Is it time to plant tomatoes? Sure, if you feel lucky. The nice weather in February will lull gardeners into a false sense of security. The almanac says the last freeze date is March 17th. I resisted that tomato urge but I do have my garden prepped and I hope that everyone has theirs ready as well.

The most popular garden crop worldwide is the tomato. Hopefully, the following will answer the most common tomato questions.

I recommend a pre-plant fertilizer application 3 to 4 weeks before. Since I try to keep my garden all-natural I pick fertilizers accordingly. I have had excellent results with Wells Brothers Dirt Diet 4-1-2 and Medina’s 3-2-3. Once the plants are growing, choose a fertilizer with an equal or lower nitrogen (1st number) than phosphate (2nd number) and potash (3rd number). Too much nitrogen will grow large plants with little or no fruit. My go-to fertilizer is Espoma’s Tomato Tone with a 3-4-6 ratio. Synthetics with an 8-10-8, 5-10-5 and 10-10-10 can also be good choices.

Heirloom vs. Hybrid vs. GMO

The term Heirloom is used to describe any type of plant or seed that has been saved and grown for a period of years. Heirloom seed must be of the openly pollinated type. Heirlooms are simply varieties that are capable of producing seeds that will produce seedlings just like the parent (true) plant.

Hybrids mean crossbreeding compatible types of plants to a plant with the best features of both. Many modern plants are the results of these crosses. Seed from hybrids will not produce plants with identical qualities. Plants can cross-pollinate in nature and hybrids repeatedly selected and grown may eventually stabilize into Heirlooms.

GMOs, (Genetically Modified Organisms) can be any plant, animal or microorganism, which has been genetically altered at the molecular level. Wells Brothers sells NO GMO plants or seeds.

The two most important terms:

Determinate: relatively compact (bush) plants that do most of their growing before setting a limited number of fruit that tends to ripen all at once. As a rule, determinates set fruit the fastest.

Indeterminate: a vining plant that can grow very large (needs support), blossoms, and produce tomatoes throughout the growing season.

The Celebrity is the exception to the rule; it is called semi-determinate even though the tags say it is determinate. It grows like a determinate (bush) and in some cases will produce more than one crop. All tomatoes are planted the same way regardless of variety. From 70% to 80% of the total plant (including the roots) should be below ground. Remove any container material, including the fiber pots. I add Wells Brothers “Jump Starter” to the prepared hole. Then lightly break up the root ball and dip it in water just before planting. Now is the time to install any support structure that the plant will need.

Everything you ever wanted to know about tomatoes click here:

Some tomato names to remember:

Celebrity
Sweet 100
Arkansas Traveler
Big Boy
Better Boy
Roma (paste)
Porter
Patio
Husky Cherry Red
Grape
Brandi Wine
Yellow Pear
Better Bush
Rutgers
Indigo Rose
Super Fantastic

January Garden Tips

It may be chilly outside at this time of the year, but winter is a perfect time for a number of outdoor chores. Just consider how much better outdoor chores like soil preparation, planting, transplanting, and pruning can be done without toiling in hot summer temperatures.

If you need to move a plant to a different spot in the landscape, this is the month to accomplish this job. Most plants move best when they are fully dormant as a result of prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Remove some of the top growth to compensate for the inevitable loss of some of the roots. Once the plant is moved, water thoroughly, apply root stimulator, and a few inches of mulch over the root area.

January is a great month to accomplish pruning of fruit trees. Annual pruning keeps the harvest within reach, thins crowded branches, allowing more light to penetrate developing fruit and stimulates new growth for next year’s crop. Shade trees can also be pruned at this time.

Fruit trees and vines can be planted at this time as the ground usually does not freeze here in north Texas. You can also prepare the soil for a new flower, rose or shrub beds by mixing plenty of organic material like compost. This way the soil is ready for immediate planting when temperatures get a little warmer.

Fertilize pansies to keep them actively growing. Houseplants can be fertilized with reduced rates of water-soluble fertilizer this month. Do not over-water your houseplants.

Birds of all kinds appreciate a constant source of seed, suet and water during the winter and you will enjoy the activity they create in your backyard. Just remember once you start feeding, you should keep it up through the winter.

Did you know that Wells Brothers sells bulk garden seeds?

Can you grow your own food? If you answered no, then take a look at our upcoming workshops. If the answer is yes, (still look at the upcoming workshops) then did you know that Wells Brothers sells pre-packaged and bulk garden seeds? In our business, bulk means loose, not a lot. We measure these seeds by the scoop. We have large and small scoops for different kinds of seeds. The large scoop will hold 4 small scoops. So if you don’t need a large scoop of Blue Lake beans you can use the small scoop.

If you have leftover seeds it’s ok to store them for next season. Seed life varies tremendously depending on the type of seed and storage conditions. Seeds in the paper package in a kitchen drawer are good for over a year before the germination rate starts dropping. I have planted 3-year-old seeds with about 70% germinating. Just remember to write the purchase date on the package for future reference.

Then there is the “Methuselah” tree. It was germinated in 2005 from seeds that were found in 1963, where they had been stored for 2,000 or so years!