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Tomato Growing

Lemon Drop Cherry Tomatoes: Your Guide to Growing and Enjoying the Golden Delight

by Gregory September 9, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Lemon Drop Cherry Tomatoes: A Gardener’s Delight

Introduction

Lemon Drop cherry tomatoes are a popular variety among gardeners due to their sweet taste, golden color, and compact size. They are a sport from Snow White cherry tomato plants, a happy accident that has become a favorite of many. In this article, we will explore the background, growing techniques, and culinary uses of Lemon Drop cherry tomatoes.

Background

The Lemon Drop cherry tomato is a cross between two tomato species. It was discovered by an elderly tomato breeder named J.T. Sessions, who recognized its potential and saved the seeds. He offered them for trade through the Seed Savers Exchange (SSE), and they quickly became a hit. Today, Lemon Drop cherry tomatoes are widely available at nurseries and in organic seed catalogs.

Growing Lemon Drop Cherry Tomatoes

Seed Starting: Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost in flats ¼ inch deep. Keep them moderately moist and in bright indirect light.
Transplanting: Harden off the plants before transplanting them outside. Choose a sunny location with organically amended soil. At planting time, bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves.
Care: Water plants deeply once per week to really soak the roots. Pinch off suckers to force the energy into producing shoots. Avoid planting Lemon Drop cherry tomatoes where you have had tomatoes before, as crop rotation helps reduce pests and diseases.
Harvesting: Harvest heirloom cherry tomatoes when they are firm but fully colored, as over ripe fruits can be mealy.

Culinary Uses

Lemon Drop cherry tomatoes are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

Fresh: Enjoy them fresh as a snack or in salads.
Sauce: Use them to make a sweet and tangy tomato sauce.
Bruschetta: Top bruschetta with Lemon Drop cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Benefits of Growing Lemon Drop Cherry Tomatoes

Easy to grow: Lemon Drop cherry tomatoes are a relatively easy variety to grow, even for beginners.
Compact: Their compact size makes them ideal for small gardens or containers.
Prolific: They produce an abundance of fruit throughout the summer.
Delicious: Their sweet taste and golden color make them a favorite for eating fresh or cooking.
Versatile: They can be used in a variety of culinary applications.

Conclusion

Lemon Drop cherry tomatoes are a delightful addition to any garden. Their ease of cultivation, compact size, and delicious flavor make them a popular choice among gardeners of all levels. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, give Lemon Drop cherry tomatoes a try and enjoy their golden goodness all summer long.

Gardening

How to Grow the Best Tomatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Gregory June 28, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

How to Grow the Best Tomatoes

Introduction

Growing tomatoes can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to know the right steps to take. Here are six tips to help you grow the best tomatoes possible.

1. Choose the Right Varieties

Pick blight-resistant varieties like ‘Crimson Crush’ if growing outdoors.
Choose varieties that ripen early, like ‘Sungold’ F1, for a quick harvest.
Select beefsteak tomatoes, like ‘Super Marmande’ F1, for their impressive size and flavor.

2. Use Warm Water

When watering tomato seeds, use warm water to speed up germination.
Soak the compost in warm water before sowing the seeds.

3. Give Them Space

Move tomato seedlings into individual pots a couple of weeks after sowing.
Space the seedlings out to allow for maximum growth.

4. Feed After Flowers Appear

Fertilize tomato plants once the first flower trusses appear.
Use a balanced fertilizer for fruit and flowers.

5. Stay on Top of Sideshoots

Pinch out side shoots regularly to encourage the plant to grow vertically.
This will help prevent overcrowding and disease.

6. Ripen As Many As Possible

Reduce watering when tomatoes start to ripen to concentrate the flavor.
Bring unripe tomatoes indoors when it gets cold to ripen them further.

Additional Tips

Sow tomato seeds early indoors for a head start.
Plant tomatoes in well-drained soil with plenty of nutrients.
Water tomatoes regularly, especially during hot weather.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly.

By following these tips, you can grow a bumper crop of delicious tomatoes that will be the envy of your neighbors!

Growing Techniques

Growing Cherokee Purple Tomatoes: A Comprehensive Guide for Home Gardeners

by Gregory April 11, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Cherokee Purple Tomatoes: A Guide to Growing This Heirloom Variety

Introduction

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a unique and flavorful heirloom tomato variety that is easy to grow and perfect for home gardeners. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing Cherokee Purple tomatoes, from their history and characteristics to planting, care, and harvesting.

History and Characteristics

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are an heirloom variety, meaning they have been passed down for generations and are not hybrids. They originated in Tennessee and are believed to have been cultivated by the Cherokee tribe. Cherokee Purple tomatoes are known for their distinctive flattened, globe-like shape and pinkish red skin with hints of green and purple. The flesh is a rich red color and the flavor is delicious, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

How to Grow Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Planting:

Cherokee Purple tomato plants are indeterminate, which means they will continue to grow and produce tomatoes until the first frost in autumn.
Plant Cherokee Purple tomatoes in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Dig in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Plant the seedlings 18 to 36 inches apart.

Care:

Water the tomato plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize the plants once a month throughout the growing season.
Stake or cage the tomato plants to provide support.
Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting:

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are fully ripe and have a deep reddish-purple color.
Gently twist the tomatoes from the vine.
Store the tomatoes in a cool, dry place.

Troubleshooting:

Blossom end rot: This is a common problem that can occur when the tomato plants are not getting enough calcium. To prevent blossom end rot, make sure to water the plants regularly and fertilize them with a calcium-rich fertilizer.
Cracked fruit: Cracked fruit can occur when the tomato plants are exposed to uneven moisture levels. To prevent cracked fruit, water the plants regularly and mulch around them to help retain moisture.

Tips for Growing Great Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Plant the seedlings deeply, up to the first set of leaves.
Water the plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize the plants once a month throughout the growing season.
Stake or cage the tomato plants to provide support.
Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvest the tomatoes when they are fully ripe and have a deep reddish-purple color.

Conclusion

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a delicious and easy-to-grow heirloom tomato variety that is perfect for home gardeners. By following the tips in this guide, you can grow a bountiful harvest of these flavorful tomatoes in your own backyard.

Vegetable Gardening

Tomato Leaf Mold: Prevention and Treatment for Greenhouse Growers

by Donna January 22, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Tomato Leaf Mold: A Common Disease in Greenhouses

What is Tomato Leaf Mold?

Tomato leaf mold is a fungal disease that affects tomato plants, particularly those grown in greenhouses or high tunnels. It is caused by the pathogen Passalora fulva, which thrives in humid environments.

Symptoms of Tomato Leaf Mold

The initial symptoms of tomato leaf mold are pale green to yellowish spots on the upper surfaces of leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots turn bright yellow and merge together, causing the foliage to die. Infected leaves curl, wither, and often drop from the plant.

In severe cases, the disease can also affect flowers, stems, and fruit. Infected fruit may become dark in color, leathery, and rot at the stem end.

How Tomato Leaf Mold Spreads

The P. fulva fungus can survive on infected plant debris or in the soil. The disease is spread by rain and wind, on tools and clothing, and via insect activity. High relative humidity (over 85%) combined with high temperatures create ideal conditions for the spread of tomato leaf mold.

Preventing Tomato Leaf Mold

There are several steps you can take to prevent tomato leaf mold in your greenhouse:

Use disease-free seed. Start with certified disease-free seed or treated seed to avoid introducing the pathogen into your greenhouse.
Remove and destroy crop debris. After harvest, remove and destroy all plant debris to eliminate potential sources of infection.
Sanitize the greenhouse. Between crop seasons, thoroughly clean and disinfect the greenhouse to kill any remaining spores of the fungus.
Control humidity. Use fans and avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness, which creates a favorable environment for the fungus.
Stake and prune plants. Staking and pruning plants helps to improve air circulation and reduce leaf wetness.

Treating Tomato Leaf Mold

If tomato leaf mold is detected in your greenhouse, it is important to take action quickly to prevent further spread of the disease.

Apply a fungicide. Apply a fungicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions at the first sign of infection.
Remove infected plants. Remove and destroy any infected plants to prevent the disease from spreading.
Quarantine infected plants. If possible, isolate infected plants from healthy plants to prevent cross-contamination.

Additional Tips for Managing Tomato Leaf Mold

Maintain night temperatures higher than outside temperatures. This helps to reduce condensation and leaf wetness.
Avoid overhead watering. Water plants at the base to minimize leaf wetness.
Provide good ventilation. Use fans or open vents to circulate air and reduce humidity.
Monitor plants regularly. Inspect plants regularly for signs of tomato leaf mold and take prompt action to control the disease.

By following these steps, you can help to prevent and manage tomato leaf mold in your greenhouse, ensuring a healthy and productive tomato crop.

Tomato Growing

Sunmaster Tomato Plants: A Comprehensive Guide for Hot Climates

by Gregory January 10, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Sunmaster Tomato Plants: A Guide for Hot Climates

About Sunmaster Tomatoes

Sunmaster tomato plants are specially bred to thrive in hot climates with warm days and nights. These super-hardy plants produce large, globe-shaped tomatoes that are juicy, sweet, and flavorful, even when temperatures soar above 90°F (32°C). Sunmaster tomatoes are also resistant to common tomato diseases like fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt, making them a great choice for gardeners in hot climates.

How to Grow Sunmaster Tomatoes

To grow healthy and productive Sunmaster tomato plants, follow these tips:

Sunlight: Sunmaster tomato plants need at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. However, they can tolerate a little shade in the hottest part of the afternoon.

Soil: Sunmaster tomato plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend your soil with compost or manure before planting.

Planting: Plant Sunmaster tomato seedlings 2 to 3 feet apart in rows that are 4 to 5 feet apart. Dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the entire root ball, and gently firm the soil around the plant. Water deeply after planting.

Mulching: Mulching around Sunmaster tomato plants is essential for conserving moisture, deterring weeds, and preventing water from splashing on the leaves. Use a generous layer of organic mulch, such as bark, straw, or pine needles. Replenish the mulch as it decomposes or blows away.

Watering: Water Sunmaster tomato plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather. Use a soaker hose or drip system to water at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering. Water deeply enough to moisten the soil to a depth of 2 inches (5 cm).

Fertilizing: Fertilize Sunmaster tomato plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during extremely hot weather, as too much fertilizer can weaken the plants and make them more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Pruning: Avoid pruning Sunmaster and other determinate tomato varieties. Pruning can reduce the size of the harvest.

Harvesting: Harvest Sunmaster tomatoes when they are fully ripe and have developed a deep red color. If the weather is hot at harvest time, pick the tomatoes slightly unripe and place them in a shady spot to ripen.

Troubleshooting Common Sunmaster Tomato Problems

Blossom-End Rot: Blossom-end rot is a common problem in tomatoes that can be caused by a calcium deficiency. To prevent blossom-end rot, make sure to water your tomato plants regularly and fertilize them with a calcium-rich fertilizer.

Splitting: Splitting is another common problem in tomatoes that can be caused by irregular watering or excessive watering. To prevent splitting, water your tomato plants deeply and regularly, and avoid overwatering.

Diseases: Sunmaster tomato plants are resistant to many common tomato diseases, but they can still be susceptible to some diseases, such as early blight and septoria leaf spot. To prevent tomato diseases, keep your plants clean and free of debris, and rotate your tomato crops each year.

Additional Tips for Growing Sunmaster Tomatoes in Hot Climates

Choose a planting site that receives full sun for at least six hours per day.
Plant your tomato seedlings deeply, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves.
Water your tomato plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather.
Mulch around your tomato plants to conserve moisture and deter weeds.
Fertilize your tomato plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Avoid pruning Sunmaster and other determinate tomato varieties.
Harvest your tomatoes when they are fully ripe and have developed a deep red color.

Vegetable Gardening

Growing Tomatoes in the South: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Donna January 23, 2023

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Growing Tomatoes in the South: A Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Growing tomatoes in the South can be a challenge, especially during the hot summer months. But with the right varieties and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes all season long.

Choosing the Right Varieties

The key to growing tomatoes in the South is choosing heat-tolerant varieties. Look for varieties that are labeled “heat-resistant” or “Southern-adapted.” These varieties are bred to withstand the high temperatures and humidity of the Southern climate.

There are two main types of tomato plants: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate plants grow to a specific size and produce their fruit all at once. Indeterminate plants continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season.

For Southern gardeners, indeterminate varieties are a better choice because they will continue to produce fruit even during the hot summer months.

Planting and Care

Tomatoes need well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Amend your soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.

Plant tomato seedlings 2-3 feet apart. Water them deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather.

Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing

Fertilize tomato plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to blossom end rot.

Pest and Disease Control

Tomatoes are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, tomato hornworms, and spider mites. Common diseases include blossom end rot, early blight, and late blight.

Practice good garden hygiene to prevent pests and diseases. Rotate your tomato crops each year, and remove any diseased plants from the garden.

Harvesting

Tomatoes are ripe when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Harvest tomatoes regularly to encourage continued production.

Canning Tomatoes

Canning tomatoes is a great way to preserve your harvest. Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for canning. Wash the tomatoes and remove the stems.

Pack the tomatoes into sterilized jars and add boiling water. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended time.

Specific Tomato Varieties for the South

Here are some specific tomato varieties that are well-suited for growing in the South:

Determinate:
- Celebrity
- Solar Set
- Heatmaster
- San Marzano Tall
- Small Fry
Indeterminate:
- First Lady II
- Better Boy
- Big Beef
- Sungold
- Super sweet 100

Tips for Success

Choose heat-tolerant tomato varieties.
Plant tomatoes in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight.
Water tomatoes deeply and regularly.
Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize tomato plants every few weeks.
Practice good garden hygiene to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest tomatoes regularly to encourage continued production.
Can tomatoes to preserve your harvest.

With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes all season long in the South.

Vegetable Gardening

Tomato Blight: A Comprehensive Guide to Prevention and Management

by Donna May 6, 2020

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Tomato Blight: A Comprehensive Guide for Prevention and Management

Introduction

Tomato blight is a devastating fungal disease that can quickly ruin your tomato crop. Caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans, blight spreads through airborne spores and thrives in warm, wet conditions. Understanding how to identify, prevent, and manage blight is crucial for successful tomato cultivation.

Identifying Tomato Blight

Leaves: Shriveling and turning brown
Leaf stalks: Brown lesions
Stems: Brown lesions
Fruit: Sunken, brown areas; rotting in mature fruit

Preventing Tomato Blight

Environmental Control:

Keep tomatoes dry: Avoid overhead watering and water at the base of plants.
Provide good ventilation: Space plants adequately and remove lower leaves to improve air circulation.
Avoid planting near potatoes: Potatoes are also susceptible to blight, so planting them nearby increases the risk of spread.

Cultural Practices:

Grow blight-resistant varieties: Choose tomato varieties with resistance or tolerance to blight.
Use clean soil and compost: Avoid using soil or compost that has previously contained diseased plants.
Support plants with stakes: Keep leaves off the soil to reduce moisture and prevent infection.
Dispose of diseased plants: Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent further spread.
Practice crop rotation: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same location year after year to reduce the buildup of blight spores in the soil.

Chemical Control:

Fungicides: Apply fungicides as a preventative measure or to control existing infections. Follow label instructions carefully.

Managing Blight in Greenhouses or Polytunnels

Ventilation: Keep greenhouses well-ventilated to reduce humidity and prevent condensation.
Watering: Water in the morning to allow plants to dry out before nightfall.
Heating: Use heaters to reduce condensation and maintain a drier environment.

Choosing Blight-Resistant Tomato Varieties

Berry: Early-ripening, cherry tomato with resistance to blight
Fandango: Reliable cordon tomato with resistance to blight, fusarium, and verticillium wilt
Fantasio F1: Prolific cordon tomato with resistance to blight, fusarium, and verticillium wilt
Ferline F1: Cordon variety with tolerance to blight, fusarium, and verticillium wilt
Latah: Early-producing bush tomato with resistance to blight
Legend: Beefsteak variety with tolerance to blight and excellent flavor
Lizzano F1: Vigorous cherry tomato with resistance to blight
Losetto F1: Very blight-tolerant variety that produces abundant cherry tomatoes
Red Alert: Bush tomato with resistance to blight and early ripening

Signs of Blight on Tomato Plants

Shriveling, brown leaves
Brown lesions on leaf stalks and stems
Sunken, brown areas on fruit
Rotting of mature fruit

Can Tomato Plants Recover from Blight?

While infected plants may still produce some edible fruit, they will not fully recover from blight. Remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Avoid using the same soil for tomato or potato crops for at least four years, and clean tools and supports that have been used on infected plants.

Conclusion

Tomato blight can be a serious threat to your tomato crop, but by understanding how to identify, prevent, and manage it, you can minimize the risk of infection and ensure a successful harvest. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can protect your tomato plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, blight-free tomatoes.