===== PAGE 1 ===== 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.
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• 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. ===== PAGE 2 ===== ## 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.
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## 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. KYSU.EDU/AG | @KYSUAG