importantly lessen the fruit issue . That also intend they do n’t call for a raft of fancy grooming . A simple stake and tomato plant John Milton Cage Jr. is pure for determinate Lycopersicon esculentum !
Indeterminate Tomatoes
On the other hand , indeterminate or“vining”tomatoes arise significantly larger – with the ability of get hold of up to 12 metrical unit magniloquent ! An average around 6 foundation is more common though . Rather than busting out one main bumper crop , undetermined tomatoescontinually bring on fruitover a long period of time . If allowed , the plants will live on until hoarfrost or disease kills them .
Due to their vigorous vining nature , some nurseryman choose to train indeterminate tomatoes up drawing string , grandiloquent stake , or flat trellises rather than using traditional tomato coop . We have done all of the above ! It is also common for some gardeners topruneindeterminate tomatoes , depending on their training and backing system of option . Do n’t worry – we ’ll delve more into that later .
Growing Tomatoes in Containers
Just because determinate tomatoes are perfectly - suited for container , that does n’t intend you ca n’t also grow undetermined tomato variety show in containers too . In addition to in raised bed , we also uprise a few tomato plant in containers each summertime – even in our driveway ! We prefer to usethese 15 gal fabric grow bagsfor our Lycopersicon esculentum . However , you could habituate any type of container – as long as it is evenhandedly big and hasgood drain ! You will also postulate to choose a support organization ( e.g. cage , wager , trellis ) that can fit in or around your choose container . We normally expend either a modest - size tomato cage , or several stake with twine strung between them if needed .
Like any plant , the sizing and productiveness of Lycopersicon esculentum grown in containers will belimited by the size of it of the container , and by the quality of soil and care you provide it . Meaning , a large undetermined tomato works will not be felicitous in a minor wad for very long . It will run out of root infinite , use up the nutrients in the filth , and the soil will dry out quickly as the plant becomes more and more large and thirsty . Set your plant life up for winner by choosing a container that holds at least 10 to 15 gal of tone filth . From there on out , all of the tips in this clause enforce equally to Lycopersicon esculentum grow in containers .
The Best Time to Plant Tomatoes is….
… . it depends on where you survive ! If you do n’t yet have a copy of the Homestead and Chill Garden Planning Toolkit , you may want to cop one . The printable 20 - Thomas Nelson Page toolkit includes handygarden planting calendars for every USDA hardiness zone . Your geographical zone - specific calendar will aid guide you on when to start cum indoors , transplanting seedlings out , or sow seed directly out of doors – for dozens of type of vegetables ! If you are n’t certain of your hardiness geographical zone , usethis easy lookup tool .
For the most part , tomatoes are a heating - bang craw , grow during the summertime month in most all locations . Seeds are set out indoors about 6 weeks before your last spring freeze date . During that time , they ’re usuallypotted upa time or two , season off , and then transplanted outside – once the last risk of frost has well pass . The idealistic sentence to plant tomatoes outdoors is when the daytimesoil temperaturesare in the 60s and the nightlong soil temperature is no colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit . Soil temperatures are dissimilar then ambient air temperature , so use aprobe thermometerif you are n’t certain !
On the other hand , some position with excessive warmth need to avoid maturate tomatoes during the red-hot summer months . This is because tomatoes can haveissues with fruit developmentwhen day temperature are regularlyover 95 ° F , or also with very gamey humidity and fond nights . Hot temperatures ( especially when paired with inadequate or unpredictable watering ) causes stress to the plants , reduces pollination , increases blossom drop , and tighten overall yield . gardener in localisation like Arizona , the thick South , or Hawaii often farm tomatoes for a short time of year in the saltation and again in the drop through winter . Or , those gardeners postulate to choose a location to develop tomatoes very wisely – discuss below !
Planting Location
When choose a location to grow tomatoes , full sunis usually the best alternative . The one caution is those climates with unbalanced - spicy summers ( systematically over 95 ° degree Fahrenheit during the daylight ) . In that display case , you may require to plant your tomatoes in a spot with good dawn to midday Lord’s Day , but good afternoon shade if potential .
Also keep in mind the nuance that the love apple plants themselves will create . That is , do n’t plant Lycopersicon esculentum on the south side of your garden bed ( if you ’re in the northerly cerebral hemisphere ) in a spot that will shadow out other small plants once the tomato plant becomes prominent . For object lesson , we often get basil , Madagascar pepper , and marigolds as companions around our tomato plant life . By keeping the tomato plant in the “ back ” side of the bed and the companion plants in front , they can all receive the sunlight they need to happily grow .
Learn more about thebest tomato companion plants here – including what NOT to implant with your tomatoes !
HOW TO PLANT TOMATO SEEDLINGS
How about we actually get these seedlings in the dry land now ? hold back , I lied … Let ’s back up to a week before constitute first .
Hardening Off
If you are growing tomatoes from seed that you started indoors , be certain to properly indurate off your seedling before embed them outside ! harden off is the process of lento and step by step acclimating indoor seedling to the big bad man outside over the continuance of a week or so . The destination is to be sure they ’re potent , ready , and will not go into a land ofshock or breakonce they ’re exposed to outdoor elements . Read more about harden off here . If you purchase start seedling at a nursery , they are already harden off for you . Nooooow we ’re ready to plant .
Tomato Soil Prep
Tomatoes are not too finicky about filth character , though they will appreciatedeep soilwith plenty of room for their roots ! Tomatoes grow best inneutral ( pH ) loam or sandy loam , and do n’t love clay soil . If you have clay soil , ameliorate it with sand , coco coir or peat moss to improve drainage and texture . If you ’re starting a new bottom or filling a container to grow tomato , use beneficial tone potting ground mixed with ripened compost . Our soil is rich incompostand organic matter , and has a well balance of moisture retention and drainage likewise – perfect for tomatoes . To determine more about how we fill new raised garden beds with filth , seethis Emily Post .
Before planting love apple , weamend our soilin a similar fashion we do for most crops : by adding a combining of severalmild slow - release organic fertilizersto the beds , propagate evenly over the Earth’s surface and gently expunge into the top couple in of soil . Ideally , apply the fertiliser a hebdomad or two before planting , and water it in . Or , you could spatter a bit of fertilizer around the top of the ground after embed .
Our go - to fertilizers are a combination ofkelp meal , lucerne meal , neem seed meal , and crustacean meal . Or , for a elementary all - in - one approach , check outthis excellent organic all - aim fertilizer . When you ’re growing tomatoes , it is best toavoid fertilizers that are too in high spirits in nitrogen . With too much atomic number 7 , you ’ll grow huge shaggy green plants but have fewer yield . Tomatoes like a good equilibrium of nitrogen , daystar and potassium to be most productive .
Planting Hole Additions
In the planting hole itself , we ordinarily add a minor handful ofworm cast . louse casting are a very meek frame of compost that will not shock or burn baby beginning . We expend worm casting from ourworm compost bin , but you canbuy handbag of castingsonline too . If you ’re using other compost and are unsure how strong it is , I suggest working it into the surrounding grunge or total it on top rather than in direct liaison with the roots .
Another not bad addition for the planting jam ismycorrhizae(discussed more below ) . calculate on the marque and education , mycorrhizaecan either be dusted correctly on the ascendent ball in powder form , or mixed with water and apply to the stem zone . The one we are presently using is watered in after planting .
What about the oldepsom salttrick ? Some gardener swear by add up epsom saltiness to the Lycopersicon esculentum planting jam , take that it helps the plant and yield increase by add together magnesium and sulfur to the soil ( epsom salt is magnesium sulfate ) . We ’ve tried using epsom common salt off and on over the years , but I honestly ca n’t say I ’ve noticed much of a dispute .
You may have also heard about addingcrushed eggshellsto the planting mess . The boost of Ca can helpprevent prime end rot , if that has even been an issue for you ! However , I suggest thoroughly pulverize the eggshells into a pulverization ( e.g. in a Vitamix , coffee Italian sandwich or food processor ) before adding a few tablespoons to each gob . That style , the calcium will be more water supply - soluble and useable for the roots . Amending the soil withcrustacean or Cancer mealis another way to provide extremely useable atomic number 20 .
UPDATE : get word more about how to prevent and treat prime end waste here . Hint : oppress shell and epsom salt are NOT the answer . A consistent watering docket is key ! I still urge using mycorrihzae and crab repast too .
Plant Tomatoes Deep & Wide
Dig a nice rich hole for your tomato seedling ! It is often recommend tobury a portion of the chief tomato plant flora stalkby several inches ( calculate on how tall your seedling is , of course ) . That is because tomatoes will beam off newfangled base from the share of the stem that is bury in soil . More roots equalise a larger , more rich plant . This is also a great way to fix “ leggy ” seedling if they became too marvellous and stretch out indoors . However , do n’t bury more than half of the works height . Gently wear forth or cut off the lowermost side branches that would otherwise get buried before found .
Feeding Tomatoes After Planting
After planting tomatoes out of doors , we care to give our seedlings a few particular dainty to help them start endure their best life potential . These are optional of path , but highly recommended !
One such treat ismycorrhizae . I briefly refer above that it can be added to the planting hole directly , or mixed with water and applied to the root zone after set . Mycorrhizaeis a microscopic fungus that grows in association with plant roots , forming a symbiotic family relationship . An conventional colony of mycorrhizae increases nutritive uptake and ascendant growth , plus enhance disease and drought ohmic resistance for the plant !
During the grow season ( especially in the later half once they set off producing a lot of yield ) , we typically fertilise our tomato plants withcompost teaand / oralfalfa meal teaon a monthly basis for an added boost of food . Another easy alternative is to sprinkle alfalfa repast around the base of each flora and H2O it in once per calendar month . Aloe verais another easy but effective organic “ fertilizer ” that we like to eat our plants – especially just - transplanted seedlings . Learn how to make an aloe vera grime drench here .
GROWING TOMATOES: ONGOING CARE
Water
Tomatoes grow well when they ’re provided deep and regular water . “ Regular ” does n’t mean that they need to be water day by day however ! Develop aconsistentwatering docket . Like yearling , tomatoes like routine . Unfortunately , I ca n’t say on the button how oftentimes to water since that will vary with your single climate and soil . Here in the temperate fog , we can get away with tearing tomatoes only twice per week . Other situation may need importantly more . Aim to keep the soil systematically moist , but never soggy .
It is crucial to waterslowly and deep , rather than a quick sprayer to wash the top few inches of grunge . Did you know that tomato works roots can be intimately as deep as the plants are tall ? That means their root systems can go 4 or 5 feet deep and beyond ! tomato plant plants that get a wearisome , deep , large drink of water a few time per hebdomad will be more felicitous than those that receive a small drink day by day . Our garden beds are all equip withBPA - destitute dipsomaniac hose , lightly covered in mulch . It is convenient and easy to turn them on for 45 transactions to an hr per bed , go under a timer , and take the air aside . get a line more about DIY , efficient , and non - toxic irrigation options here .
Fertilizing Growing Tomatoes
Plan to flow your tomato plants a few times throughout the growing season . This is in particular true for long - lasting indeterminate varieties .
Tomatoes growing in impertinent rich soil ( for instance recently amended , or new high - character bagged soil ) should n’t need much plant food for the first month or so after transplant . Yet if they ’re looking a second sorry and need a encouragement , try using adilute seaweed extractto provender struggling Lycopersicon esculentum seedlings . We love usingseaweed extractbecause while it provide nutrient and mineral , it is very mild and therefore dispirited - risk for plant food burn .
To feed mature tomato plants , you’re able to use diluteseaweed extractorliquid fish fertilizeras often as once every few weeks . Then when our Lycopersicon esculentum plants really pop pumping out fruit ( e.g. previous July , August and September ) we also sprinkle a light disperse ( top - fertilization ) ofalfalfa mealon the soil around the base of the tomato plants – just once per calendar month . infinite the top dressings a couple week away from any other fertiliser discourse .
Thisall - intention constituent fertilizeris another swell choice for a mid - season collation . Whatever you choose to use , read and watch the statement on the package ! We usuallyerr on the light sideof whatever the manufacturer recommends . Also remember to avoid mellow - N fertilizers .
Last but not least , we also like to make homemadecompost teaat least once during the growing season – and body of water all of our raised bed and fruit tree with it ! Like most of the other fertilizer we expend , compost tea leaf is rich in nutrients and microbes but gentle at the same sentence . memorise how to make actively aerated compost tea here .
Pruning Tomatoes
Should I prune my tomatoes?
To prune , or not to prune ? Ah , the historic period - old question and debate in the Lycopersicon esculentum develop human beings . Guess what ? There is no correct answer ! you’re able to choose to either heavily prune , minimally prune , or not lop your tomatoes at all . We ’ve done all of the above and toy with dissimilar style every twelvemonth . The decision to prune or not is a personal one , reckon on how much effort you give care to vest , the case of tomato grown , and how you plan to support it . Again , determinate tomatoes do not take kindly to pruning . Thus , let determinate Lycopersicon esculentum grow au natural with minimum intervention . you may also let your indeterminate variety run uncivilized if you wish !
On the other handwriting , some nurseryman like toremove side “ lollipop ” branches from indeterminate tomato . A sucker is a new offshoot that sprouts up in the crotch between an exist leafy branch and the main tomato stem . A little sucker will not have little flower buds . Those are green yield arm .
If permit to produce , patsy branches WILL eventually make fruit . Yet they will also draw push away from the master stalk of the tomato plant life – hence their name , suckers . By clip forth the fall guy , you do get less yield from one plant . However , the fruit that IS produced will be larger , juicier , and some say superscript in flavor . This could be specially helpful if you ’re grow big beautiful heirloom tomato that ask a plenty of energy to mature . For a plant life that produces hundreds of belittled cherry tree Lycopersicon esculentum ( like a Sungold cherry ) , the issue of prune on timbre and yield are n’t as obvious . Therefore , we minimally or do not rationalise our cherry tree tom .
Pruning tomatoes also mean the plants aremore manageableand smaller in girth , though they ’ll still get quite marvelous ! That imply you may unremarkably space the works closer together , but need to plan on training them upward . If you ’re delirious to grow several variety in a limited amount of space , heavy pruning and breeding can make it possible .
However , keep in mind that intemperately pruning tomatoes is n’t idealistic in all climates ! In hot climates , exposed tomatoes that are not otherwise shielded by leaf are prone tosun scaldingunder intense direct sunlight electron beam . It ’s like a bad sunburn for Lycopersicon esculentum . First , the yield gets a bloodless papery spot or blisters on the skin . That area is then more susceptible to moulder , insect , bacteria , or fungous equipment casualty . To prevent sunscald , use a lightweight material like spectre cloth to protect exposed fruit from direct sun beam of light when needed .
How to Prune Tomato Plants
If you do choose to prune mark branches , do so early ! The before , the well . This mean you ’ll want to see your plants on a regular basis for new sucker sprouting up . To take out them , it is quite easy to but bend them back to snap off with your fingers . Or , use cleanpruning shearsfor more established all-day sucker . As a mediate - ground option , some gardeners take away some of the suckers but also allow a few to grow . This creates a Lycopersicon esculentum with several “ leader ” branches that will want staking , ligature , or other support ( unless you ’re using a cage ) .
Another appropriate fourth dimension to prune tomatoes is towards the end of the summertime when the bottom outgrowth are naturally yellow , lookin ’ all deplorable and ugly anyways . I remove those quite often ! Always trim off undesirable branchesas close to the main works stalk as potential . Finally , pruning severely diseased offset can sometimes help concentrate the spread , as well as increase suitable line circulation within the industrial plant . Just be sure to use fresh pruning shears ! hygienise them ( I use rub inebriant ) between cuts to forestall spreading disease . Whatever you do while pruning , do n’t turn off or top the main stalk of the plant !
I do n’t have any awe-inspiring photos to share of the pruning process itself , so here is a not bad nimble presentation via YouTube !
Supporting Tomatoes
All tomato flora need support as they grow . Their marvelous and comparatively flexible stems can not stand upright on their own , especially once they ’re dense and laden with yield ! Without the backing from a love apple cage , trellis , stakes , or other support system , plant will straggle on the earth and branch will break . There are many styles and method to stand and train tomato . As with pruning , there is no “ good ” answer or room to do so ! Once again , this is personal preference – hinging on your space , industrial plant assortment , and level of interest . We ’ve experiment with all of these methods , and often utilize more than one in our garden each summertime .
UPDATE : I’ve since written a more extensive template onpruning and support tomato plant life , which covers 6 training methods and even moretomato trellis ideas .
Cages
One of the easiest , downcast - maintenance way to support tomato is to use a Hellenic Lycopersicon esculentum cage . With no pruning required , John Milton Cage Jr. are idealistic for determinate bush tomatoes . you could also use cages to support undetermined mixture , with little - to - no pruning demand . regrettably , most pre - made love apple coop are notoriously flimsy , too small , or comparatively expensive . For that reason , we make our ownDIY tomato cages ! They ’re sturdy , large , durable , cheap and comfortable to make .
Vertical Training on Stakes or String
A democratic support choice for indeterminate tomatoes is to train the vining plant up a unmarried tall stake . Or , up a string that is bind to a support beam above . This methodrequires cloggy pruningof the sucker side branches , foster just one ( or maybe two ) leader stanch . As the drawing card stem grows upwards , the nurseryman needs to tie orclipit further up the stake or string . Even though they ’re call “ vining ” tomato , a tomato plant plant will not enwrap around a post or cohere to a trellis like pole noodle or pea will . Because the plant life are well - pruned , this flair of tomato support allows for the plants to be space closer together .
Be prepared ! undetermined tomatoes train in this manner can growupwards of 10 feet tall – or more ! We once had them lay up on our rooftop . No joke . To combat the undue height , some gardener or granger turn to the “ miserable and skimpy ” system using string . As the tomatoes get taller and marvelous , slack is let out of the string to slenderly lower and incline the plant life down . Check outthis videoif you are interested to learn more about the lower and lean reenforcement organization .
The Florida Weave
The Florida weave , also known asbasket - weaving , is an awesome elbow room to support many tomatoes arise together in a long row . It requires less supply than bring home the bacon a John Cage for every plant , and also requires less intensive pruning than the unmarried bet or bowed stringed instrument method . With this method , stakes or t - posts are placed between every flora or two . Then , twine or string is attached horizontally from post to stake between the plants . A stake may also be allow along each plant ’s main stem . See the figure below .
The idea is tosandwich the plants between the layer of bunco game , effectively holding them vertical and support offset of yield . Many rows of drawstring may be tot up at initial planting time , and you guide the plants between them as they uprise . In turn , you could also add new layers of train as need as the plants grow . This method acting of training is large for both determinate and undetermined tomatoes alike .
Flat Trellises
The concluding love apple support system we ’ll report is using a flat treillage . A large flat treillage can be installed behind a row of tomatoes , or between two rows of tomatoes that are planted off - set from one another . We care to utilize panels of inexpensiveremeshto create our trellises . Hog or cattle venire is another democratic option too . Then , as the tomato plant grow , usesoft plant tie , flora clips , or other training material tosecure the branches back against the trellis .
This system is heavy because you prune as heavily or as gently as you choose . For case , it could function much like the unmarried stake or drawstring organisation to plunk for just one main drawing card stalk per plant . Or , you could allow more suckers to survive and marry back many branches to the trellis . Even if the plants become a moment unruly and bushy , you could run twine across sections of the treillage to deplume them back – similar to the Florida weave . We use this support system in our coop garden quite often .
If you ’re interesting in making your own trellis , learnhow to build a DIY trelliswith severaleasy and inexpensive trellis choice . We practice them for passionfruit , beans , pea , cucumbers , and crybaby - proofing – not just tomatoes !
COMMON TOMATO PESTS & DISEASES
Well bourgeon , this subject could be a post of its own ! Perhaps I will write one someday . In the meantime , here is the ready and dirty : Themost mutual pestis and diseasesthat inflict tomatoes include fungal diseases and mildews ( e.g. powdery mold and blight ) , mosaic viruses , fusarium wilt , bacterial wilt disease , root knot nematodes , aphids , whitefly , and the dreaded baccy or tomato hornworms . I wo n’t even dissemble to be an expert on all of these issues ! Especially since we have struggled with only a fistful of them personally , including aphids , mildew , nematode , and the periodic Lycopersicon esculentum horn worm .
To learn about love apple pests and disease in more detail , check outthis excellent article from Johnny ’s Seeds . It includes photos to help ID issues too !
Tips on general disease resistance, fungal disease, nematodes, hornworms & other critters:
HARVESTING & PRESERVING TOMATOES
Now , on to the skilful part ! It is meter to harvest the rewards of your unvoiced employment , and enjoy your bounty !
How to Harvest Tomatoes
How to Store Fresh Tomatoes
It is best to stash away fresh tomatoes atroom temperature , unless they ’re burn or cracked . You should refrigerate those . Did you know that brisk tomato plant misplace a ton of tone once they ’re refrigerated ? That is one ( of the many ) intellect that homegrown tomatoes are so much tastier than stock - buy 1 that have been picked ahead of time , ripen off the vine , and then surely refrigerate at some spot in prison term .
Of of course , if you harvest a large amount of tomatoes at once , they may begin to cross on the counter if you do n’t use or otherwise conserve them cursorily enough ! Keep reading to hear our preferent ways to run through and maintain our homegrown tomato bounty .
Eating Tomatoes Fresh
I guess you probably already haveplentyof ideas of how to consume your invigorated tomatoes . Yet publish this article has me badly lust some of our favourite summertime love apple - based snacks and meal , so I am going to share them with you anyway . humour me .
Ways to Preserve Tomatoes
maturate Lycopersicon esculentum and preserving tomatoes go hand - in - paw . Unless you only get one small flora or two , or realllllly love eating unfermented Lycopersicon esculentum with every repast , you ’ll more potential than not black market in to the need to preserve some spare yield .
Now , I am going to say something slightly controversial here . We prefer not to can our tomatoes in the summertime ! Even thoughcanning(via the hot - bath method or with apressure canner ) is one of the most popular ways to preserve fresh tomato , I find the physical process quite tedious – particularly on a live mean solar day . That is n’t to say that we do n’t now and again can goods too ! It simply is n’t our preferred method acting . alternatively , we wish tofreeze and dehydratetomatoes the most .
UPDATE : See this unexampled post13 Ways to uphold Tomatoeswith recipes for freeze , canning , dry out and more .
Freezing Tomatoes
There are a number of ways to freeze Lycopersicon esculentum ! tomato plant can befrozen wholeraw , or turned into sauce , salsa , or soup and then frozen . Check out our very popularSuper Simple Roasted Tomato Sauce formula . With only three ingredients and a couple of step , it is literally the easiest thing ever – and dang delicious too ! The formula can also be tin . We also like to stock the deep freezer with our favoriteCreamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soupto savour all winter farsighted .
Dehydrating Tomatoes
Another awesome way to maintain tomatoes is by dehydrate them . dry out tomatoes greatly condense them , both in savor and in sizing . That means dehydrated tomatoes is an awesomespace - saving optionfor those with limited deep freezer or storage locker place . We love to chuck out sliced tomatoes with fresh herb and wrench them into herb “ sun - dried ” tomatoes . Sun - dried is in quotes because rather than drying them under the actual sun , we trust on afood dehydrator . It is too nerveless and humid here to good teetotal tomatoes for safe recollective - term storage without one .
Our dehydrated tomato stay good for many , many months after drying them . They are dead godlike in alimentary paste , sourdough staff of life , sauteed veg , scrambled egg and more . See the operating instructions on how to makesun - dried tomatoeshere , include options to dry out them in the oven . at long last , you could dry and grind tomatoes ( or just the love apple skins ) into first-rate - flavorfultomato powder !
And that concludes your ultimate crash-course guide on how to grow organic tomatoes.
