Tomato Care: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting

Tomatoes are not commonly considered as herbs, but they do fall under the category of culinary herbs. The term herb refers to any plant used for medicinal, culinary, or aromatic purposes. Tomatoes are known for their versatility in cooking and their rich taste. They are a popular ingredient in many dishes.

Interestingly, tomatoes are technically classified as a fruit due to their reproductive structures and seed-bearing properties. However, they have been referred to as culinary herbs because of their widespread use in the culinary world. Herbs are typically leaves or flowers of plants that are used for flavoring or garnishing food. In this case, it is the edible part of the tomato plant itself that is utilized rather than just specific parts like leaves or flowers.

From salads to sauces and soups to salsas, tomatoes bring a burst of flavor and vibrant color to countless recipes. These versatile fruits (or should we say herbs?) come in various sizes, shapes, colors ranging from classic reds to yellows and even purples! Incorporating this herb into your meals improves the taste while providing you with essential nutrients like vitamin C and lycopene.

So while traditionally thought of as a vegetable due to their culinary use in savory dishes rather than desserts or sweet preparations typically associated with fruits—they may just be one of nature’s most deliciously ambiguous botanical wonders.

Planting Tomatoes

Tomatoes should be planted outdoors after the last frost date in your area. This is typically in spring, around late April or early May. Planting too early can result in damage from cold temperatures.
Tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. If your garden doesn’t receive enough natural light, consider using grow lights for indoor planting or choosing a spot that gets maximum sunlight exposure.
Tomato plants should be spaced apart by about 18-36 inches, depending on the variety. Proper spacing ensures adequate air circulation and prevents diseases caused by overcrowding.
It’s best to avoid planting tomatoes during periods of extreme heat or cold. High temperatures can lead to blossom drop and fruit failure, while freezing temperatures can damage young plants and stunt their growth.

Growing

Once you have planted your tomato seeds and they start to germinate, it is crucial to water them properly. Providing adequate moisture will help the seedlings establish strong roots and grow into healthy plants. Ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy, as excessive water can lead to root rot.
When the tomato seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, it is time to transplant them into individual pots or directly into your garden. Carefully remove each seedling from its container and plant it at a depth where only the top set of leaves are above ground. Gently firm the soil around each plant and water thoroughly after transplanting.
As your tomato plants reach maturity and start bearing fruits, their water needs will increase. On average, tomato plants require about 1-2 inches of water per week depending on weather conditions. It is best to water deeply but infrequently rather than shallowly and frequently, as this encourages deep root growth.

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You’ll be able to refer to this reference whenever you need to look up the ideal growing conditions.

Recommended Varieties

When it comes to choosing tomatoes varieties for your garden, there are countless options to consider. However, a few standout varieties have consistently proven themselves to be reliable and delicious year after year.

Title	Description	Buy
Beefsteak tomato	The Beefsteak renowned for its large size and juicy texture. Perfect for slicing into hearty sandwiches or adding to salads, these tomatoes are a staple in many home gardens.	Shop Now
Cherry tomato	Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene and bursting with sweetness and bite-sized goodness, cherry tomatoes are perfect for snacking straight from the vine or adding vibrant color to your favorite dishes. They come in various colors such as red, orange, yellow, and even black, making them not just tasty but visually appealing as well.	Shop Now
Green Zebra	Green Zebra is a tomato produces a bounty of beautiful golden fruits painted with deep emerald streaks, and juicy green flesh. These striking tomatoes are on the small side of medium, with a flavor on the tangy side of sweet. If you’re looking for something on the familiar side of different, try this little heat-tolerant slicer.	Shop Now
Brandywine	The Brandywine tomato is rich flavor reminiscent of old-fashioned tomatoes of yesteryear – growing heirloom tomatoes can transport you back in time while delighting your taste buds.	Shop Now
Tiny Tim	If your looking for a smaller tomato plant you can grow indoors there are bushing varieties that are perfect for container gardening. These compact plants, such as Tiny Tim, may be small in stature but they still deliver big on flavor. Imagine plucking a perfectly ripe tomato from your indoor garden and savoring its juicy sweetness all year round.	Shop Now
Roma Tomato	Although slightly bigger then the Tiny Tim, the Roma tomato is also suitable for cultivation in container. Valued for its zesty, flavorful taste and compact, fleshy texture. The Roma tomato is the perfect option for reducing into a sauce or paste because of its dense flesh and minimal seeds compared to other types of tomatoes.	Shop Now

Harvesting and storing your Tomatoes

One of the easiest ways to tell if your tomato is ready for harvest is by checking its color. If it has reached its full potential, it should be vibrant and uniformly colored, usually red or yellow depending on the variety.
Gently squeeze the tomatoes to see if they feel firm but yielding. Avoid picking ones that are too soft as they may be overripe and have a mushy texture.
To harvest your tomatoes use sharp scissors or garden shears instead of pulling them directly off the vine, as this can damage both the plant and fruit.
Cut just above where the stem attaches to the fruit, leaving a small portion of stem intact.
Properly storing your harvested tomatoes will help prolong their freshness and flavor.
When deciding to harvest choose ripe but firm tomatoes for immediate use.
Never store unripe or green tomatoes together with ripe ones, as this can cause premature ripening in those that aren’t ready yet.
Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat sources like stoves or windowsills.
To slow down ripening, place them in a single layer with some space between each tomato.
Remember that not all tomatoes are created equal when it comes to storage. Some varieties, like heirlooms, tend to have a shorter shelf life and should be consumed more quickly.
If you find yourself with an abundance of ripe tomatoes that you can’t use right away, there are several methods for preserving their freshness. One popular option is to refrigerate them.

Want to Experiment? Try Breeding Your Own Unique Varieties!

Start with selecting the parent plants: choose two varieties of tomatoes with desirable traits such as size, shape, color, or flavor. These traits will be passed onto their offspring.
Prepare the plants for crossbreeding by removing any flowers or fruit from both parent plants. This will ensure that only the desired pollen is used in the crossbreeding process.
Transfer pollen from one variety to the other by gently brushing a cotton swab against the inside of a flower of one variety and then dabbing it onto a flower of the other variety. Be sure to label each plant and keep track of which varieties were crossed.
Once the crossbreeding process is complete, allow the fruits to fully ripen on the vine before harvesting them. Cut open each fruit and remove all of its seeds. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to separate them from any pulp or membrane.
Spread out the seeds on a paper towel and allow them to dry completely in a cool, dry location for several days. Once they are dry, store them in labeled envelopes or small jars in a cool, dark place until planting season arrives again.
When ready to develop your unique tomato variety, sow these saved seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date in spring. Provide plenty of light and moisture until it’s time to transplant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Gardening Products

Interesting Facts

Fun Fact Did you know that tomatoes are actually part of the nightshade family? That’s right, these delicious fruits (yes, fruits!) are not only a staple in our kitchens but also share their lineage with some rather nefarious plants. The nightshade family includes other well-known members such as potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. And while it may seem strange for something so commonly consumed to be associated with a group known for its poisonous nature, fear not – tomatoes are perfectly safe to eat!

One interesting aspect of the nightshade family is that most of its members contain alkaloids. These compounds can have powerful effects on the human body, from acting as toxins to providing medicinal benefits. However, the tomato has very low levels of alkaloids compared to its botanical relatives. In fact, modern varieties bred for consumption have been specifically developed to reduce their alkaloid content even further. So if you’ve ever wondered why eating a tomato never caused any harm, now you know why!

Aside from its connection to the nightshade family, tomatoes have long been associated with mysterious qualities. In ancient times, people believed that eating a tomato would grant them extraordinary powers of strength and vitality. While we now understand this superstition to be mere folklore, studies have shown that tomatoes are indeed packed with an array of beneficial nutrients such as lycopene—an antioxidant known for its potential cancer-fighting properties—and vitamin C, which boosts your immune system.

Symbolically speaking, the tomato has an interesting history too. In many cultures around the world, it is considered a symbol of love and passion. Perhaps this belief stems from its heart-like shape or its vivid red color. This shade of red is associated with emotions like desire and romance.

Pest and Diseases:

Aphids: These tiny insects feed on the sap of tomato plants, causing leaves to curl and become distorted. They can also transmit diseases from one plant to another. To control aphids, try using insecticidal soap or introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
Tomato Hornworms: These large green caterpillars can quickly devour tomato foliage and fruits. Handpicking them off the plants is a simple way to manage their numbers. If necessary, you can also use bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide which specifically targets caterpillars.
Fusarium Wilt: This soilborne fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of tomato plants. It causes dark spots with concentric rings. To prevent early blight, water at the base of plants rather than overhead. Also avoid overcrowding by providing ample spacing between your tomatoes.
Blossom End Rot: A physiological disorder rather than a pest or disease. Blossom end rot manifests as black or brown sunken areas on the bottom ends of ripening tomatoes. It occurs due to calcium deficiency or uneven soil moisture levels. Maintain consistent watering schedules and amend your soil with calcium if needed to minimize this problem.

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	Bonide Insecticidal Soap, 32 oz Ready-to-Use Spray	Insecticidal Soap controls adelgids, aphids, lacebugs, mealybugs, mites, tent caterpillars, grasshoppers, thrips, scale, & more.
	Natria Neem Oil Spray for Plants Pest Organic Disease Control	Easy ready to use organic multi-use neem oil for plants can help control pest and disease on plants. Helps control blackspot, botrytis, downy mildew, powdery mildew, scab, rust and more.
	Garden Safe 32 oz. Fungicide Ready to Use	Garden Safe fungicide designed for organic gardening. Ready-to-use three in one formula – garden fungicide, insecticide and miticide.
	Bonide Fung-onil Multi-Purpose Fungicide 32 oz. Ready to Use.	Protect and prevent common fungal diseases with Fung-onil Multi-Purpose Fungicide Concentrate from Bonide. Controls leaf spot, rust, blight, mildew, scab mold and other listed diseases.

Download Our Fact Sheet

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, it’s important to understand the basic needs of tomato plants to ensure successful growth and bountiful harvests. That’s why we’ve created a downloadable Fact Sheet for your journal or garden planner, so you have all the key information at your fingertips.

Our fact sheet provides a quick overview of details on coriander’s plant care. You’ll be able to refer to this reference whenever you need to look up the ideal growing conditions for this plant, including soil type and temperature requirements. With this quick reference guide in hand, you can easily consult it whenever you need reminders about caring for your plants.

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