Tomatoes can be grown anywhere, but they grow best in temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit according to university of Georgia. The hot and humid weather in Georgia is generally conductive to development of several diseases with excellent disease resistant. But, if you are looking forward to know about growing the best tomatoes and when to plant tomatoes in Georgia just keep on scrolling.
Best Tomato Varieties To Grow In Georgia:
Determinate Tomato Plants:
Determinate tomatoes are small plants that can grow up to 4-5 feet tall and fruit of this plant matures in very short period. Once the first set of fruit ripens, the plant diminishes and produces no fruit further. Even though they have compact size, staking is recommended because the branches get heavier when the plant produces fruits.
Some of the best determinate tomatoes are Amish paste, celebrity, marglobe, roma tomatoes, san marzano and Rutgers.
Indeterminate Tomato Plants:
Indeterminate tomatoes can grow up to 10 feet tall and the fruit ripen throughout the season. This plant stops growing when they are killed by frost. But, when they are harvested at the right time, they continue to produce fruit until the last frost.
The best variety to choose is the bush type which do best when staked or grown in cages with proper care. And if you want to grow vine types, ensure that you are providing the right support.
When Is The Best Time To Start Tomatoes In Georgia?
You can grow tomatoes indoors as well as outdoors. Choosing a spot like south facing window works best and using a light soil mix that is apt for the plant. Then transplant them in to the garden, around mid march to early may once the frost has passed.
Planting:
Start planting your seeds from mid march to early may. And if you are living in southern state of Georgia, then you can plant them anytime in phase.
Spacing:
You should space the plants 20-25 inches apart, if you are planning for trellis or stakes. Staking and trellis help the plant to grow disease free and to produce good quality fruit.
Growing Tomatoes In Georgia:
Tomatoes prefer well rich organic matter to grow healthily. Make sure the soil PH is 6.2 -6.8 and if it is low in PH, add dolomite limestone for further recommendations.
Mulching:
Mulching the plant after transplanting will benefit around the stem. Using weed free straw, chopped leaves aid in retaining moisture that control weed growth around your plants.
Mulch the plant to the depth of 2-3 inches or use newspaper across the plant to protect the plant from weeds as weed barrier.
Fertilizing:
Fertilize your plant once in every 5 weeks. If you are using liquid fertilizer, make sure to avoid using excessively that leads to excess nitrogen.
Watering:
Water your plants thoroughly once or twice in a week. Always go for heavy soaking and avoid sprinkling. You can also apt for irrigation system that helps you to water your plants when needed and help them to conserve moisture.
Harvesting:
Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripened. You can also pick them off when they are in green color and store them until they ripen completely. Make sure to place the fruit in a well ventilated area and make sure they’re not packed together.