Tomatoes are the single most popular summer garden edible crop grown in the US. Vine-ripened tomatoes, juicy and flavorful and still sun-warm, often barely even resemble what is sold in our markets.
However, because the climates can vary so much in our geographic region--from daily fog banks (cool summers) to 8+ consistent hours of sun (hot summers)--it is important to consider which varieties of tomatoes will give you the most success.
Tomato Planting Tips
- Tomatoes will do best in soil of 55+ degrees at night
- Container planting can artificially "up" temperatures (good for heat-loving eggplant, peppers, and some cucumbers, as well)
- More mature tomato plants do best when planted (hairier, thicker stems); bury them deeply--up to their first leaves--when planting
- Eggshells, bone or fish meal, rich compost--any of these can work wonders when planting
- Avoid overwatering your tomatoes; water deeply but less frequently
Don’t be afraid to try a few new varieties, too! Here’s to your best tomato growing summer ever!