Tomatoes

Growing Tomatoes Back to profiles

Sow ½” 6-8 weeks before last frost. See seed starting

Germination temperature 75-85 degrees 6-14 days for germination.

Transplant to 3-4” pot after first set of true leaves appear. Keep under
Lights to prevent legginess. If needed transplant again before setting out.

Fertilize with fish emulsion every 7-10 days.

Harden off for 7 days to prevent harden off disease.

Space 24-36” in beds. Support & stake as they grow.
Plant deep, if very leggy leave only a couple inches out the stems will
grow roots.

Full sun. 60-90 days to harvest depending on variety.
Will keep producing till freeze. If temperatures stay above 90 degrees for
too long they will stop pollinating until the temps lower again then they will
start to produce again.

To save seeds let fully ripen then use fermentation process.

It is very important to develop a strong seeding when starting tomatoes. Keeping them under florescent lights until about 5" tall (adjusting as they grow) helps to create a sturdier transplant. Be careful of sunny window sills or putting them outside during the day when they are small. The heat & sun could kill them.

I always start mine in cells and pot up to 3-4" pot like I do with pepper seedlings. It is better to have to pot up again if necessary before planting out than to start later because they take so long to produce fruit. Determinate and semi-determinate are shorter and bushy than indeterminate types. Either way they need support. Here is a picture of what I built for my indeterminate varieties.

Recipes for the Harvest

Comments or Questions Email: desiree@growincrazyacres.com

All Photos are taken by us of our actual gardens etc. unless stated otherwise.