How to Grow Great Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a staple in most gardens. There are so many dishes they can be used in. They can also be eaten raw as a dish all alone. Here are some tips to get the best tomatoes out of your garden.

Most varieties of tomatoes have a long growing period. To get a head start seeds can be started inside about 8 weeks before time to set out. Do not be in too big of a hurry to get your plants out, however. These plants will grow better if they are planted after the ground is warm. If you just can not wait, but sure to protect your plants against frost with some type of cover at night. You can also buy seedlings from your local garden center and set them out in your prepared garden soil. Be sure to give them enough room to spread out. The amount of room needed will vary according to the variety of tomato you are growing. Check the labels to see how much you need for yours.

While your tomatoes are growing, be sure to keep the soil around them moist. Some type of mulch should be used. In the far north black plastic can be used to keep warmth in the soil. In other areas a layer of some type of organic mulch will do. All weeds should be pulled by hand to safeguard the root system of the plants. Fertilizer can also be used to encourage more prolific blooming. Most types of tomatoes need lots of sunlight to flourish. Just be sure to keep the soil very moist if they are getting full sunshine all day.

The vines will also need some type of support system. There are several ways to accomplish this. There are tomato cages for sale at most garden supply stores. These consist of two or three rings of wire supported by three or four wire legs. They can be pushed into the ground with the rings around the plant stems. You can also use home-made tomato cages made of some type of sticks and either wire or string. Trellises or segments of fencing can also be used. It does not really matter as long as the plants have some type of support system to hold them up after the heavy fruit start to develop.

Tomatoes should be allowed to ripen on the vine to get the best taste. If you let this happen, you will get the best tasting and juiciest tomatoes you have ever seen. Tomatoes that are ripe will come off the vine with just a slight tug. If you do not use them right away, be sure to refrigerate to keep them fresh. If you are going to can the tomatoes you should pick them just before they are fully ripe. This will ensure they have a higher acid content and will be easier to can. At the end of the season when frost is threatening, pick any green tomatoes that are of a proper size to be of use. They can be ripened by wrapping them in newspaper and storing them in a cool place.

Tomatoes are a delicious addition to many dishes and meals. They are also a healthy source of many vitamins. Hopefully, these tips will help you to grow an abundance of tomatoes to put to use in any way you prefer.

SOURCE

Editors "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine. "New Garden Book". 1990. Better Homes and Gardens Books. Des Moines, Iowa.