subject: HOW TO GROW TOMATOES IN THE HOME GARDEN [print this page]

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HOW TO GROW TOMATOES IN THE HOME GARDEN
HOW TO GROW TOMATOES IN THE HOME GARDEN

Shapes vary from globe or round to slightly flattened, pear-like

or cherry-sized. Often consumers complain tomatoes purchased in

grocery stores are lacking in flavor or have tough skin. In a home

garden, you can grow the tomatoes you prefer, including a wide

selection of fruit colors, flavors, textures and sizes. Although

rumored, there is no direct link between fruit acidity and color.

Preference for one fruit over another is due more to cultivar

differences in flavor and texture. Each plant typically will produce 10

to 15 pounds of fruit.

Cultivars may have a determinate plant structure, growing only to a

given height; while others show indeterminate or continuous growth

until killed by frost. Generally, the earlier maturing cultivars are

determinate. Certain tomato cultivars have been developed for

special uses such as stuffing or longer storage. Greenhouse

production requires specific cultivars adapted to the lower light and

higher humidity levels characteristic of greenhouses. Cherry-type

tomatoes are productive and have small fruit. Very dwarf cultivars

adapted for growth in pots or other containers are also available.

Most of these "patio" cultivars have cherry-sized fruit, although a few

produce regular-sized fruit.

Tomatoes developed for commercial field production generally ripen

over four to six weeks. Many of the earlier maturing cultivars have a

determinate plant type combined with a concentrated fruit set. These

will not produce tomatoes continuously but are grown for early

production. Most home gardeners will want to plant both determinate

and indeterminate tomato cultivars for a long season of fresh

tomatoes. Determinate tomatoes are ideal for canning or freezing.

Most newer cultivars are resistant to or tolerant of certain diseases.

This is usually indicated by a letter following the name, such as "N"

for nematodes, "F" for fusarium, "T" for tobacco mosaic virus and "V"

for verticillium wilt. Although open-pollinated "heirloom" cultivars are

now popular, many have little genetic resistance to common diseases. These older cultivars should be planted in ground that has

not had any solanaceous crops (tomato, pepper, eggplant or potato)

for at least three years and in a place with good air circulation to

reduce the opportunity for fungal infection.

Tomatillos ("husk tomatoes") and ground cherries are sometimes

confused with tomatoes. These plants belong to the genus Physalis

rather than the tomato genus Lycopersicum.

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