When to Succession Plant Next to a Determinate Tomato Plant

Determinate tomato plants are a great option for home gardeners who want to have a bountiful harvest without having to worry about pruning or staking. These compact and bushy plants produce most of their fruit all at once, making them perfect for canning and preserving. However, once the harvest is over, many gardeners are left wondering what to do with the empty space in their garden. The solution is to practice succession planting.

What is Succession Planting?

Succession planting is the practice of planting a new crop immediately after one is harvested, allowing for continuous harvests throughout the growing season. In the case of determinate tomato plants, succession planting means planting a new crop next to the harvested plant once it has finished producing fruit. This way, the garden space is used efficiently, and the harvest is maximized.

When to Succession Plant

The timing of succession planting is critical to ensure a bountiful harvest. Generally, it is best to plant the next crop two weeks before the current crop has finished its fruiting cycle. For determinate tomato plants, this means planting a new crop about 60 to 75 days after the initial planting.

It's important to note that different tomato varieties have different maturation times. It is recommended to check the seed packet or plant tag for the specific maturity date of the tomato plant. This will help in determining the right time to succession plant, especially since the timing may vary based on microclimates and growing conditions in your particular region.

Choosing the Right Crop to Succession Plant

When choosing a crop to succession plant next to a determinate tomato plant, it's important to select a variety that has a short maturation time. This will ensure that the new crop is ready for harvesting before the fall frost arrives. Some of the suitable crops for succession planting next to determinate tomato plants are lettuce, radishes, and beets. These plants mature quickly, providing an early and continuous harvest.

It is also a good idea to select crops that have different nutrient requirements than tomatoes. Succession planting is an excellent opportunity to replenish the soil with nutrients that may have been depleted by the previous crop. For example, lettuce, radishes, and beets are shallow-rooted, and they have different nutrient requirements than tomatoes. By rotating the crops, you can maintain soil fertility, reduce pest and disease pressure and promote optimal growth.

Conclusion

Succession planting next to determinate tomato plants is an excellent way to optimize garden space, extend the growing season, and produce a bountiful harvest. However, proper timing is essential for success. Ensure that you plant the next crop two weeks before the current crop has finished its fruiting cycle and select crops with short maturation times and different nutrient requirements than tomatoes. With proper planning and care, you can achieve continuous harvests and maintain soil fertility for years to come.