If planting in an area that does not drain well, it is advised to plant in a raised bed. Tomatoes need well-drained soil and do poorly in heavy, wet soils. Most garden centers and nurseries carry varieties that have been proven to grow well and produce high quality, flavorful fruits for local conditions. However, all varieties will grow in Utah but not all are available or suitable. They have a more concentrated fruit set and maturity. Since the growing season in Utah is short, it is best to grown determinate or semi-determine types as When selecting varieties, consider your growing environment, primary use, and how much space is available to grow the plants. Tomatoes can be categorized by maturity class (early, midseason or late), fruit size (cherry, pear, plum or large), plant size (determinate, semi-determinate or indeterminate), fruit color (red, pink, yellow, orange), or use (fresh, process or dual use). Consult with your local nursery or garden center, seed salesman or any seed catalog for detailed information on characteristics of each variety. Many varieties are hybrids but heirloom tomatoes are becoming very popular. There are more than 4,000 tomato varieties worldwide so select varieties based on use, fruit size, earliness, soluble solids, growth habit or disease resistance. At the end of the season, gather all mature green and slightly colored fruits and store at 55☏.

Harvest tomatoes when the fruits are fully colored but still firm. Control insect and diseases throughout the year. Plastic and organic mulches also help conserve water and reduce weeding, however, do not apply organic mulches until soils have warmed to 75☏. Irrigation should be deep and infrequent. Use row covers or hot caps to protect the plants when transplanting before the frost-free period. In Utah, most gardeners transplant tomatoes through black plastic for earlier maturity. Plant tomato seeds directly in the garden 10-14 days before the last frost date. Side dress with additional nitrogen fertilizer later in the season to help grow a large vine. Incorporate organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting.

Tomatoes grow best in sunny locations and in fertile, well drained soils.

Watering tomato seedlings