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Growing Moneymaker Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Begin your tomato journey indoors about 6-8 weeks before your area's last expected frost date of spring. This head start is crucial for developing strong seedlings that will be ready to face the outside world. Sow your Moneymaker tomato seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed starting mix. We recommend Minute Soil for easy storage and usability. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and keep it consistently warm, ideally around 70-80°F (21-27°C), to encourage prompt germination. You should see your seedlings sprout within 5-10 days.

Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, it's time to consider transplanting. Before moving them outdoors, they need to be hardened off to reduce transplant shock. This process involves gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week or two to acclimate them slowly.

Choose a warm, sunny spot in your garden for your Moneymaker tomatoes, which need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Transplant them into the garden when the danger of frost has passed, and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C). Space the plants about 24-36 inches apart in rows 36-48 feet apart to allow for good air circulation and foliage growth.

Tomatoes need regular watering, especially as they begin to fruit. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week (inclusive of natural rainfall), but avoid overhead watering when possible to reduce the risk of waterborne disease. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. Start with a balanced fertilizer when you plant, and switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus formula to encourage blooming and fruiting once the plants start to develop flowers.

For indeterminate varieties, which continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season, remove the lower leaves to prevent disease and improve air circulation. Pinching off suckers, the shoots that grow in the axils of leaves can help focus the plant's energy on fruit production. These smaller branches are not fruit-bearing and only take energy away from the main branches. Provide support using stakes or cages to keep your plants upright and protect the fruits from touching the ground, reducing the risk of disease and pests.

Planting basil, marigolds, or nasturtiums nearby can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects, enhancing your tomatoes' health and yield. Moneymaker tomatoes are known for their consistent performance, even in less-than-ideal climates. They're particularly well-suited for cooler and temperate climates yet are also known to have great heat tolerance, making them a go-to choice for gardeners in areas where other tomatoes might struggle.

Harvesting Moneymaker Tomatoes

Your Moneymaker tomatoes will be ready to harvest when they are solid red in color and firm to the touch. Gently twist them off the vine to avoid damaging the plant. One of the joys of growing Moneymaker tomatoes is the continuous harvest, thanks to their indeterminate nature; once they ripen, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes regularly throughout the growing season.

About Moneymaker Tomato Garden Seeds

As its name suggests, the Moneymaker tomato has been a popular high-yielding cash crop for commercial growers for over a century.

Developed in Bristol, England, the Moneymaker tomato plant is a proven performer in a variety of gardens and greenhouses across the world. Seeds produce meaty 4-6 oz classic round red tomatoes and grow an indeterminate habit at 60-72" tall, requiring staking and support.

While they do splendidly outdoors, Moneymaker tomatoes are also excellent for greenhouse cultivation. They're quite adaptable, and growing them under cover can help protect them from extreme weather and pests, leading to even more consistent yields.

Moneymaker plants tend to be quite robust, offering good resistance to a range of common tomato ailments. This resilience makes it easier for novice gardeners to successfully grow, as they're forgiving and less prone to issues that can affect more sensitive varieties.

When starting Moneymaker tomatoes from seed, the key points aren't dramatically different from other tomatoes, but their forgiving nature and adaptability make them a great choice, especially if you're new to the tomato-growing game.

These tomatoes have a traditional, sweet tomato flavor that's well-balanced with acidity, making them perfect for salads, sandwiches, and cooking. Their medium size also means they're quite handy in the kitchen.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"I live in Michigan, and I tend to start my tomato seeds on the earlier side of the suggested range, usually around eight weeks before Mother’s Day (the typical frost-free date in my area). That puts it at around the middle-end of March. I find that due to the decreased sunlight during late winter in Michigan, they need the extra time to establish before being ready for the garden."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Moneymaker Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 250 mg - Approximately 66 Seeds
• 1/4 oz - Approximately 1,875 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 120,000 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 600,000 Seeds

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