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Growing Patio Hybrid Slicer 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 about a half inch deep and cover the seeds. Water them in gently to avoid washing the seeds away. Water 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 at least 8 hours of direct sunlight combined with 8-10 hours of darkness. Tomatoes are very sensitive to insufficient light and will not grow as readily if the light is too weak or 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. Transplant the seedlings into larger, 4 or 6-inch pots once their root systems have developed beyond the starting cell’s capacity but a few weeks before they can be moved outdoors; using biodegradable pots will speed up transplantation into the garden.

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. Bury most of the stems to encourage more root development. Leave at least one good set of leaves at the top. Remove the lower leaves that can’t reach the sunlight or might be buried and any suckers growing in between fruit-bearing branches. Fertilize with compost, worm castings, or another fertilizer of choice when planting into the garden. Prune the bush periodically throughout the season to remove suckers and bottom leaves. Fertilize once more in mid-season. Be sure to water Patio Hybrids in the morning once the top layers have drained and at the plants’ base. All tomato varieties need warmer conditions and rich soil in order to thrive and develop fruit. Dwarf patio tomatoes prefer loamy, well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0-6.5 and added compost. Protect the plants from any cool weather; they are not cold-tolerant. Garden quilts or other protections can be used if cool weather below 50 F is expected.

Harvesting Patio Hybrid Slicer Tomatoes

Patio Hybrid produces for about a 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 Patio Hybrid Slicer Tomato Garden Seeds

As this bush-type variety only reaches 2-3 feet tall, you may not need to use a trellis; however, more support would help its compressed vines and upright growth. As these rich and sweet 3-4 oz tomatoes are fast maturing. These patio tomato plants are perfect for containers but will need more water than garden tomatoes.

Slicing tomatoes are medium to large and round, ideal for fresh eating. The juicy fruits are higher in water content than paste tomatoes, making them premier for fresh applications. They can also be cooked but require longer cooking time to reduce and thicken.

This dwarf All American Selections winning tomato plant is resistant to Alternaria Stem Canker, Fusarium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt 1, Fusarium Wilt 2, and Gray Leaf Spot. It is even heat and drought-tolerant! The Patio Hybrid Tomato seeds are ideal for a limited-space garden or, as the name suggests, a container garden. In wind and rain conditions, provide additional support, even though this is a determinate (non-vining) plant. This plant is highly productive, yielding many tomatoes.

This fast-growing and compact garden plant is perfect for growing with kids. They are easy to manage and quick to mature, which makes engaging children in your garden easy!

Tips From Our Gardeners

"While indeterminate tomatoes need support because they grow so tall, this determinate bush does well with support to help it bear its abundant harvest!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Patio Hybrid Slicer Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 10 seed Packet
• 100 seed Packet
• 1000 seed Packet

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