COUNTRY GARDENING Backyard barbecues and vine-ripened tomatoes equals summer By Trisha Gedon Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
hether it is a better boy, beefsteak, roma, cherry or sungold, a tomato that has been kissed by the sun and vine ripened is a taste that is hard to beat. For some Oklahomans, cookouts at the lake, an afternoon at the pool or a vacation with the family are signs of summer’s arrival. For others, it is that bright red, juicy tomato on the vine. David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist, said tomatoes are one of the most popular crops grown in home gardens. There are many varieties of tomatoes from which to choose. Some produce small fruit, while others will provide large fruit, perfect for slicing for sandwiches and hamburgers. “Tomatoes can grow in a small area, they are easy to grow, bear fruit for most of the season, and on top of all that, have many culinary uses,” Hillock said. “This fruit can be grown in containers, raised beds or traditional garden plots – just be sure the spot you choose to grow them is located in full sun. Tomatoes are a great choice for those who live in apartments or condos and the only outdoor space available is a small patio or balcony. Despite limited space, tomatoes can provide everyone a chance to develop a green thumb.” For those who have more space, select a spot away from trees and shrubs, since tomatoes require plenty of sunshine and water for optimal growth. Because of the high water need, choose a spot close to a water source, but make sure the area drains well to help prevent root rot. 48 — Oklahoma Country
Hillock said tomatoes grow well in various types of soil, but prefer deep, fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, slightly acidic with about a 6.5 pH level and low in nitrogen. Garden soil should be worked only when it is dry enough that it will not stick to the tools. “If you need to improve your soil, do so by adding rotted manure, leaf mold, peat moss and other organic materials,” he said. “Fertilizers should be added to the soil based on a soil test as you prepare it for planting.” If interested in performing a soil test, contact a local OSU Extension office for more information. Offices supply informative fact sheets to help ensure gardeners get a good soil sample. In the absence of a soil test, consider adding a complete garden fertilizer such as 10-20-10 to the soil prior to planting and work it into the top six inches of soil. Hillock said gardeners should keep in mind that the fertilizer applied now is not enough for the entire season. A second application should be made a couple of weeks after the first ripe fruit, with a third application about a month later. When planting tomato plants, do so on a cloudy day or in the evening. If the transplants are in peat pots, go ahead and leave them on the root ball. “Make sure your transplant holes are three to four inches deep and about two to four feet apart in the row,” he said. “If you plan to stake the plants, space rows about three feet apart as unsupported plants need three to five feet between rows. Fill the transplant holes with water
and let it soak in, and then pack the soil loosely around the plant once they are in the ground. Leave a bit of a sunken area around each plant to hold water. After planting, be sure to water each plant with a starter solution.” It is no secret how hot the Oklahoma summers can be, so Hillock suggests mulching the tomatoes for highest yields. He recommends gardeners place two to three inches of organic material, such as compost, leaves or hay around the growing plants. “The mulch serves multiple purposes, including slowing water loss from the soil and impeding weed growth,” he said. “It is important to control weeds because they complete for soil moisture and nutrients. Weeds also can serve as a place for harmful insects to reside.” Gardeners may choose to stake, cage or trellis tomato plants. If staking, placing the stake in shortly after planting will lessen root damage. As the plant grows taller, tie it loosely to the stake every 12 inches with pieces of rag or twine. Hillock said caging is another way to train tomato plants. The cage should be 15 to 18 inches in diameter and will provide support to the vines without being tied. “As was mentioned earlier, tomatoes require a lot of water, especially during the hottest part of the summer,” Hillock said. “Plants require about two inches of water per week in July, August and September, when the heat has really kicked in. Water thoroughly once or twice a week and apply enough water to