Tomato
Tomatoes are valuable garden plants because they require relatively little space for large production. Each tomato plant, properly cared for, yields 10 to 15 pounds of fruit or more. For best results, choose varieties with disease resistance. Fusarium, and Verticillium wilt are common diseases that can destroy an entire tomato crop. Many varieties are resistant to these two diseases. Look for "VF" after the cultivar name, indicating resistance to the wilts. "VFN" means the plants are resistant to Verticillium, Fusarium and nematodes; "VFNT" adds tobacco mosaic to the list. The varieties of available tomato plants may seem overwhelming to a new gardener. Ask gardening friends for the names of their favorites; this will give you a good idea of what does well in Texas. Several major types of tomatoes exist that can be chosen according to your needs and preferences. Brief descriptions of these follow. Midget, patio or dwarf tomato varieties have very compact vines and are best grown in hanging baskets or other containers. These varieties may produce cherry tomatoes (1 inch in diameter or less); however, some produce larger fruit. These plants are usually short-lived, quickly producing their crop. Cherry tomatoes have small, cherry-sized (or a little larger) fruits and are often used in salads. Plants of cherry tomatoes range from dwarf (Tiny Tim' to 7-foot varieties (Sweet 100). One standard cherry tomato plant is usually sufficient for a family since they generally produce abundant fruits. Compact or determinate tomato plants may include cultivars of the above two categories. Determinate refers to the plant habit of growing to a certain size, setting fruit and then declining. Most of the early ripening tomato varieties are determinate. Indeterminate tomato plants are the opposite of determinate types. The vines continue to grow until frost or disease kills them. These are the standard, all-summer tomatoes that most people enjoy growing. For best results, they require some kind of support or the fruit will touch the soil and be susceptible to rot. Beefsteak tomatoes are large fruited types, producing a tomato slice that easily covers a sandwich. The whole fruit may weigh as much as 2 pounds or more. These usually ripen late, so plant some standard-sized or early tomatoes for a longer harvest period. Paste tomatoes have small, pear shaped fruits with very meaty interiors and few seeds. They are less juicy than standard tomatoes and lack a central core. Paste tomatoes are a favorite for canning since they are so meaty and do not have to be sliced. Some tomatoes are orange, yellow, pink or striped. Usually the only way to get these is by growing your own. Tomato plants can be started indoors from seed, or transplants can be purchased. If starting your own plants, use a light soil mix and give the plants plenty of light. Tall, spindly transplants are usually caused by low light levels in the home. Unless you have a sunny, south-facing window, supplemental light will probably be necessary. The seed are sown 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. A few weeks before transplanting time, harden-off indoor grown plants by gradually increasing the number of hours they are outdoors each day. Bring plants in if there is danger of frost. Common Problems
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