Dear Gardeners,
Welcome to the Special Edition “Tomato Gardening Made Easy” issue of Food Gardening Magazine!
There’s nothing quite like the first bite of a sun-warmed tomato fresh from your own garden. That perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, the juice running down your chin, the aroma that transports you to summer even in the dead of winter–it’s what keeps us coming back to tomato growing year after year, despite all the challenges these temperamental beauties can throw our way.
This season, I’m scaling back my tomato ambitions in the best possible way. Instead of planting 20 varieties “just to try them,” I’m focusing on six proven performers: three paste tomatoes for sauce-making, two cherry varieties the kids actually eat, and one spectacular slicer for sandwiches. It’s a lesson in intentional gardening that’s taken me years to learn–sometimes less really is more. But hey, you’re here for the special issue, so let’s get into it!
Getting Started Right
Set yourself up for tomato success with these fundamental guides:
When to Start Your Tomato Seeds: Master the timing that gives your plants the best head start for a productive season.
The 10 Sweetest Tomatoes to Plant: Discover varieties that deliver exceptional flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
10 Best Companion Plants for Tomatoes: Learn which plants boost your tomato health while maximizing garden space.
Variety Selection & Specialty Uses
Choose the right tomatoes for your specific needs and growing conditions:
The 5 Best Tomatoes for Salsa: Find varieties that bring the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and heat to your homemade salsas.
Preventing Cross-Pollination of Heirloom Tomatoes: Preserve the genetic integrity of your treasured heirloom varieties for future seasons.
Can You Eat Green Tomatoes Raw or Are They Toxic?: Get the facts about green tomato safety and discover delicious ways to use them.
Care & Maintenance
Keep your tomato plants healthy and productive throughout the growing season:
How to Prune Tomato Plants, Peppers, Cucumbers and More: Master pruning techniques that improve air circulation and boost fruit production.
Harvesting and Pruning your Tomatoes: Learn the best practices for gathering your harvest while encouraging continued production.
How to Ripen Tomatoes Quickly Three Ways: Speed up the ripening process when time or weather isn’t on your side.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Diagnose and solve tomato growing challenges before they become disasters:
Yellow Leaves on Tomato Plants? 5 Reasons and Remedies: Identify what’s causing yellowing foliage and take action to restore plant health.
How to Stop Vegetable Blight from Ruining Tomatoes: Prevent and manage this devastating disease that can destroy entire crops.
How to Avoid Tomato Blossom End Rot: Understand the causes of this frustrating condition and implement prevention strategies.
Why Do Tomatoes Split and How to Stop It: Learn what causes fruit cracking and how to maintain consistent growing conditions.
Decoding Tomato Leaf Aromas to Detect Disease Before Visible Symptoms: Use your nose to catch problems early, before they become visible disasters.
Weather Protection Strategies
Shield your tomato harvest from unpredictable weather conditions:
How to Protect Your Tomato Harvest During a Rainy Summer Season: Safeguard your plants when Mother Nature won’t cooperate with your growing plans.
Now Get Back into the Garden!
Gold Members can explore our Gardening Kits tab for additional resources:
Check them out now, and download your favorites!
Tomato growing teaches us patience, observation, and the art of working with nature rather than against it. Every season brings new lessons, whether it’s discovering a variety that thrives in your specific microclimate or finally mastering the watering schedule that prevents blossom end rot. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards–and nothing beats the satisfaction of serving a meal made with tomatoes you grew yourself.
Happy planting!
Warm regards,
Christy Page
Editor & Publisher
P.S. What’s your all-time favorite tomato variety, and what makes it special? Is it the flavor, the reliability, or maybe a sentimental connection? Share your tomato love story in the comments below!
