What to know
- Carefully loosen the roots of the seedling and place it in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Drive a stake into the ground next to each plant and tie the stem to the stake with twine or garden ties as it grows.
- Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Growing your own tomatoes is a rewarding experience, and the Bush Early Girl variety is a favorite for its speed, flavor, and ease of care. This blog post will guide you through the process of how to grow bush early girl tomato, from planting to harvesting.
Choosing the Right Spot
Early Girl tomatoes thrive in full sun, so select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or other organic material to improve drainage and aeration.
Starting Your Seeds
Early Girl tomatoes can be started indoors or directly outdoors.
- Starting Indoors: Begin seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Use seed starting trays or small pots filled with seed starting mix. Moisten the soil, sprinkle seeds on the surface, and cover lightly with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of 70-75°F. Once seedlings have two true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or directly outdoors.
- Starting Outdoors: If you live in a warmer climate, you can directly sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart. Keep the soil moist and thin out seedlings to the strongest one per location.
Transplanting Your Tomato Plants
When your tomato seedlings have reached a height of 6-8 inches, they are ready to be transplanted outdoors.
- Hardening Off: Before transplanting, gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them in a shaded location for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors. This process is called “hardening off” and helps them adjust to the sun, wind, and temperature changes.
- Transplanting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper. Carefully loosen the roots of the seedling and place it in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
Supporting Your Tomato Plants
Bush Early Girl tomatoes grow to a compact, bushy shape, but they may need some support as they mature.
- Cages: Tomato cages are a popular choice for supporting Bush Early Girl plants. They provide a sturdy structure for the plants to grow on and prevent the stems from becoming weighed down by fruit.
- Stakes: You can also use stakes to support your tomato plants. Drive a stake into the ground next to each plant and tie the stem to the stake with twine or garden ties as it grows.
Watering and Fertilizing
Early Girl tomatoes need consistent moisture to thrive. Water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your tomato plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct application rate.
- Mulching: Mulch around your tomato plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves.
Preventing Pests and Diseases
Early Girl tomatoes are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be susceptible to problems.
- Pests: Common tomato pests include aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of infestation and take action early to prevent major damage.
- Diseases: Tomato diseases include late blight, early blight, and fusarium wilt. Practice good sanitation, avoid overcrowding, and water at the base of the plant to prevent these diseases.
Harvesting Your Tomatoes
Early Girl tomatoes ripen quickly, typically within 58-65 days after planting. Pick tomatoes when they are firm and red.
- Storage: Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Using Your Harvest: Enjoy your fresh, homegrown tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, sauces, and other dishes.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
Growing Bush Early Girl tomatoes is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the taste of fresh, homegrown produce. By following these simple tips, you can cultivate healthy, productive plants and harvest a bountiful crop of delicious tomatoes.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
How often should I water my Bush Early Girl tomato plants?
Water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. The frequency will depend on your climate, soil type, and the age of your plants.
What are the signs of a healthy Bush Early Girl tomato plant?
A healthy Bush Early Girl tomato plant will have lush green foliage, strong stems, and plenty of blossoms and developing fruit.
How can I prevent blossom end rot in my tomatoes?
Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency. To prevent it, ensure your tomato plants receive consistent moisture and fertilize them regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
Why are my tomato leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can be caused by several factors, including nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations. Identify the cause and take appropriate action.
Can I grow Bush Early Girl tomatoes in containers?
Yes, Bush Early Girl tomatoes can be grown successfully in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. Use a high-quality potting mix and fertilize regularly.
