How to Plant and Produce the Best Tomatoes

I sincerely believe if I was to take a survey from fellow gardeners, the most popular fruit grown would be the tomato. I also believe that the biggest competition in gardening, is growing the biggest, or the most fruits on a single plant. Below are some tips that will help in growing tomatoes that are very worthy of competition.

* Tomato plants really prefer at least eight to twelve hours a day in the sun. However, if the warm temperatures of the day are consistently high, prepare to offer your plants some temporary shade. Fruit can actually get scalded if unprotected from continuous above normal temps of ninety degrees. The plant's red pigment, lycopene, can also be affected by high temperatures above ninety degrees. With that in mind, pick tomatoes in the pink stage and let them ripen indoors on the countertop.

* Soil rich in organic matter, and with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8 is the best for ensuring a healthy root system that tomato plants require. A healthy root system will enable them to better resist the stress from draught, disease and insects. If you are unsure of the right combination of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, and fertilizer for the soil in your area, check with your county extension agent.

* Plant a variety of tomato plants such as the smaller cherry tomato or the larger beefsteak tomato. You can also find tomato plants that produce a variety of colors, such as yellow, orange, red, or striped. The variety of tomato will depend on the use after harvest. Nonetheless, no matter what variety your plant is, make sure is disease resistant.

* For transplanting starters, make sure the plant is at least six to eight inches tall with a well developed root system. Make sure your hole is deep enough to accommodate the entire root system plus one half inch of the stem. In addition, place the plants at least two to four feet apart. Mulching will help to stop weed growth, conserve moisture, keep roots cool and prevent the splashing of the soil on the leaves. The soil contains fungal spores that will cause disease to the plants. Consequently, you need to water tomato plants from ground level, and not by spraying water on the plants. This will prevent splattering soil from hitting the leaves.

* If you find yourself overwhelmed by insects overpowering your tomato plants, show the damage to a specialist at a garden shop or your county extension agent for advise on how to take control.

* Bonus tip; just before the frost hits in the fall, pick all the green tomatoes and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Then wrap individually in newspaper, paper towel, or wax paper. Place in a cool dark area with a temperature between fifty-five and sixty degrees. Check often for damage. Once the tomatoes have turned pink, unwrap and set on the counter to finish ripening. In this way, you can have fresh tomatoes long after the frost has hit.