Epic Gardening Tomato Growing Guide

Introduction

• Kevin from Epic Gardening shares 12+ years of tomato growing experience.
• Video offers unconventional tips for growing flavorful tomatoes.
• Includes information on choosing varieties, trellising, pruning, and harvesting.

Types of Tomatoes

• Vining (Indeterminate)
  • Suitable for larger spaces.
  • Grow indefinitely until the season ends.
  • Require support and pruning.
  • Offer consistent production over a longer period.
• Bushing (Determinant)
  • Ideal for small spaces.
  • Can grow in containers or bags.
  • Produce all fruit within a month.
  • Require minimal pruning.

Choosing Tomato Varieties

• Avoid focusing only on visually appealing varieties.
• Recommended:**
  • Cherries: Sun Gold.
  • Sauce Tomatoes: San Marzano.
  • Sandwich/Beef Steak: Cherokee Carbon.**

Pruning Techniques

• Bushing Tomatoes: Minimal pruning, maybe remove a few lower leaves.
• Vining Tomatoes:
  • Single Leader Technique: Remove all suckers for a focus on one main stem.
  • Alternative Technique: Remove the leaf below the sucker for better airflow and more fruit.

Trellising Options

1. Simple Bamboo Stake:
   • Suitable for bushing tomatoes.
   • Secure with twine.
2. Tomato Cage (Square):
   • Provides more support than conical cages.
3. Florida Weave:
   • Uses stakes and twine to sandwich tomatoes.
4. J Netting:
   • Existing structures can be utilized.
5. Top Twine Method:
   • Controlled support with twine and tomato clips.

Watering Tips

• Practice "deep infrequent" watering.
• Use "water wait water" method for effective soil hydration.
• Use mulch, preferably pure compost, to retain moisture.
• Avoid watering leaves to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizing Tips

• In Containers: Use liquid fertilizer with each watering.
• In Ground: Use compost or organic granular fertilizer.
• Avoid burying fish heads or eggs which takes time to break down.

Common Pests and Diseases

• Tomato Hornworms: Companion planting to attract parasitic wasps.
• Aphids: Blast with water using a spray nozzle.
• Cracking/Splitting: Reduce watering as tomatoes near harvest.
• Pollination Problems: Zip patterns are cosmetic, not flavor-affecting.
• Bird Damage: Provide alternative water sources.
• Sunburn: Provide shade or reduce pruning.
• Blossom End Rot: Ensure consistent watering to prevent calcium deficiency.

Harvesting and Storing

• Harvest at 50% ripeness to avoid pests and diseases.
• Store tomatoes with "shoulders" facing down to extend shelf life.

Recipe: Homegrown Tomato Confit

• Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, basil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, vinegar, graza olive oil, paprika.
• Method: Mix ingredients, bake at 425F for 25 minutes.

Conclusion

• Learning proper tomato growing techniques leads to a rich harvest.
• Additional tomato guides available on Epic Gardening.