Growing Tomatoes in Zone 6B: A Gardener's Guide

Choosing the Right Tomato for You

The first step to tomato success is selecting the right variety. The article from Fox Run Environmental Education Center introduces seven main types, each with unique characteristics and uses:

• Beefsteak: These are the heavyweights of the tomato world, often reaching up to two pounds or more. Known for their mild flavor and meaty texture, beefsteak tomatoes are perfect for slicing onto sandwiches and burgers. Keep in mind, these plants can grow quite tall and need plenty of room and sturdy support.
• Cherry: Bursting with sweetness, cherry tomatoes are small and round, growing in clusters. Their thin skin makes them ideal for salads and snacking, and they're a hit with kids.
• Grape: Resembling their namesake in shape, grape tomatoes offer a range of flavors from sweet to tangy. Their thicker skin and meaty texture make them versatile for both cooking and fresh eating. They're also a great choice for container gardening, as they typically stay around three feet tall.
• Green: This category can be a bit tricky. It includes tomatoes that are naturally green when ripe, as well as tomatoes picked green before they have time to fully ripen outside. The article doesn't go into much detail about specific green varieties, so you might want to do some additional research if you're interested in trying them.
• Heirloom: Valued for their unique flavors and often connected to specific regions, heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down for generations. Growing heirlooms allows you to experience the diverse tastes of tomato history and save seeds for future seasons. Heirloom varieties can be found in all different types of tomatoes, from slicers to beefsteaks to cherries.
• Plum: If you're a fan of canning and cooking, plum tomatoes are your best bet. Their firm texture and low water content make them ideal for sauces, stews, and drying.
• Slicers: As the name suggests, slicers are perfect for, well, slicing. These large, round tomatoes are known for their juiciness and flavor. Many slicers are also suitable for processing.

Prepping Your Garden for Success

Tomatoes love sunshine and well-draining soil. The article stresses the importance of soil preparation:

• Sun: Choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Drainage: Tomatoes don't like to sit in soggy soil, so ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending it with compost or building raised beds.
• Nutrients: Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so it's essential to provide them with a nutrient-rich environment. The article recommends adding plenty of aged compost to the soil. Avoid using fresh manure, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
• pH: Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.5 and 6.7. You can test your soil pH and amend it with lime if needed.

Starting from Seed vs. Buying Transplants

You can start your tomatoes from seed indoors or purchase transplants from a local nursery. The article offers guidance for both approaches:

• Starting from Seed: Sow seeds in trays filled with light seedling mix around March 15th in Zone 6B. Tomato seeds need warmth to germinate, so maintain a temperature of 75–85°F using a heat mat or a warm location in your home. Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with plenty of light using a grow light or a sunny window.
• Buying Transplants: If you're short on time or space, buying transplants is a convenient option. The article strongly recommends purchasing plants from local farmers markets or family-run greenhouses. Avoid big box stores, as their plants may be of lower quality and more susceptible to diseases.

Transplanting Time

Once your seedlings have developed their first true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, it's time to transplant them into the garden.

• Hardening Off: Before moving your seedlings outdoors permanently, it's important to "harden them off." This process gradually acclimates them to the harsher conditions outside. Start by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and wind.
• Deep Planting: When planting your tomatoes, bury them deeply, up to their first set of true leaves. This encourages the development of a strong root system.
• Spacing: Proper spacing is crucial for healthy tomato plants and good air circulation. Space determinate varieties 18-24 inches apart, and give indeterminate varieties even more room, as they can grow quite large.

Caring for Your Tomato Plants

• Watering: Tomatoes need consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water deeply and evenly, aiming for the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots.
• Fertilizing: Feed your tomatoes regularly throughout the growing season with a balanced organic fertilizer. The article recommends using fish emulsion every two weeks.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your tomato plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Straw, shredded leaves, and wood chips are all good options.
• Supporting Indeterminate Varieties: Indeterminate tomato varieties will keep growing until frost, so it's essential to provide them with support to prevent them from sprawling on the ground. Tomato cages, stakes, trellises, or even sections of cattle panel fencing can be used.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Blight: Blight is a fungal disease that can quickly decimate tomato plants. Early blight is characterized by brown spots on the lower leaves, while late blight causes brown lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits. To prevent blight, practice crop rotation, avoid overhead watering, and choose blight-resistant varieties. If you spot signs of blight, remove affected plants immediately and dispose of them properly.
• Blossom End Rot: This condition is caused by a calcium deficiency and manifests as a dark, leathery rot on the blossom end of the tomato. To prevent blossom end rot, ensure your soil has adequate calcium and maintain consistent watering.
• Stinkbugs: These shield-shaped pests can cause damage to tomato fruits, making them unmarketable. Handpicking stinkbugs and using insecticidal soap can help control them.
• Sunscald: Sunscald occurs when tomatoes are exposed to too much direct sunlight, causing white or yellow patches on the fruits. Make sure your plants have adequate foliage to protect the fruits and consider using shade cloth during periods of intense heat.
• Tomato Hornworm: These large green caterpillars can devour tomato leaves quickly. Handpick them off your plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Tomatoes

Once your tomatoes are ripe and red (or yellow, orange, or purple, depending on the variety), it's time to harvest them and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Gently twist the tomato off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Store your tomatoes at room temperature out of direct sunlight, or refrigerate them for longer storage.

With this guide, you're well on your way to growing delicious, homegrown tomatoes in your Zone 6B garden. Remember to choose the right varieties for your needs, prepare your soil properly, provide consistent care, and be prepared to tackle any challenges that come your way. Happy gardening!