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Growing Lime Green Salad Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Begin by sowing your seeds indoors, ideally around 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. This head start is crucial for nurturing robust seedlings ready to thrive outdoors. Fill some small containers or a seed tray with a moist, well-draining seed starting mix. Sow the seeds lightly, covering them with about a quarter inch of soil. Keep the soil evenly moist and in a warm spot—aiming for a cozy temperature of around 70°F (21°C) to encourage germination. Expect to see the seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days.

As your seedlings begin to grow, they'll need plenty of light to develop strong stems and leaves. Natural light from a sunny window might suffice, but for the best results, consider using a grow light. Position it a few inches above the seedlings, adjusting the height as they grow to prevent them from becoming elongated and weak.

Once your plants have developed their second set of true leaves (the ones that look like actual tomato leaves, not the initial seed leaves called cotyledons), it's time to prepare them for outdoor life through a process called hardening off. About a week before you plan to transplant them outside, start by placing the seedlings outdoors in a shaded, protected spot for a short period, gradually increasing their exposure to sun and wind over several days. This gradual acclimation reduces shock and prepares them for their new environment.

When the threat of frost has passed and your plants are well-acclimated, choose a sunny spot in your garden for transplantation. Tomatoes thrive in sunlight, so the more, the better. Dig holes about 2 to 3 feet apart to give each plant ample space to grow. Enrich each hole with compost to feed your plants, then plant them deep, burying up to two-thirds of the stem. This encourages a strong root system. Remove any leaves that might get buried. Deeply water the plants.

Consistent watering is key. Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as tomatoes are sensitive to irregular watering. Applying mulch around your plants can help retain soil moisture and keep weeds at bay. When it comes to feeding, incorporate a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting, followed by a tomato-specific fertilizer every four to six weeks to support their growth and fruiting.

Supporting your Lime Green Salad tomato plants with stakes or cages is crucial to keep them upright and promote air circulation. This also makes harvesting easier and helps prevent disease. Pruning isn't always necessary for bush-type tomatoes like Lime Green Salad, but removing any leaves that touch the ground can help prevent disease. Watch for suckers (small shoots that grow in the joints of branches) and decide whether to pinch them off based on how bushy you want your plants to be.

Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases. Early detection and action can save your crop and ensure a bountiful harvest. The best pest management program is the most consistent one! As soon as you notice an unwelcome visitor, such as an aphid or any hint of disease, take prompt action to avoid spread.

Harvesting Lime Green Salad Tomatoes

When ripe, The beautiful lime-green flesh with tangy, flavorful skin turns from apple-green to yellow-green in color. These tomatoes will be ready to pick when they're slightly soft to the touch. Enjoy the fruits of your labor fresh from the vine, in salads, or as a colorful addition to any meal.

About Lime Green Salad Tomato Garden Seeds

Known for their vibrant, chartreuse-green flesh and small, compact size, these tomatoes offer a unique aesthetic alongside a tangy yet sweet flavor profile that adds a burst of color and taste to any dish.

The history of Lime Green Salad tomatoes, like many heirloom varieties, is a bit of a mystery. We do know that it was developed to thrive in smaller spaces.

Lime Green Salad tomatoes are a bush-type, determinate tomato variety, which means they grow to a certain size, set fruit, and then complete their life cycle. This compact growth habit makes them ideal for balconies, patios, or small garden beds where space is in high demand and low supply.

Their bright green color, which remains even when fully ripe, is a conversation starter and a beautiful addition to salads, salsas, and garnishes. The unique color contrasts beautifully with red or purple tomatoes in dishes, adding visual appeal to meals. Flavor-wise, they offer a refreshing change from the more common red tomatoes, with a slightly tangy yet sweet and rich taste that enhances both raw and cooked dishes.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Gardening is as much about the journey as the destination. Each challenge is a learning opportunity, and each success is a moment to savor."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Lime Green Salad Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg packet - Approximately 65 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 1,700 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 6,800 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 27,200 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 108,800 Seeds

Non-GMO Lime Green Salad Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.