Timing is everything in much of life and it couldn’t be more important in the success of the tomato gardener. The biggest mistake and reason for lack of success in growing tomatoes here in the valley is planting too late. Old timers who have had much success have always pushed the envelope a bit and had their plants in the ground by valentine’s day at least and some the last weekend of January or the first of February. Now to be sure we can and still might have a frost right up through the end of Febrary so be prepared and in fact I’d just cover them anyway. The warmer they stay the faster they will grow! Speaking of growing fast, the second most common mistake is to not have the ground pepared properly or to fertilize enough or a combination of both. If tomatoes , or any annual, slows down or stops growing it is very difficult for them to continue on! So plant early, be sure your soil is very well prepared (see our garden preparation guide:) and fertilize regularly-we like fertilome start and grow or organo 10-10-10.
As far as varieties, well if i asked 10 gardeners i’d get 12 answers as to which is best! The best one is one you grew,harvested,and ate from your own garden. I’d try 2-3 different ones and make the determination your self. Besides, one or two plants generally is not enough tomatoes anyway!! Good luck and Good Growin’
Since 1945-Harper’s Home Grown…It Is What We Do & Who We Are!
Weekly Garden Tip: Tomato Time
January 26, 2012 By
I am a 3rd generation native Arizonan and my brothers Jeff and Jerry and I are the 3rd generation to own and operate Harper's Nursery and Landscape Company inc. Being born and raised in the landscape/gardening business in such a unique gardening environment as the Arizona desert, gives us a unique position and outlook on how to be successful gardeners in this area.
