Types of Tomatoes

There are a lot of different types of tomatoes. From the sweet cherry tomatoes to giant beefsteak’s there is something for every tomato lover to enjoy. Tomatoes can be broken down into two main types, hybrid and open pollinated. Open pollinated varieties grow true from seeds saved from last year’s fruits. These include the so-called heirloom varieties that are becoming… Read more »

Growing Heirloom Tomatoes

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about “Heirloom Tomatoes.” It seems that every seed company has jumped on this band wagon. Overall, this is a good development because it helps promote diversity in the tomato world and brings the tomato gardener many choices that were not broadly available just a few years ago. The so-called heirloom varieties are open… Read more »

Tomatoes: Dealing with Pests

Pest Symptoms Control Nematodes (microscopic round worms) Generally attack the roots and cause decrease in root volume and a general weakness in the plant. Can make the plants susceptible to other disease. Nematodes may transmit viral disease. Plants appear unthrifty Stunted Wilt prematurely and recover slowly after watering. Can look like the plants aren’t getting enough nutrients (since the root… Read more »

Tomato Diseases: Fruit

Most of the diseases or problems with the tomato fruit result from contact with the soil or sub-optimal growing conditions. Keeping the fruit off the ground, proper watering and adequate sunlight will prevent many of the problems listed below. Disease/Problem Symptoms Management Anthracnosefungus Colletotrichum coccodes Small, slightly sunken water soaked circular spots. Spots will become larger and darken in the center…. Read more »

Tomato Diseases: Foliage

The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” holds true in all areas of life and in tomato growing. Healthy plants will produce more fruit and feed you better. So, knowing what you might expect in the way of diseases that may affect your tomato plants before you get started will save effort in treating… Read more »

Hybrid Tomatoes

Hybrid tomatoes sometimes get a bad rap. They are portrayed as hard, tasteless, red “tennis balls” bred for ease of harvesting and transportation. While this is occasionally the case, most often hybrids are bred for disease resistance, uniformity, and vigor. The poor taste and texture of tomatoes in the supermarket, especially in the winter often comes from the tomatoes being… Read more »

Organic Gardening – Tomato Diseases

There’s nothing worse than growing organic tomatoes and finding out they have diseases.  Tomato plants can suffer from many different types of disease that can harm just one fruit or the whole plant.  There’s really no way to get rid of the disease once it happen.  Your best bet is to prevent them from happening in the first place. The… Read more »