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Ah, tomatoes! Is there anything quite like biting into a sun-warmed, juicy tomato straight from the garden? For us Pacific Northwest gardeners, that dream can absolutely be a reality, but it does take a little planning. Our unique climate – short, cool summers and often unpredictable weather – means choosing the right varieties is key to a successful and bountiful harvest. So, let's dive into the wonderful world of tomato growing in the PNW!
Best Tomato Varieties To Grow in the Pacific Northwest
Selecting the right tomato variety is half the battle when gardening in the Pacific Northwest. You need to consider factors like the number of days to maturity, disease resistance, and overall tolerance for cooler temperatures and shorter growing seasons. Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic options available, bred to thrive in our unique climate.
Early-Season Tomato Varieties Perfect for the PNW
Early-season tomatoes are a must-have for PNW gardens. These varieties mature quickly, allowing you to enjoy ripe tomatoes even with a shorter growing season. They are generally determinate, meaning they grow to a certain size and then produce all their fruit at once, which is perfect for canning or making large batches of sauce. When selecting tomato seeds for your garden, be sure to read the package to get all the info for that particular variety.
'Early Girl'
A classic for a reason! 'Early Girl' is a reliable choice known for its incredibly early maturity. Expect ripe, medium-sized red tomatoes in as little as 50-60 days. They have a good, classic tomato flavor and are relatively disease-resistant. This is a great starting point for any PNW gardener.
'Siletz'
Specifically developed for the Pacific Northwest, 'Siletz' is an excellent option. It produces medium-sized, flavorful tomatoes in about 60-70 days. Its claim to fame is its cold tolerance, making it a safer bet for those unpredictable spring and summer days we often experience. This is a great variety to grow in containers or raised beds.
'Oregon Spring'
Another variety bred specifically for the Northwest, 'Oregon Spring' is a compact plant that produces medium-sized, slightly flattened tomatoes in around 60 days. It's known for its excellent flavor and is a good choice for smaller gardens or container gardening. It’s also a determinate variety, meaning the harvest will be concentrated over a few weeks. For a longer harvest, consider succession planting, starting new plants every few weeks.
Mid-Season Tomato Varieties for PNW Gardens
If you can provide a bit more protection (like a greenhouse or hoop house), mid-season tomatoes offer a wider range of flavors and sizes. These varieties generally take between 70 and 80 days to mature. While they might require a little more effort, the reward is well worth it. Some tomato growing experts even recommend starting these varieties indoors, while the weather is still cold.
'Stupice'
Hailing from the Czech Republic, 'Stupice' (pronounced "Stoo-peet-seh") is a surprisingly cold-hardy tomato that produces medium-sized, slightly tart tomatoes in about 65-75 days. It's a reliable choice even in cooler summers and boasts a delicious, complex flavor. Gardeners appreciate this variety for its ability to produce a good amount of fruit even when conditions aren't perfect.
'Black Krim'
This heirloom variety offers a unique flavor profile and stunning dark color. 'Black Krim' tomatoes are large, beefsteak-type tomatoes that mature in about 70-80 days. They have a rich, smoky-sweet flavor and are best enjoyed sliced fresh. While they require a bit more warmth, they can thrive in the PNW with proper care and protection.
'Celebrity'
A popular hybrid, 'Celebrity' is known for its disease resistance and reliable production. It produces medium-sized, all-purpose tomatoes in about 70 days. It’s a great choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, offering a good balance of flavor, size, and ease of growth. It's also relatively tolerant of fluctuating temperatures.
Tips for Successfully Growing Tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest
Beyond choosing the right varieties, there are several things you can do to ensure a successful tomato harvest in the Pacific Northwest.
Start Seeds Indoors
Giving your tomato plants a head start is crucial. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a good quality seed-starting mix and provide plenty of light. A sunny windowsill or grow lights are ideal. Remember to harden off your seedlings before transplanting them outdoors to acclimate them to the outdoor conditions.
Choose a Sunny Location
Tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Choose a location in your garden that receives full sun. South-facing locations are often best. If you’re growing in containers, you can move them around to maximize sunlight exposure. For those with little to no outdoor space, you can still enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with the Ahopegarden Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System. This indoor herb garden allows you to easily grow fresh produce right on your countertop, even without a traditional garden. Check out the hydroponic system for growing herbs and vegetables indoors here: https://amzn.to/3RPpa Sk.
Improve Your Soil
Tomatoes thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its structure and nutrient content. A slightly acidic soil p H (around 6.0-6.8) is ideal. Consider using raised beds or containers if your soil is poorly draining or heavily compacted.
Provide Support
As your tomato plants grow, they will need support to prevent the branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support your plants. This will also improve air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.
Water Consistently
Tomatoes need consistent watering, especially during fruit development. Water deeply and regularly, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering, as this can encourage fungal diseases. Mulching around the base of your plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Protect From the Cold
Our unpredictable weather can pose a challenge to tomato plants. Be prepared to protect your plants from unexpected frosts or cold snaps. Use row covers, cloches, or even old blankets to provide temporary protection. Greenhouses or hoop houses offer even more reliable protection and can extend your growing season.
Fertilize Regularly
Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for tomatoes, following the instructions on the label. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Dealing with Common Tomato Problems in the Pacific Northwest
Even with the best planning, you might encounter some common tomato problems in the Pacific Northwest. Here are a few to watch out for and how to address them:
Late Blight
Late blight is a fungal disease that can quickly devastate tomato plants. It's characterized by dark, water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stems. Preventative measures are crucial. Choose disease-resistant varieties, provide good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. If late blight appears, remove infected leaves immediately and consider using a fungicide.
Early Blight
Early blight is another fungal disease that affects tomatoes. It causes brown spots on the lower leaves, which eventually spread upwards. Similar to late blight, prevention is key. Remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, and use a fungicide if necessary.
Blossom End Rot
Blossom end rot is a physiological disorder caused by calcium deficiency. It's characterized by a dark, leathery spot on the bottom of the tomato. Ensure consistent watering and amend your soil with calcium-rich materials like bone meal or crushed eggshells. You can also use a calcium foliar spray.
Tomato Hornworms
These large, green caterpillars can quickly defoliate tomato plants. Hand-picking them off your plants is usually the most effective method of control. Look for them on the underside of leaves. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a biological insecticide, to control them.
Growing tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest can be a rewarding experience. By choosing the right varieties, providing proper care, and being prepared to deal with common problems, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown tomatoes all season long. Happy gardening!