Welcome to our monthly plant spotlight series, where we highlight a different plant each month and provide you with all the information you need to successfully care for it. This month we’re going over everything you need to keep healthy tomato plants all through the summer and what tomatoes are best for Tennessee gardens! There are so many great varieties to choose from and some of the decision making should come from what kind of dishes you’ll be making with your harvest. Let us know if you agree with our final choice and if you try any of the recipes we listed at the bottom!
Plant Overview
Common Names: Tomato
Native to Middle Tennessee: No
Annual in Middle TN
Deer Tolerant: No
Drought Tolerant: Moderate
Moderate – High Maintenance
Plant Care
Tomato plants are known for their vibrant fruits and lush foliage. To ensure their health and productivity, follow these care guidelines:
Light Requirements
Tomatoes prefer full sun. Ensure they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Watering
Tomatoes require regular watering, especially during dry periods. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging. This plant is moderately drought resistant but thrives with consistent moisture.
Soil type
Tomatoes thrive in well-drained, loamy soil. Incorporate organic matter to improve soil fertility and structure.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer months. Follow the recommended dosage on the product label to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Regularly trim tomato plants to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged parts. Pinching off suckers (small shoots between the main stem and branches) can also help increase fruit production. Many tomato plants need to be staked so that they don’t fall over with the weight of the fruit. Stakes are available at any garden center, just make sure to keep up with tying the plant to the stake as it grows.
Our Choice is Heirloom Tomato Varieties for Tennessee Gardens
Heirloom tomato varieties are particularly popular in Tennessee due to their rich flavors, historical significance, and adaptability. Here are a few of the most hardy heirloom varieties that are well-suited for Middle Tennessee gardens:
Cherokee Purple:
- Description: This variety produces large, deep purple fruits with a rich, smoky flavor.
- Why It’s Great: Cherokee Purple tomatoes are known for their exceptional taste and are resistant to many common diseases, making them a reliable choice for gardeners.
Brandywine:
- Description: Brandywine tomatoes are large, pink fruits with a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Why It’s Great: This variety is prized for its superb flavor and is relatively hardy, although it may require staking due to the size of the fruits.
Mortgage Lifter:
- Description: This variety produces large, beefsteak tomatoes that are meaty and flavorful.
- Why It’s Great: Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are known for their high yield and resistance to cracking, making them an excellent choice for Tennessee gardens.
Green Zebra:
- Description: Green Zebra tomatoes are small to medium-sized with a distinctive green and yellow-striped appearance and a tangy flavor.
- Why It’s Great: This variety is both visually striking and delicious, with a good resistance to cracking and splitting.
Why Heirloom Varieties?
- Superior Flavor: Heirloom tomatoes are often grown for their exceptional taste, which is usually richer and more complex than that of hybrid varieties.
- Genetic Diversity: Growing heirloom varieties helps preserve genetic diversity, which can be important for the long-term resilience of tomato plants.
- Cultural Significance: Many heirloom tomatoes have interesting histories and have been passed down through generations, adding a sense of heritage to your garden.
Common Problems
Pests
Tomato plants may be prone to pests such as aphids, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. Monitor the plant regularly and take appropriate measures, such as using organic insecticides or introducing beneficial insects.
Disease
Common diseases that affect tomato plants include early blight, late blight, and blossom end rot. Ensure proper sanitation and avoid overwatering to prevent disease occurrence.
Environmental Stress
Tomato plants may suffer from stress due to extreme temperatures or drought. Take necessary precautions to protect the plant during adverse conditions, such as using mulch to retain soil moisture and providing shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Why We Love it
Delicious Fruits: Tomatoes provide a tasty and versatile addition to many dishes, from salads to sauces. Some of our favorites include Homemade Salsa made with Tennessee tomatoes and of course (hello, we’re southerners here) Fried Green Tomatoes!
High Yield: With proper care, tomato plants can produce a large number of fruits, making them a rewarding choice for gardeners.
Nutritional Value: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet.
Conclusion
Now that you know what tomatoes are best for Tennessee gardens, it’s time to start growing! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, tomato plants are easy to grow and produce enough fruit to justify their maintenance needs. If you’re not sure where to start with fruits, vegetables or herb gardens give us a call and we can plan everything from what plants work best in your space to creating raised beds if needed.
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