The Cycle of Growing Tomatoes

Starting From Seeds

• For optimal fruit production, tomatoes require an extended warm growing season. Consequently, in colder climates, tomato seeds are often started in greenhouses approximately four to six weeks before being transplanted outdoors. Plant seeds in a sterile potting mix approximately ¼ inch deep in the soil. Soil should remain moist and between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination will occur in about 10 days, after which soil temperature can be lowered to 70 degrees. Plants are ready to transplant when they are between 4 and 6 inches tall and after all danger of frost has passed.

Young Plants

• Tomato plants require full sunlight, abundant moisture and sufficient room to grow. Plant tomato plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 2 to 4 feet apart. Provide stakes or cages for vertical support. Small, yellow male and female flowers will appear on tomato plants fairly soon after they are transplanted. Tomato plants require pollination of these flowers to set fruit. Although they are usually sufficiently pollinated by the wind, tomato pollination can be enhanced by gently shaking the plant. For optimal fruit production, tomatoes prefer an average daytime temperature of 75 degrees and nighttime temperature of 68 degrees.

Harvest

• Harvest dates vary by cultivar. Fast-maturing varieties, such as Early Girl, will be ready for harvest 50 to 60 days following transplant. The majority of other tomato varieties require 70 to 80 days to mature. For best color development, particularly if temperatures are above 86 degrees, pick tomatoes while they are still firm in texture and pink in color. Allow tomatoes to finish ripening indoors at room temperature for best flavor. Harvest plants every few days while they are in season. Tomatoes allowed to over-ripen will fall off plants and rot readily.

Early Frosts

• Typically, an early frost signals the end of the harvest season. Anything more than a small touch of frost will likely kill the entire plant. Cover tomato plants loosely in blankets or sheet. Pick off any remaining tomatoes from plants. Wrap unripe tomatoes in newspaper and store in a dark but slightly warm place. Alternatively, consider pulling plants, roots intact, to hang in a basement until the fruit ripens.

Post-Harvest

• Tomatoes are prone to harmful disease and organisms that can negatively impact future fruit production. To minimize these problems, rotate locations where tomatoes are planted. Avoid growing tomato plants, or any other closely related vegetable, including eggplant or pepper, in the same spot more than once in a three-year span. If possible, alternate growing tomatoes with a member of the grass family, such as corn, which will resupply organic matter to the soil and discourage the growth of harmful organisms.