| Tomatoes are the most popular crop for Alabama gardens, but getting the most out of the tomatoes you plant requires more planning and careful work than any other vegetable crop.
Plant tomatoes only in a sunny location, one which gets at least 6 hours of full sun a day during the growing season. Tomato production is reduced according to the amount of time the tomato plant is shaded.
Tomatoes produce well on a wide range of soils, but best yields are usually made on deep fertile loams and sandy loam soils. Almost any soil can be modified through the use of organic matter, lime, and fertilizer used according to soil test results. Avoid planting tomatoes on extremely sandy soils or heavy clay soils that are difficult to manage when dry.
Select an adapted variety and reject any plants with signs of nematodes and diseases. There are dozens of good tomato varieties, but it's best to pick a recommended variety. Be sure the variety you select has resistance to Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and nematodes. This is indicated by the letters, "V, F &N" accompanying the variety name.
Tomato plants should be pruned and supported. Pruning controls the growth so the main stem can be supported more easily. The three most popular methods of supporting tomato plants are caging, trellising, and staking; each method has its advantages and disadvantages. |
