Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most loved fruits although most people call them a vegetable. They originated in South America. Conquistadors introduced them to Europe in the sixteenth century. Well into the nineteenth century tomatoes were considered poisonous unless boiled for several hours . The story goes that a man in New Jersey bit into a fresh tomato and did not drop dead, and the tomato has been enjoyed fresh in salads ever since.

Planting
Tomatoes prefer a sunny site with rich, fertile soil. Compost made of tomato vines and leaves works well. It is easiest to buy transplants, which are about six to eight weeks old. Space about 18" apart and plant very deeply to help the roots become well established. Water the root area only and do not water from above. In dry periods, water each plant 2gal/week. Apply a thick mulch to retain moisture and discourage weeds. Letting tomatoes get too dry and then heavily watering them is what causes the cracks to form.

Tips
Tomatoes have many predators and are prone to disease so plant disease-resistant varieties. One of the most popular tomatoes is Big Boy which were introduced in 1949. In late summer prune back the top of the main stem to a few leaves to stop new growth and mature any fruit that is left.

Latin Name: Lycopersicon esculentum
Type: Tender perennial (annual in Minnesota)
Soil: rich, well-drained soil
Light: Full sun 6 hours per day
Height: 60" Spacing: 12 - 24"
Pests: tomato hornworm, tomato fruitworm, stinkbugs, cutworms, aphids, Colorado potato beetles, flea beetles, whiteflies
Diseases: fusarium wilt, verticillium wilt, early blight, late blight, nematodes, curly top virus, anthracnose, bacterial spot, tobacco mosaic virus