A tomato fresh from the garden, nothing is better! No tomato in the produce section can compare to one fresh from the field. Sun ripened and full of flavor and harvested at the perfect time. No green tomatoes forced to ripen as they are shipped off to the store. Harvested at the peak of perfection and flavor, there is nothing quite as good.
Growing the perfect tomato is easier than you think. It really isn’t hard at all. You just need a few tips to begin. Soon you will have the perfect tomato garden just by following this easy design:
Selecting A Planting Area
Just like real estate, location is everything for perfect tomatoes. Full sun is best for growing perfect tomatoes. Find a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sun all day long for your sun worshipping tomatoes!
Plan about 18 inches of space for each tomato plant. If you have a sizeable yard, you can plant as many as your garden will hold then sell them at a farmers market, or preserve them for later use. Tomatoes also grow well in containers so if you have a small garden they will flourish in a small space. Plant them in a container that is well drained and gets ample sun. A stake should be placed in a container tomato to help it stand straight.
Which Kind?
There are more kinds of tomatoes than you can number! It will be difficult to decide which kind is the best to plant. Your local garden center or extension office can help you choose the best variety for the area. You usually don't have to be concerned because most tomatoes grow well anyplace, but it is good to have a professional opinion. It is a great idea to plant some small kinds of tomatoes as well. They are perfect to pick fresh and add to salads and recipes.
Cherry tomatoes are perfect container plants and they also look great mixed in with your flowers. The little red fruit really looks striking planted together with marigolds. In addition, the marigolds help to deter bugs from attacking the tomatoes!
How to Begin
You don’t want to put your tomatoes in the ground until the possibility of frost has gone. After the threat of frost is gone, put your tomato plants in the garden or plant them in containers. You can get tomato plants at most nurseries or you can start your own from seed indoors. Tomatoes do best if they are transplanted into the garden rather than seeded into the garden. If you decide to grow your own with seed, then start them indoors six to eight weeks before you will be transplanting them outdoors.
Starting seeds indoors is simple. Simply fill a growing tray with a soil mixture made specially for starting seeds and gently place the seeds into the soil. The soil needs to stay damp, but don't get it soggy. You don't want to be able to see water standing in the soil, but if you press on it you will feel dampness. Within one to two weeks your seeds will begin to spring up. Keep the plants in a sunny window or under a grow light. Once the plants are big enough and the risk of frost is over, plant them in your garden.
Don't Let the Bugs Get You!
Although tomatoes are very easy to grow, they do have their share of insect problems. Most likely the biggest tomato pest is the hornworm. They like to go after the underside of the leaves so you won’t really see them on the plant. When you come across one, make sure you kill it by stepping on it. Parasitic wasps can be introduced to your garden, they will lay their eggs on the worms and then the young larvae will eat the worm Inspect your plants often to make sure you don’t get infested with the hornworm.
You can help to avoid pests by planting things like marigolds or garlic close to your tomatoes. If you have ever noticed marigolds planted in vegetable gardens now you know why. It is remarkable how nature provides it's own natural repellants.
As you can see, it is easy to grow the perfect tomato. With these easy steps you will enjoy delicious tomatoes all season long!
About The Author:
Piper is a freelance writer who loves spending time with her kids, good nutrition, and the great outdoors. She enjoys working in her garden and loves growing perfect tomatoes. She loves gardening, reading and exercise. Check out her website, www.smallgardentiller.org to learn all about getting the best small garden tiller so you can have a beautiful garden too!
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