TIPS FOR GROWING TOMATOES

Tomatoes may be grown directly from seed or from starts. The time of year at which the seeds and starts are planted is critical, as tomatoes planted outdoors too early in the year run the risk of being damaged by frost. Tomatoes grown directly from seed should be started in pots six weeks before the last frost and then kept indoors until the frost season has ended. Tomatoes grown from starts should also not be planted outside until after the last frost. In the Northern Indiana/ South-West Lower Michigan area the final frost of the season occurs around the 23rd of May, so tomato starts grown in this region should not be planted outdoors until after the 23rd and tomato seeds should be planted six weeks earlier, around the 11th of April.

When planting outdoors, select an area for growing that receives a lot of sun. If you are growing tomatoes in the ground, be sure to space the young plants at least two square feet apart from each other so that they have enough room to develop.   If you are growing tomato plants in containers, be sure to select a pot or planter that will be large enough to accommodate the fully developed plant. Ideally, container grown tomatoes should be in a pot large enough to hold a minimum of 15 gallons of potting soil. All tomato plants, whether they are grown in the ground or in containers, benefit from rich soil that is full of nutrients.  Organic potting soils and organic planting mixes contain the beneficial microbes and nutrients tomato plants need to grow and produce fruit. Mixing organic compost or planting mix into the soil before placing the plants in the ground gives the soil the added boost of nutrients it needs to produce strong, healthy plants.  Organic potting soil and organic planting mix may also be used exclusively for container grown tomatoes. Additionally, a regular feeding of organic fertilizer will provide the plants with a steady flow of nutrients throughout the growing season.
It is best to keep the developing fruits from drooping onto the ground so that they are not damaged before harvest. Varieties of tomato plants which grow upright may be propped up against canes or supported with wire cages. Pinching out the tops of these plants after they have produced 3 to 4 groups of fruits will prevent them from growing too tall and becoming top heavy.  Some varieties of tomato plant grow in a low bush form. The fruits of these varieties of plant tend to grow very close to the ground. To protect the fruits of these plants, spread a layer of wood chips or shredded bark mulch across the soil under the plant. This will keep the fruit from coming into direct contact with the ground.
Tomato plants need to be kept moist and so require regular watering.  However care should be taken not to over water them, as soil that is over saturated with water will cause the plants to contract fungal diseases. The soil pH for tomato plants is also important. Tomatoes prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6. A pH meter can be used to monitor the pH of your soil. If the soil is not acidic enough, dusting sulfur can be incorporated into the ground or potting soil to bring the acidity back to the proper level.
Like many garden plants, tomatoes are susceptible to harm from various insects and diseases. One insect that commonly affects tomato plants is the tomato hornworm. Tomato hornworms can be removed from the plants by hand early in the morning, when they congregate on top of the leaves and are easy to spot. Plucking off and discarding the worms by hand may be fairly time consuming if the infestation is especially large. A less time consuming option to eradicate tomato hornworm is to spray the foliage with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Most other insects and diseases that affect tomato plants can be controlled by spraying the plant with a botanical insecticide-fungicide.
Mitchell and Sons uses and recommends American ® Thuricide Concentrate, Dr. Earth® 5-7-3 Premium Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer, Dr. Earth® Fruit & Vegetable Insect Spray, Dr. Earth® Premium Natural & Organic Planting Mix, Dr. Earth® Premium Natural & Organic Potting Soil for Container Plants, Fertilome® Dusting Sulfur and Hi-Yield® Tomato and Vegetable Food for all our tomato plants and tomato seeds.


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