Types of Tomatoes

There are five commonly used terms associated with each of the five types of tomatoes. (right) A couple of my Beefsteak Tomatoes from 2008's harvest.

Determinate: Bush-type tomato plants that grow to a certain size, stop and set all their fruit at once.

Indeterminate: Vining-type tomato plants that continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season.

Patio: Tomato plants that are specifically bred to be small enough to grow in a window box, hanging basket or small container.

Heirloom: Non-hybrid tomatoes that have been grown for generations. Known for their exceptional flavors and rich colors, heirloom tomatoes have stuck around because of the careful cultivation and the seed saving skills of generations of gardeners throughout the world.

Hybrid: Tomato plants that have been developed to be more disease resistant and uniform in production for large-scale food processing - in some cases, at the expense of true tomato flavor.

Roma Tomato

I started with a 4" starter plant, La Roma Tomato from Tanasacres Nursery. I planted my roma directly into the garden in full sun with a trellis to climb. Roma's are one of the best Italian -type tomatoes known for its outstanding vigor and heavy yields. (right top) My Roma Tomatoe on June 22, 2009, it is about 3' feet tall and is starting to flower. (right bottom) My Roma Tomato plant on August 22, 2009, new fruit. I have already harvested around 20 tomatoes from this plant. The tomatoes are very sweet and plump.

Growing Tips: Roma Tomatoes prefer full sun and consistent soil moisture. Water regularly throughout summer. Starting in August, water every other day. Space plants 24" - 36" apart in rows 36" - 48" apart.

Harvesting: Roma Tomatoes mature in 62 days, pick when fruit is bright red and firm.

Cherry Tomatoes

I started with a 6" starter plant, Cherry Tomato from Chef Jeff's. I planted it into a large, deep terra-cotta pot with a tomato cage for climbing in full sun. (right) My cherry tomatoes getting ready for harvest in September 2008.

Growing Tips: Cherry Tomatoes prefer full sun and something to climb however, this variety is a shorter, stocky plant. Plant 2' - 3' apart.

Placement: Grow your tomatoes next to basil and both will grow larger and healthier.

Harvesting: You can harvest your tomatoes throughout the growing season as they ripen. They are a prolific bearer and will mature in 68 days. (right) My Cherry Tomato plant in early October 2007. The tomatoes were very sweet and tasty.