Tomatoes are the most popular home garden vegetable, and
all spring gardeners are eager to get them into the garden.
Optimal growing temperatures for tomatoes range from 70- to
75-degrees F during the day and 60- to 65-degrees F at night
making late April to May a safer time to transplant. Cold garden
soils do not promote growth in tomatoes and plants will have to
be protected if there is a danger of frost when planted too
early.
This is a great time to do some tomato planning, however.
Remove any remaining plant debris from the garden. When the
soil is not saturated work compost into the top six inches. Plan
enough space in the garden to provide tomatoes up to two feet between plants. This will
promote air flow and reduce the risk of disease. If possible, use an area of the garden
where tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes and tomatillos have not been grown for
the past three years. This is called “crop rotation” and will help prevent the spread of
diseases/pests that have overwintered in the soil.
Plan for how you will support your plants. This depends in part on
the type of tomato. Determinate varieties have more compact
growth and can typically be supported by traditional tomato cages
commonly sold at garden centers. Sturdy tomato cages can be
made using wire fencing. Indeterminate varieties can reach over
five feet tall. It is still important to provide support for these vines
so they are not lying on the ground. In this case staking or
trellising and pruning may be necessary.
Many problems with tomatoes are exacerbated by wet, humid
conditions. Providing good airflow within each plant and between
plants as well as consistent and properly-timed water minimizes this risk. Water on the
leaves and water splashing onto plants from the soil are two occurrences that can
spread disease. Using drip irrigation or a soaker hose reduces this problem and enables
the gardener to provide consistent moisture to the targeted area.
When the time is right to purchase tomato transplants, select dark green, short,
compact plants with sturdy stems about as thick as a pencil. Plants that outgrown their
container may be root bound and suffer shock when transplanted. Planting guidelines
will be highlighted later in the month, or you can read more by following the link to our
KSRE Tomato Publication.
