Heirloom Tomato Planting Instructions

Our tomato plants are grown from seed in successively deeper pots. As the plants grow more soil is added to leave only the top sets of leaves in the air. (Roots grow from the stem when in contact with soil.) In this way the plants will have a strong root structure when they are planted out.

Plant out the first week of June after all risk of frost has past. More importantly, the soil temperature needs to be warm, otherwise the plant will get shocked and take several weeks to recuperate.

Tomatoes should only be watered about once a week and left to dry out between. They should struggle a bit.

When planting out, dig a hole deep enough to accept the root structure. Add some nutrients and water to the hole. We use greensand, calphos and trace minerals. Bone meal may be used.

Heirloom tomatoes are typically large rambling vines. They can grow 6’ to 8’ tall and need to be staked. A tomato staking system is also available that is easy yet effective for supporting these plants.

The lower branches are pruned off below the first foot leaving only one main stem. Heirloom plants are typically indeterminate and will flower and fruit all season long until fall providing you with a continuous harvest.

Enjoy!