Growing Tomatoes - What you need to know !
When starting out growing tomatoes, there will be a slight learning curve, but this is very easy to get through. If you are a more advanced gardener, just scroll down to find a text link that interests you.
Firstly, you will need to decide where you will plant your tomatoes. They will happily grow in a sunny spot outside, in containers, in hydroponic systems or in a greenhouse.
The best place to put any variety of tomato is in an area which receives at least 6 hours of sun or more in Summer. I have success with plants growing in 5 hours of direct sun, but I live in New Zealand where the temperature is lower and this really doesnt allow enough sun for optimum fruit production.
To the right is a picture of a couple of my tomato plants in black plastic bags and growing in sawdust. These plants are getting 6 hours of sun a day and watered everyday (and that's my Bullmastiff, Chloe !).
The second thing to think about is the age old question... Seed or Plant ?? If you are inexperienced, the easiest way will be to get either 6inch or less plants or grafted plants.Plants under 6 inches in height generally have less risk of being damaged when transplanting due to root shock. This allows the maximum chance for the plant to grow to its full potential and produce the most fruit.
For the average family (4-5 people) 12-15 tomato plants will be plenty for normal food consumption.
If you are comfortable growing and caring for seeds, then its an easier way to get more variety into your crop. More on that later...
If you are going for seeds, there are some fantastic heirloom types of Tomatoes. If you are either in the bottom of the Southern Hemisphere lor the top of theNorthern Hemisphere... you will get a lot of light hours in Summer but it is much colder. You might want to look at varieties such as;
These varieties cope well with the colder climates, have a quicker maturity rate and bear relatively heavily. One variety I have a lot of success with is the Brandywine variety, this is an heirloom variety and very vigorous. If given the choice, I would choose the Red Brandywine, over the Pink.
Naturally, those of you in warmer climates can take your pick of all varieties. Many will grow insanely fast in warmer climates. Disease is also something to be very watchful of.
and please remember the golden rule;
Always pick out the laterals on your tomato plants !! These are the shoots that grow out laterally between the stem and each "branch". By picking these out, you allow the plant to grow tall putting all the nutrients into the fruit rather than spreading out everywhere.
Please see the next page on Growing Tomatoes from Seed...