The 5 Best Tomatoes To Grow In Your Garden (And How)

Who doesn't know the joy of biting into a fresh, juicy tomato that was grown in their backyard? The only downside to this tomatoes goodness is the time it can take to have the right soil and climate. If you don't have the time or patience to wait for your tomatoes to ripen, fear not, because in this blog post I will teach you how to grow tomatoes at home using five of my favorite varieties.

What are Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are a fruit that belongs to the nightshade family. The plant grows to about 6 feet tall and has small, yellow flowers. The fruit is red, fleshy, and contains seeds. Tomatoes are used in many different dishes and are a good source of vitamins A and C.

Tomatoes come in many different shapes and sizes. Some common varieties include Roma, cherry, and heirloom tomatoes. Tomatoes can be eaten fresh or cooked in a variety of ways. They can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, sauces, and main dishes.

Tomatoes are a healthy food choice and can be a part of a nutritious diet. They are low in calories and fat, and high in fiber and antioxidants. Tomatoes have been linked with several health benefits, including reducing the risk of some chronic diseases.

When is The Best Time to Plant Tomatoes?

When to plant tomatoes in the garden is determined by your region's climate. The date can be as early as February in some parts of the country, but in others, it may not be until May. If you're not sure when to plant tomatoes in your area, check with your local cooperative extension office.

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in home gardens, and for good reason. They’re relatively easy to care for, and they produce a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits that can be used in a variety of recipes.

If you’re thinking about planting tomatoes in your garden this year, you’ll need to choose the right variety for your needs. There are hundreds of different types of tomatoes, but not all of them are well-suited for home gardening. To help you make the best choice, we’ve compiled a list of the five best tomatoes to grow in your garden, along with some tips on how to care for them.

1. Beefsteak Tomatoes

Beefsteak tomatoes are large, fleshy, and juicy, and they’re perfect for slicing and eating fresh. They’re also one of the most popular varieties of tomatoes for making homemade tomato sauce. If you’re looking for a delicious, all-purpose tomato for your garden, beefsteak is a good choice.

When growing beefsteak tomatoes, be sure to provide them with plenty of support. These heavy fruits can weigh down the branches of the plant, so it’s important to use cages or stakes to keep them off the ground. Beefsteak tomatoes are also prone to cracking, so water them regularly and avoid letting the soil dry out.

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2. Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet, and perfect for snacking on straight from the vine. They’re also a good choice for salads and other recipes that call for diced tomatoes. If you have kids or grandkids who love to help in the garden, cherry tomatoes are a great option because they’re easy to pick and don’t require much work to prepare.

When growing cherry tomatoes, give them plenty of space to spread out. These vining plants can grow quite large, so provide them with a wide area in which to sprawl. You’ll also need to provide some type of support for the plant, as the fruits can be heavy and may cause the branches to break if left unsupported.

3. Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are an excellent choice for home gardens because they offer a wide range of colors, flavors, and shapes. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation and are prized for their unique taste and appearance. If you’re looking for something a little different for your garden, heirloom tomatoes are worth considering.

When growing heirloom tomatoes, keep in mind that they generally require more care than other varieties. They’re often susceptible to disease and pests, so be sure to watch for signs of problems and take steps to prevent them. Heirloom tomatoes also tend to be less tolerant of extreme weather conditions, so give them some extra protection from the sun or wind if necessary.

4. Plum Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes are smaller and oval-shaped, with a thinner skin than other varieties. They’re perfect for making tomato paste, sauce, and salsa, as well as for canning and preserving. If you’re looking for a tomato that can be used in a variety of ways, plum is a good choice.

When growing plum tomatoes, keep an eye on the water needs of the plant. These varieties are particularly susceptible to blossom-end rot, which is caused by a lack of calcium in the fruit. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them with a calcium-rich fertilizer to prevent this problem.

Photo by: ConnieMWT/pixabay.com

5. Roma Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes are another good choice for making tomato paste, sauce, and salsa. They’re also often used for canning and preserving. If you’re looking for a versatile tomato for your garden, Roma is a good option.

When growing Roma tomatoes, be sure to provide them with plenty of support. The fruits of these plants can be quite heavy, so they may need staking or caging to prevent them from breaking the branches. Roma tomatoes are also susceptible to blossom-end rot, so be sure to water them regularly and fertilize them with a calcium-rich fertilizer to prevent this problem.

Photo by: Earl Wilcox/unsplash.com

Maintenance (Watering and Fertilizing)

Assuming you have already planted your tomatoes, there are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to watering and fertilizing them.

First, be sure to water at the base of the plant rather than from above. This will help prevent diseases that can be caused by wet leaves.

Second, tomato plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week, so be sure to check the soil regularly and water accordingly. 

Third, use a fertilizer specifically designed for tomatoes (such as organic fertilizer) to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need. 

Fourth, prune your plants regularly to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. 

Finally, keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take action accordingly. With a little care, your tomato plants will thrive!