The tomato originated in Central America, where it was cultivated by the Aztecs. When the Spanish invaded Central and South America, they seized upon the exotic fruit and sent it back to Europe. Southern Europe began using the fruit in their cuisines while northern Europe feared the tomato and believed it to be poisonous. However, they did grow this “Apple of Love,” as it was known to the French, or the “Apple of Paradise,” as the German’s called it, because they considered it an aesthetic curiosity in the garden. It was this ornamental appreciation that eventually brought the tomato to the “New World” where it was grown, but not eaten, by white colonists. Eventually Thomas Jefferson began cultivating the tomato as an edible crop, after which its use in the American kitchen began growing in popularity. Today, tomatoes are the most commonly grown fruit in the world, besting bananas, the second most popular fruit, and apples, the third most popular.

Tomatoes are a relatively easy fruit to grow, and are a delicious summertime treat best enjoyed straight from the garden. Plant them in a sunny location once all danger of frost has passed. Remember to set up your Staking System right away, to avoid a headache later on, since proper support helps keep the plants healthy and producing. Tomatoes come in two types: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate are better known as “bush” or “patio” varieties, and have a set-size that they will grow to, making them ideal for shorter growing seasons or small spaces. Fruit on a determinate tomato plant sets and ripens all at once. Indeterminate varieties, such as cherry or grape tomatoes, will continue to grow and produce throughout the season; until the plant is eventually killed by frost or runs out of nutrients. Be sure to always supply tomatoes with added calcium to prevent Blossom End Rot. Consistently check water levels throughout the day, since tomato plants are very heavy drinkers and require a lot of water. The most common pest is the Tomato Hornworm, which can destroy your crops with its voracious appetite. Check plants regularly and pick any off by hand. Hornworms that have rice-looking eggs on them may be left alone; as this indicates the hornworm has become a host for parasitic wasp eggs, and it will eventually die.

COMMON PESTS: Aphids, Flea Beetles, Tomato Hornworms, Whiteflies, Potato Beetle, Mosquitoes, Stink Bugs

SUSCEPTIBLE TO: Blossom End Rot, Splitting, Cat-facing, Magnesium Deficiency, Mosaic Virus, Early/Late Blight, Bacterial Spot/Speck, Verticilum Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, Canker, Black Mold, Gray Mold, Yellow Leaf Curl Disease