TomAto or TOmato?

No matter how you say it tomatoes are a popular fruit to grow and they are one of those easy plants that can be grown in a container. Tomatoes are so popular because they come in many sizes, colors and distinct tastes. Since they are so easy to grow heirloom tomatoes are becoming popular again, so they are one of those plants that are worth the space.

You will find two types of tomatoes: determinate and indeterminate. You can grow indeterminate and determinate tomatoes together. The difference in the plants is how they bloom and produce fruit.

Determinate tomato plants produce a heavy crop all at once. They have a more compact growth habit, produce clusters of flowers at the growing tips and set fruit along the stem within two to three weeks.

Indeterminate tomato plants produce a steady supply of tomatoes all season long. Leaves grow at the stem ends and new flowers appear continuously along the side shoots.

Tomato seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and then planted after the risk of frost is over. Plant seedlings after the last frost, removing all lower leaves and plant deep in the pot so that only about 2-3” of stem and top leaves are out of the soil.

Choose a sunny spot with highly fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Place stacks or cages at the time of planting to avoid root damage later. In hot climates, new transplants may need shade until they are established. All types of tomatoes should be protected from strong or cold winds.

Begin picking tomatoes when they reach full variety size and color. Pick any fruits that remain on the vine when the first autumn frost in predicted.

Tomatoes are not only an easy plant to grow in a container, but they are so versatile to cook with too. You can stew them, roast them, bake them, sun dry them, etc. Hope you found this helpful.

Let me know what you think.

Dianna :0)