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.
