Extension

Of all the garden produce planted each year, there’s something special about a vine-ripened tomato. Kissed by the sun, tomatoes are bursting with the flavor of summer and are the key ingredient to a delicious BLT sandwich. 

 

What is the secret to growing high quality, tasty tomatoes? Any seasoned gardener will tell you there are several, including choosing the right variety, location, soil, irrigation, stakes or cages, fertilizer and pest/disease control.

 

Although tomato plants are likely already planted, gardeners can still pull a few strings to get the most out of their crop. It won’t be long until the temperature is in the upper 90s or triple digits. Consistent watering is vital. Water from the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet. This will help prevent disease. Or better yet, use drip irrigation if possible. When watering, apply enough water to penetrate the soil 12 to 18 inches.

 

Also, add some mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and hinder weed growth – about 3 inches is sufficient. Weeds will use up soil nutrients and moisture that are vital for optimal tomato growth.

 

As the tomato plants grow, they’ll need a little support. Use stakes, cages or trellises to help the vines support tomato growth. Be sure and prune side shoots to create better airflow and larger fruit. 

 

Gardeners likely applied some fertilizer at the time of planting, but that won’t last all season. Side-dress the plants when they are about one-third grown. One pound of ammonium nitrate 33-0-0 or the equivalent per 100-foot row, or 1 tablespoon per plant. Mix the fertilizer into the soil, then water in thoroughly. Be careful not to get fertilizer on the foliage. A second application may be made about two weeks after the first ripe fruit. Apply a third application about a month later.

 

Pests and disease are two of the biggest enemies of gardeners. Keep an eye out for aphids, hornworms and blight. Gardeners may want to use an insecticidal soap or neem oil. While it helps control pesky pests, neem oil isn’t harmful to beneficial insects. To help prevent soil-borne diseases, rotate garden crops yearly. 

 

During the peak of growing season, harvest tomatoes a couple of times per week. Tomatoes that are allowed to ripen on the vine may be yellowish/orange in the extreme heat. It’s better to pick them in the pink stage and allow them to ripen indoors for optimum color development. Pick the tomatoes when they’re still firm.

 

More information on growing tomatoes can be found in the Oklahoma State University Extension fact sheet HLA-6012 Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden.