It seems we all enjoy thinking about growing those luscious tomatoes. In fact, it almost becomes an all out challenge for some of us! 

I know many of purchased plants that have been trying to grow for the past couple of months…some with success, others with issues.  A hoop house/ greenhouse is really a big help when it comes to growing tomatoes in our area.  Our nights are too cold and there is just too much moisture in the air, especially if you are near water.  Even with a green house, my tomatoes are struggling.  I have had two ripe cherry tomatoes, and more are on the way.

One of the many challenges of growing tomatoes, is how to prune back their growth.  It seems that once they take off…things can get out of hand very quickly. In order to understand how and when to prune,  it helps to understand the 2 types of tomato plants… Indeterminate and Determinate. This refers to their growth pattern and the fruit production.

Determinate varieties of tomatoes, also called "bush" tomatoes, are varieties that are bred to grow to a compact height (approx. 4 feet).  They stop growing when fruit sets on the terminal or top bud, ripen all their crop at or near the same time and then die.

They may require a limited amount of caging and/or staking for support, should be pruned lightly (if at all) as it severely reduces the crop. These plants will perform relatively well in a container (minimum size of 5-6 gallon). Examples are: Rutgers, Roma, Celebrity (called a semi-determinate by some), and Marglobe.

Indeterminate varieties of tomatoes are also called "vining" tomatoes. They will grow and produce fruit until killed by frost and can reach heights of up to 10 feet although 6 feet is considered the norm. They will bloom, set new fruit and ripen fruit all at the same time throughout the growing season.

They require substantial caging and/or staking for support and pruning and the removal of suckers is practiced by many but is not mandatory. The need for it and advisability of doing it varies from region to region. Experiment and see which works best for you. Because of the need for substantial support and the size of the plants, indeterminate varieties are not usually recommended as container plants. Examples are: Big Boy, Beef Master, most "cherry" types, Early Girl, most heirloom varieties, etc.

When pruning young suckers, just snip with your fingers.  It is really quite easy and you will have less chance of contaminating your plants with pruners that have been used on diseased plants. If you are good about disinfecting your pruners, then there should be no concern. I am providing a link that will help to better understand the pruning and thinning out of the tomato plant from a Master Gardener in Maryland.

Take a minute to view it and learn from an expert: Tomato Growing Secrets: Pruning Tomatoes

 A tomato sucker just starting to sprout…

Aside from pruning and thinning, there can be other challenges with growing tomatoes. Blossoms can drop, blights can appear on the leaves, as well as sunscald on the fruit.  I have provided a link to information from another Master Gardener.  I think you will find it helpful. How to avoid and treat tomato problems.

Now that we have looked into all the things you can do to produce those beautiful tomatoes we all dream of, here is a recipe I hope you enjoy!

Insalata Caprese is one of my favorites.  It has just a few ingredients but packed with flavor. Serve with a nice loaf of Ciabatta bread and you’re set for a delicious light meal.
 

Caprese Salad
Serves: 4 to 6

Ingredients
    •  3 vine-ripe tomatoes, 1/4-inch thick slices
    •  1 pound fresh mozzarella, 1/4-inch thick slices
    •  20 to 30 leaves (about 1 bunch) fresh basil
    •  Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
    •  Balsamic Vinegar, for drizzling
    •  Coarse salt and pepper

Directions
Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large, shallow platter. Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then, season with salt and pepper to taste.