TOMATO PLANTING & CARE TIPS

Determinate

Bush shape – does not need pruning. 
These plants reach a certain height and stop growing.
Grows with or without support. 
Fruit ripens within a concentrated time period, usually 4-6 week period.

Indeterminate
Climbing – should be staked.
Fruit continues to ripen throughout the season, but may have less mature fruit at any one time.

Watering
Water regularly and consistently, do not make a habit of letting your plants dry out totally and then soak them up, this will cause blossom end rot , which is very common. Blossom end rot is common when watering is irregular.

Planting
Plant tomatoes deep. The deeper you plant them the better root system they will have and the more fruit you will have. Use a wire cage of stake to keep your tomatoes from falling onto the ground or breaking off. Plant your tomatoes where they are protected from excessive heat or strong winds.

Pinching
Check regularly for sideshoots in the leaf axles. Pinch these off when they are approx. ¾” long. Pinch out the top of the plant once it has grown four flower bunches. This will help the plant ripen its fruit instead of growing taller.

Watering
Water regularly and consistently. Do not make a habit of letting your plants dry out totally and then soak them up, this will cause blossom end rot, which is very common. Blossom end rot is common when watering is irregular. Also by watering regularly will help prevent split skins.

Disease and Pests
Tomatoes are very susceptible to diseases and pest. Keep a close eye on your plants and check regularly. Staking your tomatoes keeps them off the ground and decreases chance of soil born diseases and ground spot. Repeated doses of fungicide during rainy season is very helpful to prevent many diseases.   Your best bet is to plant newer disease resistant varieties, if you do not keep a close eye on your garden. Celebrity is one of the best disease resistant varieties. Try planting Nasturtiums, Poppies, and Marigolds by your tomatoes. These plants attract aphids and other pests away from your tomatoes.

Harvesting
Tomatoes may be harvested until temperatures fall. Tomatoes will continue to ripen even once they are off the vine. Before harvesting tomatoes ensure they have reached their mature size.