How to Grow Tomatoes in the Home Garden

Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable in the home garden. Tomatoes are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. While most tomatoes are red, there are also yellow, orange, and pink varieties. Sizes vary from the bite-size grape tomatoes to the giant beefsteak varieties. MORE

Grape tomatoes are popular hybrids with enhanced sweetness and smaller size that make them convenient for fresh eating and salads.  MORE

Diseases.

Septoria leaf spot and early blight are common fungal leaf diseases of tomato. Cultural techniques can help reduce the risk of foliar blight outbreaks. MORE

When you inevitably do see problems be sure to check out Extension publication PM 1266 on tomato diseases.

Insect Pests.

Tomato and tobacco hornworms are large, green caterpillars that can do a number on tomato plants in a hurry. MORE

Harvesting.

You can ripen tomatoes indoors to enjoy them after frost. MORE

Also see the ISU extension publication on PM0638 on Canning and Freezing tomatoes.

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