Vegetables
Guide to Selecting Tomato Starter Plants
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Jul 4, 2005 - 3:06:00 PM

If you’re thinking about planting tomatoes, it’s very important to know that they are divided into two different types: determinates and indeterminates. Determinates grow from vines that stop growing at a certain point. They are typically smaller and more compact plants. Indeterminates have vines that continue growing. Indeterminates often need added support to grow well such as cages, trellises or stakes. Determinates will work well in containers and in a small garden space.

If you're growing tomatoes for the first time, you should know that tomatoes can be challenging to start from seeds, as they need to be started indoors before the growing season at high temperatures. For this reason, we recommend that you go ahead and buy starters to plant directly in your garden. Starter plants in your nursery will appear with certain codes that will help you determine their resistance to common diseases.

• N for resistance to Nematodes
• V for resistance to Verticilium wilt
• A for resistance to Alternaria leaf spot
• F for resistance to Fusarium wilt
• FF for resistance to Race 1 & Race 2 Fusarium
• L for resistance to Septoria leaf spot
• T for resistance to Tobacco mosaic virus

Make sure you buy a plant that has nice dark green leaves without any yellow speckling. Starters with yellow spots may already have problems with disease. When you purchase starter plants from your local nursery, make sure to choose healthy plants that haven’t been in their containers for a long time. Ideal starter plants for transplanting into your garden are around 5 to 7 weeks old. You'll notice that the roots should just about fill a four-inch container. Look at the bottom of the container. If you see that the roots are growing out of the drain holes of a four-inch container, the plant has probably been in the container too long and may be severely stressed when transplanted. In addition, avoid buying starter tomatoes that already have fruits. These plants will generally produce fewer tomatoes during the year and may not grow fully.

Also, another good bit of advice is to avoid buying your starter plants from larger chain stores. Local, family-owned nurseries carry better quality plants and actually care about gardening. Their staff will generally know more about the plants you'd like to grow as well. Support local businesses and avoid shopping at any store with "Mart" in the name.

For more info on tomato gardening the natural way, check out this site: Tomato Gardening Tips


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