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Growing Rouge De Summer Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Growing tomatoes from Non-GMO seeds sourced from True Leaf Market is a rewarding endeavor that begins with thoughtful planning and sustainable practices. Non-GMO seeds ensure you're cultivating plants without genetic modification, embracing a more natural approach to gardening. Start seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before the last expected frost in your region. Utilize a well-draining seed starting mix, and ensure containers have drainage holes. Place the containers in a warm, well-lit area for germination, supplementing with a grow light if necessary. Transplant seedlings when they develop true leaves and reach 6-8 inches in height, burying the stem up to the top four sets of leaves for robust root development.

For outdoor planting, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. For indeterminate tomato varieties, which continue growing and producing fruit throughout the season, providing proper support is essential. Install sturdy cages, stakes, or trellises early in the growing season, ensuring they are firmly anchored in the soil. Place the supports about 6 inches from the base of the plants to avoid damaging the roots. As indeterminate varieties can grow tall and heavy with fruit, reliable support prevents sprawling, promotes adequate air circulation, and makes harvesting more manageable. Succession planting extends the harvest by planting additional batches at intervals, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh tomatoes throughout the growing season. Regular watering at the base, balanced organic fertilization, and vigilant pruning contribute to healthy, thriving tomato plants.

To establish a beneficial garden ecosystem, prioritize companion planting. Integrate herbs like basil to enhance flavor and deter pests naturally. Marigolds can repel nematodes, while nasturtiums serve as a trap crop for aphids. This companion planting strategy minimizes the need for synthetic pesticides, fostering a healthier and more balanced environment for your tomato plants. Regularly monitor your garden for signs of pests and diseases. Intervene with organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to pest management.

Proper soil preparation is crucial for the success of your tomato plants. Use a well-draining soil rich in organic matter, such as compost. Non-GMO seeds thrive in nutrient-dense soils, and organic amendments contribute to overall soil health. Consider incorporating worm castings into the soil—a natural and sustainable fertilizer that enhances microbial activity, promoting optimal nutrient availability for your tomatoes. This natural and organic amendment promotes a healthy soil ecosystem, providing essential nutrients for vigorous tomato growth. Regular monitoring of soil pH and nutrient levels allows for timely adjustments, ensuring optimal conditions for your tomato plants throughout their growth cycle.

Harvesting Rouge De Summer Tomatoes

Harvest tomatoes with thin skin when they exhibit their mature color, have a slight give when very gently squeezed, and easily detach from the vine when twisted; this ensures a flavorful and visually appealing harvest. Employ sharp scissors or pruning shears when needed to avoid damaging the plant. Harvest when the fruit is fully colored. Regularly harvest ripe tomatoes to encourage continuous production. After harvest, store tomatoes at room temperature to let them ripen fully, or refrigerate if they are already ripe to extend freshness. Proper harvesting preserves the delicious essence of homegrown tomatoes.

About Rouge De Summer Tomato Garden Seeds

These large 12-16 oz fruits grow into a flattened globe shape with a deep red color. They do not crack! In addition, they are V and F1 resistant. They are excellent eating quality and have huge fruit yields that set well, even in high heat.

Watering practices play a pivotal role in cultivating healthy tomatoes. Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to water at the base of the plants, minimizing water contact with leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during dry periods. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Tomatoes, a canvas of culinary artistry, boast a vibrant palette of colors, shapes, and flavors. From the luscious red of a ripe beefsteak to the golden hues of a yellow, tomatoes inspire chefs and gardeners alike. Their versatility in dishes transforms each plate into a masterpiece of taste and visual delight.

Tomatoes in literature evoke symbolism and sensory richness. From the symbolic allure of forbidden fruit to the vivid imagery of ripe, sun-kissed orbs, authors employ tomatoes to convey themes of temptation, passion, and abundance. Whether in culinary tales or metaphorical narratives, tomatoes infuse literature with vibrant and symbolic significance.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Slicing a perfectly ripe tomato is an art; the vibrant patterns and colors are almost too beautiful to eat. A simple tomato sandwich with salt, pepper, and mayo is a delicious way to honor that beauty in simplicity and be able to enjoy the pure flavor."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Rouge De Summer 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 Rouge De Summer Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.