As I yank out my last beets every spring, my tomato anxiety begins. In February, when I start a few seeds indoors on a heat mat, I feel I have all the time in the world. When I purchased a few unusual varieties in four-inch pots in March, I wondered if I was jumping the gun.
As we enter April, I’m desperate to get my tomatoes in the ground, staked, and caged. I love tomatoes raw, cooked, canned, and dehydrated. Before I get out the trowel, I need to plan my strategy.
How many tomato plants can I successfully grow? In my yard, I’m shooting for a dozen.
For the typical backyard gardener, finding space is the most pressing issue. If you’re like me, you want to plant a bunch of different cultivars. After all, how many “Sungold” vines do you need when each plant will produce hundreds of tomatoes?
Rest assured, you are not a failure if you didn’t start seeds indoors or if your seedlings didn’t make it. We are not cheating when we buy plants from a nursery that a pro has started!
Tomato plants generally fall into two categories: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate (bush) tomato plants are bred to stop growing at around 3′-4′ feet tall, with fruit that develops and ripens all at once. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season.
Freshly picked tomatoes.
Tomato plants generally fall into two categories: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate (bush) tomato plants are bred to stop growing at around 3′-4′ feet tall, with fruit that develops and ripens all at once. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season.
Tomatoes need ample space, especially if they are indeterminate. Good air circulation is paramount to keeping diseases at bay. I usually allocate a 2 to 3-square-foot area per plant. They thrive in full sun, and a healthy plant will grow dense and tall. Arrange them so they don’t shade each other out.
With so many old standards and growers introducing new tempting varieties each year, I find it increasingly difficult to decide who makes the cut. I look for a range of colors: yellow, orange, red, pink, and deep purple, as well as categories: tiny cherries, firm plum, and hefty heirlooms.
I get three cherry tomato plants. This year, I’m trying one called “Chocolate Cherry,” the reliable “Sungold,” and the olive-shaped “Aiko.” I also get at least two plants with paste-style fruit. My favorite plum tomato is “San Marzano,” which is excellent for rich, flavorful sauces and fresh salsa. I also started “Amish Paste,” which is excellent for making tasty tomato soup. Lemon Boy,” an early heavy producer of round, yellow fruit, is a must.
An assortment of tomatoes from the garden.
Last year, I harvested over 500 of these beauties to cook and eat raw from a single plant. Heirlooms are more temperamental but worthwhile, given their intense flavor. I like Purple Cherokee, Pineapple, and Red Brandywine. As for a nice red Beefsteak that produces large, sweet fruit with excellent shelf life, I am trying a Japanese variety called” Reika.”
The final spot in my garden will go to “Brandy Boy,” which combines Brandywine’s flavor with a hybrid’s vigor. The pearly, rose-tinted flesh will ripen just in time for burgers hot off the grill. Somewhere between my roses, a mysterious volunteer will thrive. Last year, it was a super-sweet yellow pear.
Those 4″ plants I couldn’t resist buying a month ago are getting slightly leggy. When I plant them this week, I will snip off the lower branches and plant them deep, leaving the top three inches above the soil line. In no time, the subterranean stem will sprout roots, and the plant will recover from my neglect! By summer, I will be strolling through my yard, eating sun-warmed tomatoes from the vine, and wondering why I am ever worried.
FAQs: Tomato Varieties
Q: What are the best tomato varieties for Southern California’s growing conditions?
Several tomato varieties do well in Southern California’s climate. Popular options include “San Marzano,” “Chocolate Cherry,” and “Sungold.” It’s important to choose a variety suited to your area and growing conditions.
Q: How many tomato plants should I grow in my backyard garden?
That depends on your available space and growing conditions. A dozen plants is a good starting point for the average backyard gardener.
Q: What are the two categories of tomato plants?
Tomato plants are classified as determinate or indeterminate. Determinate plants stop growing at around 3-4′ tall, while indeterminate plants continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season.
Q: How much space should I allocate for each tomato plant?
We recommend providing each tomato plant with 2-3′ of space for good air circulation and disease prevention.
Q: What’s the best way to water tomato plants?
Tomato plants prefer consistent, deep watering. Water them at the base to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, avoiding the foliage. Early morning is the best time for watering, allowing plants to dry off throughout the day.
Q: Do tomato plants need specific nutrients?
Yes, tomatoes require a balance of essential nutrients. To encourage fruit development, they benefit from a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium but lower in nitrogen. Compost and aged manure are also excellent organic options.
Q: How do I handle pests on my tomato plants?
Common tomato pests include aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control these pests. Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can also help keep pest numbers in check.
Q: How can I support tomato plants as they grow?
Tall, indeterminate varieties particularly need support. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to keep the plants upright and well-supported, ensuring better airflow and simplifying harvesting.
Q: When is the best time to harvest tomatoes?
Tomatoes are best picked when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Enjoy them as soon as possible after picking for the best flavor, but they can ripen on the counter if needed.
Q: Can I grow tomatoes in containers?
Tomatoes thrive in containers with adequate sunlight and proper care. Choose dwarf or determinate varieties, use a pot at least 18″ wide, and ensure it has good drainage.