tomato question: starting from scratch or buying a plant?
hello all, i go through tomato like anything and no matter how much is in the pantry, as long as i'm home they don't last long. i want to grow my own so please tell me if there's any advantage in starting from scratch and starting with actual seeds?
also, how long is the typical lifespan of a tomato plant? how much yield will an individual plant provide for it's lifespan? thanks alot.
By epabella
on Sep 3, 2009 11:47 AM
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This is my favorite resource for all things gardening-related:
http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/home...
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Here is a link to all things tomato:
http://davesgarden.com/community/foru...
Be sure to check Carolyn's seed starting tips if you are interested in growing your own.
I do like starting tomatos from seed. It is cheaper if you are growing a lot and you get a wider choice of varieties. However if you just want one or two plants, and don't want to go to the trouble of setting up a light stand and transplanting seedlings, then by all means buy your plants...but try to get the varieties you want...many nurseries do not have a good selection.
As for the yield, it depends on the variety you select, the weather, various tomato eating critters and (this year especially) blights and diseases that might hit. The Daves Garden PlantFiles referenced in the link above will often give you some idea of yield. Heirlooms often (not always) have lower yields than hybrid tomatoes, but often (not always) taste better. I often get anywhere from 5 to 20 lbs of tomatoes from one plant, but others have gotten much more in good years.
In most climates, tomato plants are annuals, producing fruit only over a one or two month span. Typically it takes 60-80 days from sprouting before fruits are ripe. Most suppliers give you an estimate of the ripening time. To extend the season, choose both early, mid and late ripening plants.
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The advantages of growing from seed include:
A much wider selection of varieties is available.
Much less expensive if you grow a lot of plants.
Plants might be healthier, depending on your talents and attention to detail compared to the company that makes transplants.
Personally, I've had success growing from seed and buying plants.
Since this is your first time I suggest selecting at least one variety (perhaps one that the garden stores don't carry) and start it from seed just to see how it's done. If you fail or want more varieties, you can buy young plants from a garden store.
Tomatoes have a lifespan of one growing season, no more. Yield depends on so many things. You might get 1 pound or 20 pounds from a single plant, but don't expect too much the first time out.
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I just buy the largest plants I can get from my vegi vendor at the local farmers market. I plant them in Oregon on Mothers Day, no frost after that. By getting large plants I get tomatos earlier. I normally get an assortment of plants, some are very early producers but typically don't produce lots or for the entire season. But there is nothing like those first tomatos in the middle of July. My Brandywine's and other heirlooms are not big producers but what you get is outstanding. Great year for tomatos in Oregon.
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I don't seem to enjoy starting plants from seed. I get seed starting fever in Feb but need to work at improving my techniques. I spotted an ad in the state farmers bulletin for a local grower who grows heirlooms varieties of tomatoes and peppers. Her plants are beautiful and she sells them by eaches. For 60 cents a plant I can have my choice of a very wide variety. I used to buy six packs and give away half the plants but nurseries in our area seem to be waking up to the fact that many people want a variety but not a lot of each kind. Single plants are usually $2.50. The grower I go to is offerring a great bargain. She only places one ad and you have to pre-order from a list she emails then pickup is on one particular weekend. Worth it.
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thanks to everyone for all the replies. you guys did a great job in pointing me in the right direction with all the info provided. i'm grateful to all of you and will buy some plants tomorrow and maybe start some seeds too.
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