CORVALLIS, Ore. — Nothing challenges Oregon vegetable gardeners quite like coaxing a ripe tomato from the vine. Between unpredictable weather, pests and disease, it can be a test of patience — and persistence.
“Everyone wants to grow tomatoes,” said Amy Jo Detweiler, horticulturist with the Oregon State University Extension Service. “It’s a universal food people tend to like.”
Still, wanting to grow tomatoes and successfully doing it are two different things. Short growing seasons on both sides of the Cascade Range — and limited sunlight on the coast — often mean tomatoes take their time to ripen, if they ripen at all.
Choose varieties suited to Oregon’s climate
When shopping for tomato starts, Detweiler recommends choosing varieties that mature in 60 to 70 days rather than those that take 70 to 100.
“Some of those are ‘Legend,’ ‘Early Girl’ and ‘Siletz,’ all developed by Oregon State,” she said.
Cherry tomatoes such as ‘Sun Gold,’ ‘Gold Nugget’ and ‘Sweet Million’ also ripen early and are great choices for beginning gardeners. Large beefsteak types can be rewarding but are more challenging in Oregon’s climate.
Tomatoes come in two main growth habits. Indeterminate varieties continue to grow and ripen fruit throughout the season. Determinate types ripen most of their fruit at once, making them ideal for canning and sauces. For detailed information and recipes for preserving tomatoes, visit the OSU Extension guide Canning tomatoes and tomato products.
Give tomatoes protection in cooler regions
In colder parts of the state — such as Central and Eastern Oregon — tomatoes benefit from protection to extend the growing season.
“If you don’t have a greenhouse, use a cloche or row cover,” Detweiler said. “When plants are young, water rings are helpful. They absorb heat during the day and release it at night.”
Plastic mulch or sheeting around plants can also help retain soil warmth and moisture.
Amy Jo Detweiler’s tips for growing tomatoes
- Select sturdy, healthy plants.
- Choose a site that gets at least six hours of full sun each day.
- Plant in well-drained soil amended with compost or well-rotted manure.
- Remove lower leaves and bury the stem 5 to 10 inches deeper than it was in the pot. Roots will form along the buried stem. As the plant grows, remove leaves near the ground to reduce soil-borne diseases.
- Space plants far enough apart for good air circulation and sunlight penetration. Vigorous plants are better able to resist pests and diseases.
- Use a strong tomato cage or trellis for support.
- Start fertilizing about two weeks after planting with a 5-10-10 or 5-10-5 fertilizer. Follow label directions and feed about every three weeks until fruit begins to ripen.
- Water deeply every two to three days — more often in very hot weather — but don’t let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Pinch off side shoots (suckers) that have no blossoms where they meet the main stem. This directs energy toward fruit development instead of foliage.
For more information about growing tomatoes, consult the OSU Extension publication Grow your own tomatoes and tomatillos or contact a local OSU Extension Master Gardener.
Previously titled Tips for growing big, beautiful tomatoes
