Tomato is very labor intensive if you stake, prune or use plastic mulch and row covers. If space is limiting, use smaller determinate varieties. Staked and pruned plants can grow to well over 6 feet tall in favorable growing seasons, can be trained to narrow spreads. Tomatoes are native to tropical regions, and have the greatest light needs of any standard garden vegetable. If possible, grow on a slight slope with southern or southeastern exposure. Tomatoes need at least 8 hours of direct sun daily, and will develop faster with increased exposure. Tomato is a heavy feeder and should be fertilized with an organic blend rich in phosphorus and potassium, and containing moderate nitrogen. It can tolerate slightly acidic soils, and is most productive with pH 6.0 to 6.8. Fertile clays and loams produce the highest yields, but lighter soils that drain and warm quickly can produce earlier harvests. Tomato plants prefer well-drained, fertile soil, high in organic matter. Moderate watering slightly once seedlings break through the soil. Keep soil moist, but not soggy while awaiting germination. Warmer soils will promote faster germination. Seeds require warm soil between roughly 65-90 degrees F. For best results, sow seeds ½" deep in a well-drained, soilless starting mix. Tomatoes require a long growing season, and are best started indoors 6 weeks before the anticipated transplanting date (after the final frost of the spring). Necessary time needed to harvest may vary slightly from variety to variety, but will be relatively short compared to larger tomatoes. If growing in hanging baskets, be sure to select a 'tumbing' variety, as smaller fruits that will be more conducive to this method of cultivation. Moreover, they are vigorous to a wide range of mediums and growing locations, from garden to patio to carefully-chosen indoor spot. Tomato Varieties: Amish Paste, Beefsteak, Black Krim, Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Cherry, Currant, Green Zebra, Marglobe, Mortgage Lifter, Ponderosa, Roma, Rutgers, Siberian, Strawberry, Tomatillo, Yellow PlumĪbundant clusters of sweet, plump gems describe the archetypal cherry tomato plant. How to Grow Cherry Tomato | Guide to Growing Cherry Tomatoes Home > Guides > Vegetables > Tomato > Cherry Tomato
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