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.