Best Tomato to Grow in YOUR Zone

Summary

In this informative video, Brian from Next Level Gardening helps gardeners select the best tomato varieties for different climate zones. He covers options for hot, humid areas, dry climates, and cold, short growing seasons. The video highlights both hybrid and heirloom tomatoes that thrive in these environments, providing essential tips for managing challenges like disease resistance and temperature extremes. Viewers are encouraged to share their experiences and tomato varieties that work in their areas, creating a community of gardening knowledge and support.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choosing the right tomato variety for your climate is crucial for successful growth.
• 😀 Hybrid tomatoes are often better suited for heat and humidity, while heirlooms perform better in more stable conditions.
• 😀 Determinate tomatoes produce all their fruit at once and then stop, while indeterminate tomatoes continue to produce until the frost hits.
• 😀 For southern climates, hybrids like Better Boy and Tropic, and heirlooms like Arkansas Traveler and Brandywine, are excellent choices.
• 😀 Tomatoes in hot, dry climates thrive better with varieties like Sun Master and Beefmaster, which tolerate high temperatures.
• 😀 For northern or cold climates, look for early maturing varieties such as Patio Choice, Fourth of July, and Bloody Butcher.
• 😀 Tomatoes grown in humid environments can benefit from a bi-weekly aspirin spray to help fight diseases like wilt and blight.
• 😀 Shade cloth (around 35%) can help tomatoes withstand intense heat and prolong their productivity.
• 😀 Starting seeds for quick-producing tomatoes early can ensure a harvest before high summer temperatures arrive.
• 😀 Tomatoes for cold climates, like Polar Baby and Northern Exposure, are specially developed to grow in cooler conditions with minimal heat.
• 😀 The video encourages viewers to share their local tomato-growing experiences and offers a wide range of varieties for every climate.

Q & A

Why might someone have trouble growing tomatoes in their garden?

The problem could be that they are growing the wrong tomato variety for their specific climate zone.

What are the key differences between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes?

Determinate tomatoes, like Roma, grow to a set height, produce all their fruit at once, and then stop. Indeterminate tomatoes, such as Better Boy, continue growing and producing fruit until frost ends the season.

What challenges do tomatoes face in the South due to heat and humidity?

In the South, heat and humidity can lead to diseases like verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and blight, which often affect heirloom varieties. Hybrid tomatoes are generally more resistant to these issues.

Which hybrid tomato variety is known for being particularly good for the Southern climate?

Better Boy is a popular hybrid that thrives in humid environments. It is indeterminate and has a classic tomato flavor, making it a great choice for the South.

Can heirloom tomatoes also thrive in the South's heat and humidity?

Yes, certain heirlooms like Arkansas Traveler and Brandywine are well-suited for the South, with the Arkansas Traveler being especially resilient in humid conditions.

What are some tips for growing tomatoes in humid conditions?

Spraying with an aspirin solution every two weeks can help reduce disease. Additionally, using 35% shade cloth during the hottest part of the day can protect the plants and keep them productive.

What makes tomatoes suitable for hot, dry climates like deserts or inland valleys?

Tomatoes like Sun Master and Punta Banda are ideal for hot, dry climates because they can produce fruit even when temperatures exceed 90°F. These tomatoes are drought-resistant and have high disease resistance.

What are some heirloom tomato varieties that perform well in hot, dry climates?

Heirloom varieties like Arkansas Traveler, Eva Purple Ball, and Marble Striped perform well in hot, dry climates, offering good disease resistance and the ability to handle high temperatures.

How do short growing seasons affect tomato selection for northern regions?

In areas with short growing seasons, selecting early-producing varieties is crucial. Tomatoes that ripen in around 50 days, like Patio Choice and Early Wonder, are perfect for shorter growing periods.

What are the best tomato varieties for cold climates with little summer heat?

Varieties like Northern Delight, Polar Baby, and Manitoba are well-suited for cold climates. They are developed to withstand low temperatures and shorter growing seasons, ensuring they can ripen even in northern regions.