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Growing Oregon Spring Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Six to eight weeks before the last spring frost, begin your tomato seeds indoors in seed starting trays. Use a well-draining potting or germinating mix to start the seeds. Plant two or three seeds per cell and cover the seeds. Water them in gently to avoid washing the seeds away. Water the tray regularly and use a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap to improve humidity and moisture around the tray. As soon as one of the seedlings emerges, move the tray to a bright window or provide grow lights positioned a few inches above the tray. The seedlings should receive a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight. Tomatoes are sensitive to insufficient light and will not grow as readily if the light is too weak or too short. If using, remove the greenhouse dome or plastic wrap once the seedlings have developed true leaves. Thin the seedlings to one per cell by removing the weaker seedlings when they have reached two inches tall. Fertilize once they have two sets of true leaves. Using biodegradable pots for seed starting will speed up the final transplantation process.

Before planting them into your garden soil, the seedlings should be hardened off gradually to acclimate to the sunnier, windier conditions. Transplant the seedlings into the garden once the danger of frost has passed. Bury a calcium supplement in the soil beneath the seedlings. Tomatoes prefer neutral to slightly acidic soils. Cover most of the stems with soil to encourage more root development. Leave at least one good set of leaves at the top. Remove the lower leaves that are shaded or might be buried and any suckers growing in between fruit-bearing branches. Fertilize when planting in the garden, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions if relevant. Prune the bush periodically throughout the season to remove suckers and bottom leaves. Fertilize once more in mid-season. It's important to water Oregon Spring tomato plants so that the soil stays evenly moist; this helps prevent blossom end rot and fruit cracking. Limit any spread of disease by avoiding water or mud on the leaves. Applying mulch can help the soil stay evenly moist. Protect the plants from any cool weather below 50 F; they are not cold-tolerant.

Harvesting Oregon Spring Tomatoes

Oregon Spring produces for about one month. If the harvest buts up against a frost, pull up the plant and finish ripening the tomatoes off the vine indoors. They are best harvested off the vine when fully red and shiny but still firm. Gently twist the tomato off the calyx or snip it loose if it won’t come on its own.

About Oregon Spring Tomato Garden Seeds

Oregon Spring tomato plants are suited for various growing locations, including raised beds, large containers (minimum of 10 gallons), fields, greenhouses, and more. Ensure they get full sun and regular watering patterns.

Oregon Spring is resistant to Verticillium. They produce clusters of 4-inch fruits (6-7 oz) on vines with a compact, determinate growth habit. They are an excellent choice for growers with limited garden space or those growing in containers or raised beds.

Weighing 6 to 7 oz. apiece and having rich, meaty tomato flavor, Oregon Spring heirloom tomatoes are delicious on salads as well as sliced for sandwiches and burgers. The classic flavor makes great sauce, soup, ketchup, stew, and more. Rich-tasting Oregon Spring tomatoes can also be paired with soft cheeses to make mouthwatering appetizers, like Caprese salad or tomato and goat cheese salad.

To get multiple harvests from these determinate tomato plants, start the seeds in succession. This means starting a small batch of the seeds and then 2-4 weeks later starting another batch, and so on, until you have calculated that the last batch will ripen right before your predicted first frost of fall. This will ensure you have delicious tomatoes all season long!

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Oregon Spring seems to be a truly versatile tomato plant. The fruits are not categorized as slicers or paste tomatoes because they are equally good for fresh and cooked applications. Pair that fact with its compact growth habit, and you have an ideal tomato plant for the home chef!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Oregon Spring Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 250 mg - Approximately 90 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Approximately 2,500 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 160,000 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 800,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Oregon Spring Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.