What Type Tomatoes are Best to Plant in S. GA

Tomatoes are a staple of southern gardens, filling baskets and plates for those lucky enough to plant and harvest them. But with so many different varieties available, it's tough to know which type of tomato is best suited for the unique growing conditions of southern Georgia. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular varieties of tomatoes and take a closer look at which type is best to plant in S. GA.

Indeterminate Tomatoes

Indeterminate tomatoes are the most commonly grown type of tomato in S. GA. They are tall plants that will continue to grow throughout the season until they reach their natural end. Indeterminate tomato plants produce fruit continuously rather than all at once, making them a great choice for those who want a steady supply of fresh tomatoes throughout the season.

Some popular indeterminate varieties of tomatoes include Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, and Better Boy. They all require a lot of sunlight, warm temperatures, and a well-draining soil. They also need consistent watering to keep the soil moist, but not overly wet.

Determinate Tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes are the opposite of indeterminate tomatoes. These plants grow to a certain height and then stop growing, producing all of their fruit at once. This makes them a popular choice for those who want to harvest their entire crop and preserve it for later use.

Some popular determinate varieties of tomatoes include Roma, Oregon Spring, and Celebrity. These tomatoes prefer a similar growing environment to indeterminate tomatoes, but require slightly less maintenance as they do not need staking or pruning.

Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are beloved for their unique flavors, colors, and shapes. They are essentially the opposite of hybrid tomatoes, which are bred for commercial production and uniformity in appearance. Heirloom tomatoes come from open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down from generation to generation. They tend to be more delicate and susceptible to disease, but for many, their taste is well worth the extra effort.

Some popular heirloom varieties of tomatoes include Green Zebra, Black Krim, and Yellow Pear. These tomatoes require similar growing conditions to indeterminate tomatoes, but may require extra attention to ward off pests and diseases due to their more delicate nature.

Disease-Resistant Tomatoes

For those who don't want to worry about the extra maintenance that comes with growing heirloom tomatoes, disease-resistant varieties of tomatoes may be the way to go. These tomatoes have been bred for their ability to resist common tomato diseases, such as early blight and verticillium wilt. However, they may not have the same flavor profile as heirloom tomatoes.

Some popular disease-resistant varieties of tomatoes include Defiant, Mountain Fresh Plus, and Big Beef. These tomatoes do well in S. GA and require similar growing conditions to indeterminate tomatoes.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the type of tomato you choose to plant in S. GA depends on your personal preferences and growing conditions. If you want a steady supply of fresh tomatoes, indeterminate tomatoes are a great choice. If you want to harvest your crop all at once, determinate tomatoes are a good option. For unique flavors, heirloom tomatoes are a great choice, but they require more maintenance. For low-maintenance and disease-resistant tomatoes, hybrid tomatoes like Defiant and Big Beef are a good pick. Whatever type you decide to plant, be sure to provide your tomato plants with plenty of sunlight, warm temperatures, and consistent watering for a successful harvest.