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Tomatoes roots in the soil

Tomatoes

October 2024 | Written by: New Castle County Master Gardener Rick Judd

 

General information

  • Scientific Name: Lycopersicon lycopersicum
    • Family: Solanaceae
  • Warm season
  • Planting Window:
    • Start seeds indoors, under lights in mid-March 8 weeks prior to transplanting around mid-May
  • pH = 5.5-7.5
  • Spacing: one plant will fit in a 5-gallon container
  • Check moisture frequently to make sure plant does not dry out
  • Work one trowel-full of 4-6-6 fertilizer into hole before transplanting
  • Tip: support plants with cages to keep them upright!

Pests and diseases

  • Hornworm - inspect leaves and plant umbellifereae herbs
  • Mulch with plastic layer or grass clippings to prevent splash when watering
  • Disease-resistant cultivars can be planted as well!

Successful cultivars

  • Patio F Hybrid (70 days)
  • Bush Champion II Hybrid (65 days)
  • Bush Early Girl Hybrid (65 days)
Tomato photo courtesy of Rick Judd
Tomato photo courtesy of Rick Judd
Tomato photo courtesy of Rick Judd

This publication was created by Master Gardener Rick Judd  Photos courtesy of Rick Judd.


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