Tomatoes: The Ultimate Summer Fruit (or Vegetable)
Tomatoes are my favorite fruit (yes, technically it’s a fruit) to grow every summer. They’re delicious, easy to grow, and provide an abundance of harvest. Plus, they’re the essence of summer for me.
Why You Should Grow Tomatoes
If you’ve never tried growing tomatoes, you’re missing out! Here are five reasons why you should start growing tomato plants today:
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Easy to Grow: Tomatoes are actually really easy to grow, even for beginners. They’re well-suited to containers too, so you can grow them even if you don’t have a lot of space.
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Many Varieties: There are endless varieties of tomatoes to try, from common types to heirloom tomatoes. Some of my favorites include:
- Cherry tomatoes: Great for snacking, with a sweet and tangy flavor. Try the Black Cherry variety for a unique taste.
- Brandywine tomatoes: Delicious and great for slicing. Choose the black or pink types.
- Cherokee Purple tomatoes: Heirloom variety with attractive fruit and a delicious taste.
- Green Zebra tomatoes: A unique green tomato variety with a tart flavor.
- Better Boy tomatoes: A classic, big red tomato that’s hard to beat. Perfect for beginners.
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Taste of Summer: Tomatoes simply taste like summer. My favorite way to enjoy them is to cut them into thick slices and sprinkle them with sugar. Delicious!
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Summery Smell: Not only do tomatoes taste like summer, they also smell like it. The smell of tomato plants, especially under the hot sun, is unique and so summery.
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Abundant Harvest: Tomato plants give a great harvest if you choose varieties wisely and care for them properly. Here are a few tips:
- Pinch off the tips of plants in early summer to encourage flowering.
- Pinch off suckers, the little stems growing between two bigger stems.
- Pull off the bottom leaves as the plant grows to prevent disease.
- Plant seedlings deep in the soil to help the plant grow more roots.
How to Grow Tomatoes
Growing tomatoes is easy, but here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Plant tomatoes after the last frost.
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart.
- Water tomatoes regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Fertilize tomatoes every few weeks.
- Mulch around tomato plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe.
Troubleshooting Tomato Problems
If you’re having problems growing tomatoes, here are a few things to check:
- Blossom end rot: This is a common problem caused by a calcium deficiency. Add some calcium to the soil to prevent it.
- Tomato hornworms: These green caterpillars can eat your tomato plants. Handpick them off or use an insecticide.
- Whiteflies: These tiny white insects can damage tomato plants. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Tomato Recipes
There are endless ways to enjoy tomatoes, but here are a few of my favorites:
- Tomato salad: Simply slice tomatoes and onions and toss with a vinaigrette.
- Tomato soup: A classic comfort food that’s easy to make.
- Tomato sauce: A versatile sauce that can be used on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
- Salsa: A spicy and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or chips.
So, what are you waiting for? Start growing tomato plants today and enjoy the delicious taste of summer all season long!