| 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. |
