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Rockbridge Tomato Guide Households across Rockbridge County are anxiously anticipating their first homegrown tomato of the growing season. Many look forward to the u n iquely satisfying experience and f lavor of a fresh, vine-ripe tomato you or a family member have grown in the home garden or container.
If the anticipation of this treat is interrupted by a plant disease, insect pest or other calamity, it can be especially frustrating.
In an effort to ensure the success of home-grown tomatoes, a team from the Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners Association has assembled a helpful and concise guide for growing tomatoes in Rockbridge County.
“Growing Tomatoes in Rockbridge County” is organized as a month-by-month guide, providing helpful tips for successful home-grown tomatoes. The guide touches on everything from variety selection, to transplanting to watering, pruning, and mulching to disease and insect management.
Right now, early planted tomatoes need attention. From the “Rockbridge Tomato Guide” we read: “The most common diseases of tomatoes in Rockbridge County are caused by soil-borne fungi that splash up on your plant leaves during rains or watering. Immediately after you plant your tomatoes, put down a thin layer of mulch such as straw, grass clippings, shredded leaves, pine needles, or newspaper. Because mulch can delay soil warming, however, wait until the soil is thoroughly warm before adding a 2 to 4-inch mulch layer that will prevent weed growth and hold in soil moisture. Soon after planting, it is important to stake or cage your tomato plants to prevent disease and fruit rot. A stake or cage that is 4 feet above ground is adequate for determinate tomatoes, but indeterminate varieties require one that is at least 5 feet. Stakes should be set about 4 inches from each plant and plants should be spaced at least 30 inches apart. Caged plants should be spaced at least 36 inches apart in rows 60 inches apart. As the plants grow, pull the stems toward the stakes and tie them loosely.”
For local and personalized help with gardening questions, Rockbridge Master Gardener volunteers are available for consultation most Mondays at the Rockbridge Extension Office located at 150 S. Main St. in Lexington from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or questions can be submitted through the RAMGA website at ramga.org.
Online resources including the tomato guide and other gardening information tailored for Rockbridge County are available at ramga.org. Printed copies of the “Rockbridge Tomato Guide” and other helpful publications are available at the Rockbridge Extension Office.
