Posted on 24 February 2011 by tomatocasual.com
By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter
Variety is the spice of life is a saying that not only applies to life but also the tomato garden.
Planning for this variety takes a little time, seed catalogs, and a little understanding about tomatoes.
Understanding the different types of tomatoes and how they can be used to create a full-season of tomatoes is the key. Growth habit of tomatoes can be a friend or a foe to any gardener.
Midget, patio or dwarf tomatoes are compact plants that grow in container or hanging baskets. They typically only produce for a short time and once that production is complete they are done for the season.
Determinate tomatoes go to a certain height, produce all their fruit early and in a short amount of time.
Once the fruit has been produced the plant is finished as far as fruit production. Then there is Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on 31 July 2008 by tomatocasual.com
By Kira Hamman
If you grow indeterminate tomatoes, as most heirloom and many hybrid varieties are, then you’re going to need to prune your tomato plants.
Like most plants, tomatoes need light and air to thrive, and careful pruning is a great way to make sure they’re getting both.
Entire books have been written on this topic, some of them quite good, but it’s really not as complicated as all that.
To do a respectable job of pruning your tomato plants, simply follow this checklist:
1. Prune off any branches that are touching the ground. These are more likely to introduce fungus or pests to the plant, so getting rid of them is a good idea.
2. Prune suckers, the little shoots that emerge in Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on 08 September 2007 by tomatocasual.com
By Michelle Fabio
You may have heard these terms thrown around at your local seed store, in catalogs, or even at tomato exhibitions—but what do they mean?
Indeterminate tomatoes are the traditional, large, homegrown variety, and will grow and produce fruit until the first frost.
They can grow up to 12 feet tall, although the average is around 6 feet, and they will bloom and bear fruit throughout the season.
These tomatoes are typically called “vining,” and they require substantial staking or caging as well as regular pruning.
Read the rest of this entry »
