By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Extension Agent Joe Janak provides data on which varieties are the best producers in the South Central Texas region. -- Staff photo by Taylor

March 16, 2006 - With the “early” arrival of spring in South Central Texas, gardeners are plowing their garden spaces, getting them ready for the fresh vegetable seeds and starter plants, and looking forward to sweet, homegrown tomatoes.

Victoria County members and visitors of the Farmers’ Market Association met in February to hear what to expect from which tomato plants, and how to take proper care of them to be assured of a plump, tasty tomato crop.

Joe Janak, Victoria County Extension agent, discussed growing tomatoes for market, as well as personal consumption.

Surprisingly … to many people … tomatoes were first produced in Peru, South America, with five botanical varieties. The Aztec tribe in Central America called them “Tomati.” In 1521, history notes that Cortez took them to Europe, and by 1544, Italy was producing a golden apple tomato. It was years later when the red tomatoes were produced in Italy.

In Germany, people called the tomato a “Wolf Peach,” and they are believed to have made their way from England to America as ornamentals, since some thought the tomato to be poisonous. 

Thomas Jefferson is given credit, according to Janak, as bringing the first tomatoes to the American table, along with French fries. By 1883, Congress passed a law allowing the imported fruit.

  After this “unknown” history was related, the crowd was then introduced to the latest varieties that grow best in this part of Texas, along with the proper way to care for the plants. Janak explained that the major things a grower needs to address include finding the best varieties for the area; planting at the right time; proper soil preparation and fertilization; weed and insect control; moisture; and harvest time.

Two of the most important “starting point” things about planting a tomato crop involve temperature and daylight hours. Janak said it’s important to wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 65 degrees, and night temperatures are at least 50 degrees. Another requirement for a good tomato crop is at least 8-plus hours of sunlight.

He advised gardeners to fertilize the plants at planting, and recommended having a soil test to see if there is too much pH present in the top six inches of soil.

Growers using containers need to make sure the potting soil they are using is sterile, and that the plants are able to get between 14 to 16 hours of sunlight.

While water is necessary for the correct growth, plants need to be where they have good drainage so they don’t stand in water. 

Once the plants are growing well, growers should decide of they are going to use stakes or cages to train the plant. Either method is acceptable, Janak noted, so that they are kept off the ground and soil to reduce soil-borne diseases.

He also explained that mulching between rows is very important to keep weeds down and prevent fruit rot. And, to allow for proper growth, “sucker” vines should be pruned so the plants have two to three feet between them.

While gardeners have a wide choice of plant varieties, Janak said the Champion has been know to produce up to 73 pounds of tomatoes per plant, with 40 to 50 being the average. Modern hybrid plants usually produce less than 10 pounds per plant.

Some varieties that are recommended for South Central Texas include the Bush Celebrity, Solar Set, Dona, Early Girl and Champion.  Seeds are available at local stores, as well as seed companies.

(The Texas Department of Agriculture posts guidelines on raising tomatoes for market, and information about required licenses for selling flowers and some vegetables, at www.agr.state.tx.us\forms\index.htm#nursery.)