Tomato Soil
pH 6.2-6.8 (Tahoe/Truckee native soil) is best. Prep area by mixing in 10-10-10 fertilizer and organic matter to improve moisture-holding capacity. Plants are thirsty and hungry.
Planting Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be grown on native soils, raised beds or containers. Container growing is most successful in the Tahoe-Truckee area. Do not plant into areas where potatoes, peppers or eggplants have been grown the previous year. Plants require direct sunlight, max warmth, and night protection if too cold. Plant by a south facing wall, fence or by rocks for added warmth. Another option is to use water walls or water containers near plants so heat is radiated during cool nights. Use fabric ground covers to raise soil temp.
Small plants need to be hardened prior to planting. This should take a min. of 3-4 days w/ increased time outside. No freezing temps. Plant the tomato at least 2x as deep as the pot it comes in. Remove any leaves that will be buried and bury stems deep; this will encourage roots above the root ball. Deeper soil will be much cooler so dig holes ahead and water prior to planting. Warm water will lessen shock when planting. Liquid fertilizer can be added during this first watering if no fertilizer was used previously. Another planting method is to dig a shallow trench and lay the lower portion of the stem into the trench, cover with soil. This keeps the roots closer to the surface and warmer soil. Plants will need more frequent watering with this method.
Tomato Maintenance
Water regularly. Inconsistent watering can lead to flower or fruit drop. Water early while drinking coffee, do not water in the evening to avoid powdery mildew… but a nice lullaby is recommended. Deep watering is better and avoids getting foliage/fruit wet. Stake the plants for support, wire cages for bushy plants or for the indeterminate varieties, trellising to 6 ft; protect from cold weather.
Tomato Pests
Aphids, cutworms, flea beetles and the ever-frightening hornworms are the most common insect pests and can be controlled by hand picking and encouraging beneficial insects.
Tomato Harvest and Year-End Issues
Pick tomatoes when fully ripe and enjoy. When the weather cools, pick fruit when partially ripe and ripen indoors in a sunny area. Place in a paper bag to speed ripening or cut with stems to ripen indoors in a dark area. Green tomatoes are great breaded and fried with ranch dressing. Remove and dispose of plants after a hard frost that kills plants. Frost makes fruit inedible.
Tomato Propagation
Most home gardeners purchase growing plants for their gardens. Open pollinated varieties and heirlooms can be grown from retained seeds and will be true to parentage.
Tomato Varieties
- DETERMINATE (Bush): produces fruit near same time over 1-2 weeks
- INDETERMINATE (Vine): continues to produce until killed by frost; prune suckers; stake
Information provided by Sue Tanzi, Lake Tahoe Master Gardener Summer 2024