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Growing Early Girl Hybrid Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

To plant Early Girl Hybrid Tomato seeds, begin by starting them indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior to your last frost date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inches in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Ensure the indoor environment maintains temperatures between 65-85°F for optimal germination, which typically occurs within 7-10 days. Once the threat of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings into your garden plot, raised bed, or greenhouse, spacing them 24-36 inches apart with rows set 36 inches apart. Early Girl tomatoes thrive in full sun and warm temperatures, so choose a sunny location with fertile soil. To support the plants and encourage good airflow, consider staking them with a trellis, stake, or tomato cage. Consistent watering is essential to prevent issues like blossom end rot and cracking. As indeterminate varieties, Early Girl Hybrid Tomato plants will continue to produce fruit until the first frost, providing a steady supply of deliciously sweet tomatoes for salads, fresh eating, and slicing throughout the season.

Throughout the growing process of Early Girl Hybrid Tomato plants, regular maintenance is essential to ensure healthy growth and abundant fruit production. Maintain consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during hot and dry periods, to prevent issues like blossom end rot and cracking. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Additionally, providing support such as stakes, cages, or trellises will help keep the plants upright and support heavy fruit loads. Regularly check for signs of pests and diseases, such as aphids, whiteflies, or fungal infections, and promptly address any issues with organic pest control methods. Companion planting with basil, marigolds, or chives can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects. Lastly, prune the plants to remove any suckers that develop in the leaf axils to focus energy on fruit production and improve air circulation, which reduces the risk of disease.

Harvesting Early Girl Hybrid Tomatoes

Early Girl Hybrid Tomato plants are indeterminate, meaning they continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season. Harvesting can begin when the tomatoes reach their mature size, typically about 60 days after transplanting. Early Girl tomatoes are ready for picking when they are firm and fully colored, with a vibrant red hue. They should easily detach from the vine with a gentle twist or pull. Regularly check the plants for ripe fruit, as they will continue to ripen on the vine. Harvesting should be done carefully to avoid damaging the delicate skin of the tomatoes. It's best to harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler, as this helps preserve the flavor and quality of the fruit. Harvesting can be done by hand, simply by gently twisting the ripe tomatoes off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant or any nearby fruit.

About Early Girl Hybrid Tomato Garden Seeds

The Early Girl Hybrid Tomato has a rich history dating back to its development in the United States. Bred in the early 20th century, this variety was created to meet the demand for an early-season tomato with exceptional flavor and disease resistance. Its name reflects its ability to produce ripe fruit earlier in the season than many other tomato varieties, making it a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

This variety was specifically bred for its early maturation, heat tolerance, and disease resistance, making it suitable for a wide range of growing climates. The Early Girl Hybrid Tomato thrives in warm, sunny conditions and is particularly well-suited to regions with short growing seasons. Its indeterminate growth habit allows it to continue producing fruit throughout the season, ensuring a consistent harvest even in challenging conditions.

In addition to its early maturation and disease resistance, the Early Girl Hybrid Tomato is prized for its sweet flavor and versatile culinary uses. Its medium-size, globe-shaped fruit is perfect for slicing, salads, and fresh eating, adding vibrant color and flavor to a variety of dishes. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Early Girl tomatoes are a nutritious addition to any diet.

While Early Girl Hybrid Tomato plants can be grown in containers, they may require staking or support due to their indeterminate growth habit and prolific fruit production. Hanging baskets are not typically recommended for this variety, as the plants can become quite large and may not be well-suited to hanging cultivation. However, compact varieties or dwarf cultivars of tomatoes may be more suitable for container or basket growing.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"A unique tip for growing Early Girl Hybrid Tomatoes is to prune the plants regularly to promote airflow and reduce the risk of disease. Removing lower leaves and suckers helps to improve ventilation around the plant, reducing the likelihood of fungal infections and other issues. Additionally, providing consistent watering and mulching around the base of the plant can help maintain soil moisture and prevent blossom end rot."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Early Girl Hybrid Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• Approximately 10 Seeds
• Approximately 100 Seeds
• Approximately 1,000 Seeds
• Approximately 5,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Early Girl Hybrid Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.