Vegetable Gardening: Tips For Growing Tomatoes | Gardening

By DaveTruman
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Growing tomatoes in your garden will provide you with a variety of fresh, healthy eating options. There are a variety of tricky issues that can arise when growing tomatoes. Consider these hints for maximizing your crop and keeping your production problems to a minimum.

Tomato plants are categorized in two broad categories-plants that form a flower cluster at an end point and plants that grow in height indefinitely. Those that grow in height are called indeterminate and typically mature late in the season. Because of this there is a threat of frost damage.

Tomatoes thrive in dry air and soil, very hot temperatures, and direct sunlight. When tomatoes are subject to these conditions they grow large and plump with healthy leaves. Cold temperatures kill tomatoes quickly.

There are various techniques used to deal with the threat of frost. There are small, portable greenhouses that are used to cover the plants when cold temperatures are expected. Another option is to plant and harvest your crop before cold temperatures are a threat. This, of course, depends on your location and specific growing season.

The opposite problem can occur, however with other varieties - sunburning. These so-called first early varieties are well suited to northern climates since they are often ready to harvest in 60 days or less. The cooler climates are perfect for these medium sized species.

Tomatoes are also threatened by pests, soil issues, and common diseases.

Large brown spots that appear at the bottom of the tomato, known as blossom end rot, are caused by calcium deficiency. Uneven watering practices can be the cause of this deficiency, as water transports calcium into the plant through the roots. There is also a soft spot that appears as the tomato ripens.

If a tomato develops blossom end rot, the only solution is to remove the troubled tomatoes off the plant to allow others the best chance to thrive. Preventing the problem is preferable. Be sure to encourage deep root growth by watering deeply. Help topsoil retain moisture during dry times by adding mulch around the plants. Maintain 6.5 pH in the soil.

A common irritant to all tomato growers are tomato hornworms. These four-inch larvae have a black spot on the tail and a large false eyespot. They typically blend into the green stems of the tomato plant, but are seen because they have long white stripes down their sides.

When mature, the tomato hornworms are large brown moths that may have wingspans up to five inches. To keep these moths off the tomato plants, where they will lay their eggs that develop into larvae, plant marigolds, basil, and other trap crops.

Aphids are another common problem for tomatoes, as they are with many plants. They are tiny (1/10 inch across), soft-bodied bugs that appear yellowish, green or white. They can be temporarily washed off with a hose but will return.

Petunias, coriander, or anise are companion plants and will help control the presence of aphids. Also consider an insecticide soap that will eliminate the problem and is safe for you and your plant.

Though they require a bit of care, tomatoes are regarded as well worth the effort by most vegetable gardeners. After all, the whole purpose is to have tasty, healthy vegetables to eat.

About the Author

Looking for more information about backyard gardening. Find out more about growing tomatoes and lots of other vegetables at the Gardeners Atlas website.

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