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COOPERATIVE KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY FACT SHEET

Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program 2020

Tomatoes

Dr. Leigh Whittinghill, Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture

There are many varieties of tomatoes that come in many sizes. If you like to eat tomatoes in salad, consider a cherry variety. Larger varieties may be better for making sauces and salsa.

Planting

• Tomatoes are best planted from transplants. To start transplants, plant seeds at a depth of 1/2 inch 4 to 7 weeks before planned planting date.
• If purchasing transplants, look for plants 6 to 10 inches tall.
• Tomato transplants should be planted between April 20 and July 1, May 5 and June 15, and May 15 and June 1 in western, central, and eastern Kentucky.
• Transplants should be spaced 24 inches apart.

Care and Harvest

• Indeterminate varieties, require staking, but can provide a continuous supply of fruit (up to 15 lbs) and are recommended for home gardens.
• Tomato cages, twine attached to a frame, or 6 foot stakes placed 1 foot into the ground can be used to support growing tomato plants.
• Indeterminate tomato plants should be pruned to 1 or 2 main stems. Determinate varieties will not require pruning.
• Water about 1 inch per week (including rain). Take special care to provide water after flowering starts.
• If using compost, add 0.17 cubic feet of compost per square foot of bed space.
• 2.5 lb/100 sq ft of a 5-10-10-10 fertilizer should be enough for a small garden.
• 5 Tbs of a high nitrogen fertilizer (eg. 33-0-0) is recommended 1 to 2 weeks before first picking and again 2 weeks after first picking. Too much nitrogen can cause plants to get very leafy and produce bland fruit.

again 2 weeks after first picking. Too much nitrogen can cause plants to get very leafy and produce bland fruit.

• Tomatoes are ready for harvest 60-90 days after the seeds were planted, with cherry and smaller varieties producing sooner.
• Pick ripe tomatoes at maximum color, but before they get soft.

Storage and Use

• Green tomatoes can also be picked and ripened in a dark place covered with paper. The process may take up to 2 weeks, and tomatoes should be checked regularly for damage.
• A wide variety of recipes are also available for green tomatoes.
• Washed, ripe tomatoes will keep for a week at room temperature and up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
• Tomatoes produce ethylene, which may cause other vegetables or fruit to ripen faster if they are stored together.
• Tomatoes can be caned using either hot packed or fresh pack methods leaving 1/4 inch of head space. Process in boiling water for 35-40 min for pints and 45-50 min for quarts depending on packing method and recipe.

References

Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky. ID-128. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service

Markham, B.L. 2014. The MiniFarming™ Bible: The Complete Guide to Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre. SkyHorse Publishing. New York, New York.

Rombauer, I.S. M.R. Becker, and E. Becker. 2006. “Salsa Fresco”. Joy of Cooking. Scribner. New York, New York. Pg 571.

Salsa Fresco, or Pico de Gallo

From The Joy of Cooking Combine in a medium bowl:

• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, seeded if desired and finely diced
• 1/4 -1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 3-5 serrano or jalapeno peppers or 1/4 to 1 habanero pepper seeded and minced
• 6 radishes finely minced- optional
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced- optional Stir together well. Season with salt to taste.

Makes 2 cups, serve immediately.

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM

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Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. Kentucky State University, University of Kentucky, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating. 2019

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