Curtis Jones, Co-Founder of Botanical Interests, provided this information about growing tomatoes.
Start tomatoes indoors 4 to 6 weeks before average last spring frost, and transplant them out when daytime temperatures are at least 45°F, and soil temperature is ideally 70 to 90 degrees. [Our Ag Extension Office recommends transplating from April 20 to July 15.]
Containers
Plant seends in shallow, sterile containers with drainage (4-packs or 6-packs are common). Transplant the seedlings into larger, 3 to 4-inch containers once the true, scalloped leaves have emerged.
Seed Starting Mix
Use a lightweight seed starting mix, and sow seeds at a shallow, 1/8 to 1/4-inch depth. Seed starting mix is sterile (unlike garden soil) and lighter than potting mix, allowing for the ideal air-to-moisture ratio.
When transplanting seedlings outside, either 1) plant them deeply, burying the stem and leaving 1 to 2 sets of leaves above ground; or 2) set each plant almost horizontally in the ground, leaving 2 sets of leaves above ground. The buried part of the stem will sprout roots and develop a strong, extensive root system. The top of a horizontal seedling will naturally reach toward the sun and right itself. Place any stakes, cages, or other type of supports in the ground just after transplanting to avoid root damage later on.
Growing Temperature
Temperatures above 55°F at night are required for fruit set. Night temperatures above 75°F in the summer inhibit fruit set and can cause blossom drop (no fruit production). Wait until night temperatures are at least 45°F before transplanting.
Water
Tomatoes need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on the type of soil they are growing in. One or 2 deep soakings per week in mild weather, and 2 or 3 per week in hot weather should be sufficient. If tomatoes are cracking, back off on the water. Too much water can burst tomatoes and water down the flavor.
Harvesting
Each variety is different when it comes to color. Check your seed packet to see when the tomato is ripe.
Tomatoes are grouped into two main types according to growth habit and production:
DETERMINATE types (e.g., Ace 55, Glacier, Italian Roma) grow in a compact, bush form, requiring little or no staking. Fruit is produced on the ends of the branches; most of the crop ripens at the same time. One or more successive plantings will ensure an extended harvest period. Determinate types are often the choice of those who want a large supply of ripe fruit at once for canning.
INDETERMINATE (e.g., Better Bush, Sun Gold, Black Krim) varieties continue to grow and produce fruit all season until first frost. Tomatoes in all stages of development may be on the plants at one time. The plants set fruit clusters along a vining stem, which grows vigorously and long. Under optimum conditions, some can grow over 15 feet, but in most home gardens they generally reach about 6 feet. Some indeterminates have a bush form with stockier vines, which set fruit clusters closer together.
In between these two types are the SEMI-DETERMINATE (e.g., Lizzano). The plants will grow larger than determinate varieties, but not as large as indeterminate. They produce a main crop that ripens at once, but also continue to produce up until frost.