[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his fourth week in January puts us very close to tomato season. Success with this popular and sometimes difficult crop begins with a little planning.
First, one needs to find a location with full sun exposure and great drainage. Next comes soil preparation.
Adding copious amounts of compost is your best bet. I happen to like Happy Frogs soil conditioner because it comes loaded with beneficial bacteria, mycorrhizae, bat guano, earthworm castings and humic acid. All of these ingredients come to life when watering in with horticultural molasses.
Getting an early start is very important because warm weather normally sets upon us by around May 15. Temperatures are important for fruit set. Once the mid-May day time temps hit the mid-nineties and at nighttime the mid-seventies, large fruited tomato varieties flowers fall off without setting fruit.
Sam Lemming of Buda, one of the most successful backyard tomato farmers I have known, always plants his tomato seedlings out in early February so that his crop has a chance to beat the heat.
Choosing the right tomato variety is important also. Determinate hybrids work best in our central Texas climate. Determinate tomatoes grow and set their fruit faster than their in-determinates. Determinate tomatoes also take up less space in the garden.
Some of my most favorite determinates: BHN 602, BHN 444, Celebrity, Bobcat, Valley Cat, Tigress, Tycoon, and Phoenix. There are tons to choose from. Make your backyard a trial garden and figure out which variety is best for you!
Sam’s favorite for years was Celebrity. This has been America’s most popular backyard tomato since its introduction in the mid-eighties.
Heirloom tomatoes have also become very popular. Being indeterminate ‘vining type,’ they are going to set only their early flowers before the heat spoils fruit set. Expect smaller crops, but maybe more flavor and an appealing texture.
The most popular and successful variety for us has been Cherokee Purple. Some others to look for are Brandywine, Black Krim, Mr. Stripey, Old German, and Homestead.
It’s always good to add a few cherry tomatoes into the mix. These small fruited varieties set well in the heat making them an insurance policy if all else fails. Sungold, Red Cherry Large, Juliet, Red and Yellow Pear, Matt’s Wild Cherry, and the Grape Tomatoes are all good choices.
Roma and San Marzano are two mid-size tomatoes that set well.
Another strategy is to plant a variety that sets fruit fast. Most tomatoes need 70 days plus to ripen. The fastest tomato out there? Early Girl - 52 days. If you get a late start, she might be the best choice.
The weather looks great. Get out in the garden, breathe in some fresh air. soak in some sunshine and listen to the birds sing. Spring is just around the corner. Happy gardening everyone!
If you have a question for Chris Winslow, send it via email to [email protected]. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com
