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One of the most common vegetables to grow is tomatoes. Perhaps it is because of their health benefits, or maybe it is just because they taste so great on salads and sandwiches. Whatever the case may be, these delicious veggies can be some of the most rewarding to grow, as well as some of the trickiest. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure a large, healthy crop and overcome any potential problems.

Tomato plants can be divided into two main categories: those that form a flower cluster at the terminal point, and those that grow indefinitely. The taller plants that grow indefinitely are called indeterminates, and due to the fact that they mature very late in the season, are often in danger of frost damage.

Big, plump tomatoes with healthy leaves are the product of very hot, dry soil, air, and lots of sun. Colder temperatures are the death of many tomato plants.

The best way to protect your plants is by using multiple techniques. Late in the season, when frost threatens, small, portable greenhouses may be used to cover the vine. For those who don’t feel like putting forth that effort, the solution may be to plant early and harvest early. In considering which method to use make sure to take into account the time frame of your growing season.

The cooler climates of the north do best with what are called the first early varieties of tomatoes. These medium sized tomatoes don’t like too much sun, and are often ready to be harvested in about two months.

Beyond weather problems, tomatoes are at risk for a number of common diseases, pests and soil problems.

By not watering your plants evenly a number of problems can develop, such as blossom end rot. This causes a large brown spot to appear on the bottom of the tomato, which softens as it ripens. It is caused by a calcium deficiency, which is caused when a plant does not have a sufficient supply of water.

The only solution is to rid the vine of affected tomatoes and hope the rest will flourish. Clearly, it is best to take the active approach in preventing this problem by watering your plants thoroughly, hydrating all the way down to the root. Mulch is great for keeping the soil moist, and maintaining a pH level of 6.5.

Tomato hornworms are a common scourge of all tomato growers. These four-inch larvae tend to blend into the green stems of the tomato plant. But they can be seen by the aid of the long white stripes down their sides. They have a large false eyespot, a black spot, on the tail.

The adults are large brown moths that may achieve wingspans of up to five inches. Marigolds, basil and other trap crops can help keep them off the tomato plants where they lay their eggs that develop into larvae.

One of the smaller enemies of tomatoes are the tiny, yellowish, green and white aphids. They can be temporarily removed by a hose, but will return unless other measures are taken.

To aid in the control of pests, some choose to plant companion crops. In addition, insecticide soaps can be used that eliminate problems without harming the tomatoes.

Despite the needed care, tomatoes are well worth the effort. These delicious and healthy vegetables make a great addition to any meal.

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 9th, 2008 at 12:40 am and is filed under Seeds. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.