Which tomato is right for
you? The answer depends on several factors, including location, space and
deciding what you want from your plant. Tomato plants need sunlight to grow
well; a minimum of 7 hours. The more sunlight, the better the plant will
produce. Regarding space, on the average
a tomato will take up about four square feet, considering the staking involved
to keep your plant upright. Next, tomatoes tend to fall into two categories,
determinate and indeterminate.
Determinate type tomatoes (often called bush
tomatoes) grow to around 3' to 4' and then set their all at once. These tomatoes
are ideal if you’re planning to do some canning or make salsa. Determinate
tomato types include 'Ace' and 'Health Kick'.
Indeterminate type tomatoes will
continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season. It is not unusual for
indeterminate tomato plants to grow over 8' tall. 'Brandywine' and 'Indigo Rose'
are examples of indeterminate tomatoes. Another
deciding factor is the choice between heirloom and hybrid tomatoes.
Heirloom
tomatoes are varieties that have been produced for generations. Some have
production records going back 100 years. Two favorite heirloom tomatoes include
'Cherokee Purple' and 'Dinner Plate'. Hybrid tomatoes are a cross between two different
tomatoes. Hybrid tomatoes are typically what you would find in the supermarket.
Some favorite hybrid tomatoes are 'First Lady' and 'Early Girl'. Some varieties
of tomatoes have been developed especially for container growing.
These include
'Red Robin' and 'Megabite'. These are great for your patio or in a hanging
basket! The varieties listed are just a few of the dozens of tomatoes which can
be grown here successfully.
Whether you select one of the tomatoes listed or
choose from the dozens of varieties available, you’ll discover nothing beats
the taste and juiciness of a homegrown tomato.
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