Now is the time to start thinking about tomatoes and starting your own plants, which is very rewarding because you can grow varieties not sold in the garden centers.
There are two types of tomato plants. Indeterminate, which produce tomatoes until frost and should be staked or grown in tomato cages because they keep growing all season. The other is determinate which is a bush type and produces one main crop. There are many varieties such as Beefsteak, Plum, Cherry and my favorite heirloom varieties because they come in many shapes and colors and have the best flavor. Look on the internet for sources of where to purchase the many varieties that are for sale. Tomato seed have a life span of about five years, so try several different types and save the leftover seed for next year, just be sure to store them in a cool dry spot.
To start the seed: sow the seeds 6-8 week before the last frost date in your area plant the seeds 1/4" deep, in a sterile starting mix which can be purchased at a local garden center. Water lightly and cover with plastic or a propagation dome to keep the seeds from drying out.
Keep them at 70-85 degrees. They will start to grow in 6-10 days. When first set of true leaves have grown, transplant each seeding to a 3-4 inch pot using a mix such as Pro-Mix. Put plants in a sunny window at 60-70 degrees. About a week before planting them in your garden, put them outside in a sheltered area to harden them off (be sure to bring them in at night). If the plants are leggy when planting them, plant them much deeper as the stem will sprout roots. You should start picking tomatoes in 60-75 days depending on the varieties.
By Roy Goebel, Master Gardener, 2012 March Newsline
