What to Plant Tomatoes: A Comprehensive Guide

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in home gardens. There are numerous varieties of tomatoes to choose from, each with unique growth habits, flavors, and uses. When deciding what to plant tomatoes, there are several factors to consider, including the climate, soil quality, and intended use of the tomatoes. In this guide, we will go over the different types of tomatoes and provide recommendations on what to plant based on your specific needs.

Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes

The first decision you will need to make when choosing what to plant tomatoes is whether to go with determinate or indeterminate varieties. Determinate tomatoes are compact and will produce all of their fruit at once, making them ideal for canning or preserving. Indeterminate tomatoes are vine-like and will continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season, making them better for fresh eating. Some popular determinate varieties include Roma and San Marzano, while popular indeterminate varieties include Celebrity and Brandywine.

Heirloom vs. Hybrid Tomatoes

Another decision to make when choosing what to plant tomatoes is whether to go with heirloom or hybrid varieties. Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties passed down from generation to generation, while hybrid tomatoes are the result of cross-breeding different varieties to create a new plant with desirable traits. Heirloom tomatoes are often prized for their unique flavor and appearance, while hybrid tomatoes tend to have better disease resistance and yield. Some popular heirloom varieties include Cherokee Purple and Mortgage Lifter, while popular hybrid varieties include Big Beef and Sun Gold.

Disease Resistance

When selecting what to plant tomatoes, it is also important to consider disease resistance. Tomatoes are prone to several diseases, including blight, wilt, and blossom end rot. Some tomato varieties have been bred to be resistant to these diseases, while others are more susceptible. If you live in an area with high humidity or a history of tomato diseases, it is advisable to select disease-resistant varieties. Some popular disease-resistant varieties include Mountain Magic and Defiant.

Intended Use

The intended use of your tomatoes is another important factor to consider when deciding what to plant. If you plan on using your tomatoes primarily for cooking or canning, you may want to choose a variety with a higher acid content, like Roma or San Marzano. If you plan on eating your tomatoes fresh or using them in salads, you may want to choose a sweeter variety, like Brandywine or Sun Gold. If you plan on making tomato sauce or soup, you may want to choose a meatier variety, like Amish Paste.

Growing Conditions

Finally, when deciding what to plant tomatoes, it is important to consider the growing conditions in your area. Tomatoes require full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering. If you live in an area with a short growing season or cool temperatures, you may want to select an early-maturing variety, like Early Girl or Fourth of July. If you live in an area with hot summers and dry conditions, you may want to select a variety with good drought tolerance, like Sweet 100 or Super Sweet 100.

Conclusion

Choosing what to plant tomatoes can seem overwhelming with so many varieties to choose from. By considering factors such as growth habit, disease resistance, intended use, and growing conditions, you can select the variety that is best suited for your needs. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a first-time grower, there is sure to be a tomato variety that will thrive in your garden.