GROWING  TOMATOES IN THE HOME GARDEN prepared by James D. Utzinger, Extension Horticulturist, The Ohio state University reprinted from Landscape Facts, Cooperative  Extension Service, 1969 The Tomato is An Excellent Vegetable Crop for  the Home Garden. One of the most popular of all vegetables  grown in the home garden is the tomato. Tomatoes, when grown as staked plants  require a relatively small amount of space, yet are capable of producing eight  to ten pounds or more of fruit per plant. The plant is relatively low in  calories and is considered by nutritionists to be a good source of Vitamin  C. Different Types of Tomatoes are Available to the Home Gardener. Tomatoes can be grown in several sizes,  shapes, and colors, depending upon the varieties planted. Tomato fruit may be  red, yellow, orange, or pink in color and round, slightly flattened, globe or pear like in shape. Some varieties have the potential to develop large fruit under favorable growing conditions ; other varieties such as the small cherry  type, develop only small size fruit because of genetic control of fruit size. Gardeners interested in the salad or novelty type tomatoes may elect to grow the small and large red cherry types or the red and yellow pear or plum types. Those gardeners interested in growing large fruited types of tomatoes might select varieties such as Big Boy or Wonder Boy. Recommended yellow fruited varieties include Golden Jubilee or Sunray. Pinkshipper is a recommended pink fruited variety suggested for planting in Ohio gardens. Other desirable  varieties include Caravelle, Moreton Hybrid, Fantastic, Marglobe, Heinz 1350 ,  Heinz 1439, Rutgers, and Campbell 1327. Plant breeders and seed companies have continuous programs to develop new varieties , so new varieties become available  periodically. Establishing Plants in the Home  Garden. As it requires considerable effort to provide  environment for growing high quality tomato plants from seed, it is suggested that the tomato plants be established in the garden from plants obtained from plant growing specialists or the local garden supply center. This is particularly true when only a small number of plants are required. Top Quality tomato plants for transplanting  into the garden are green in color, about 8-10 inches tall, with straight sturdy stems about the size of a lead pencil. The plants have a healthy extensive root system and large fully expanded leaves. The plants should be free of insects and disease and not yet in bloom. Plants available in individual pots can be transplanted with the least amount of transplant shock and will become more  quickly established than those plants where the root system is disturbed in the planting operation. For this reason the gardener may want to pay more for plants grown in individual containers such as peat pots or clay pots. Soil Requirements. Tomatoes can be grown on  many different soil types but a deep loamy soil, well drained and well supplied with organic matter and plant nutrients is most suitable . The crop will grow  best in a slightly acid soil, pH 6.2-6.8. Fertilizer. Tomatoes respond well to applications of fertilizer, but excessive applications can be injurious to plants. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer application, for example, tends to result  in plants with large stems and leaves but producing few tomatoes. A good general rule is to apply 3-4 pounds of a complete fertilizer such as 5-10-5, 6-l2-l2 or 8-16-16 per 100 square feet of garden space. Work the fertilizer well into the soil. Extra nitrogen fertilizer may be required after the first flower clusters  have set fruit. Apply the extra fertilizer around the base of the plant. If the soil is quite fertile or if manure has been applied, use nitrogen containing fertilizer sparingly in growing the crop. Establishing the Plants. Tomatoes do not grow  during periods of cool temperatures, and are highly susceptible to frost injury. Therefore, tomato plants should not be set into the garden until all danger of  frost has passed. Usually in central Ohio this date is approximately May  20. Tomatoes to be grown as unstaked plants are  usually planted three feet apart in rows four to five feet apart. Plants to be staked are normally planted two feet apart in the rows which are three to four apart. Unstaked plants are usually mulched with clean straw, black plastic film, or other available mulching material. Set the plants so the lower leaves will be close to the soil surface. Be sure that peat pots are well moistened before planting and that the rim of the pot is below the soil surface. Newly set plants may be attacked by insect pests such as flea beetles and a spraying or dusting program to control insects and diseases should be started soon after  planting. A completely soluble starter fertilizer can  be applied at planting time. Select an analysis high in phosphorus and use according to manufacturer's direction. In situations where space for growing  tomatoes is limited, the plants may be grown on large clay pots or five gallon  buckets as staked plants. Caring for Tomato Plants. After planting and establishment of tomato plants , use a mulch around the plants to conserve soil  moisture. The plants can be staked using stakes at least six feet long. The  plants are pruned to either a single or double stem and periodically tied to the  stake with soft string. Apply sufficient water to get the plants quickly established following planting. However, be careful not to apply too much water to the soil during the growing season or excessive growth or root decay may occur. Follow a regular insect and disease control  program. For additional information concerning  cultural practices for tomato production it is suggested that the gardener contact his local county agricultural extension agent for publications which may be available from his office.