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Growing Tastemaster Improved Hybrid Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Growing Tastemaster Improved Hybrid tomatoes from seed is a process that requires attention to detail and patience. Begin by starting your seeds indoors about 7 to 9 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in a container of seed starting mix, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not soggy, and maintain a temperature around 80°F (27°C) for optimal germination. Once the seedlings emerge, usually within 7 to 14 days, provide them with a strong light source and keep the temperature at about 70°F (21°C).

As the seedlings grow, transplant them into individual 4-inch pots when they reach about 2 inches tall. This allows the roots to develop without becoming entangled. Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, they must be hardened off. This process involves gradually exposing the plants to outdoor conditions over a week or so to acclimate them to the direct sunlight, cool nights, and less consistent watering.

When transplanting, choose a sunny spot in your garden, as tomatoes love sunlight and need at least 6 to 8 hours of sun exposure per day. Providing adequate support is crucial. Use tall cages or stakes to support the plant's growth and prevent branches from breaking under the weight of the tomatoes. This not only helps in maintaining plant health but also in improving air circulation around the foliage, reducing the risk of disease.

Tomatoes are heavy feeders with deep roots, so preparing the soil with well-rotted manure and compost before planting is important. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends that "tomatoes can form an extensive root system along the stem. If you want stronger tomato plants, bury 2/3 of the stem at planting time". This helps the plant get better access to water and nutrients underneath the soil. However, be sure to remove any leaves that will be buried.

Once transplanted, keep the soil consistently moist and apply mulch to help retain moisture. Consistent watering and fertilization play a significant role in maximizing yield. Water the plants in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent foliar diseases. Applying a balanced fertilizer every two weeks can provide the necessary nutrients for growth and fruit development. Regular pruning is essential. Indeterminate varieties like the Tastemaster Improved Hybrid produce suckers, which are small shoots that grow in the axils of the leaves. Pruning these suckers helps direct the plant's energy into fruit production rather than vegetative growth. However, be cautious not to over-prune, as this can reduce yield.

Pest management is crucial for maintaining healthy plants. Monitor your tomatoes regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take action as needed. Using organic methods such as introducing beneficial insects or applying neem oil can help manage pests without harming the plants.

Harvesting Hybrid Tastemaster Improved Hybrid Tomatoes

Harvest Tastemaster Improved Hybrid tomatoes when they reach their full vibrant orange color and have a slight give when gently squeezed. Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems carefully. Consider sun-drying or oven-drying tomatoes to preserve their unique sweet and citrusy flavor. Alternatively, make a flavorful Tastemaster Improved Hybrid tomato jam or pickle them to extend their shelf life. Store harvested Tastemaster Improved Hybrid tomatoes in a cool, dry place, and refrigerate any cut portions to maintain their freshness and taste.

About Tastemaster Improved Hybrid Tomato Garden Seeds

The Tastemaster Improved Hybrid tomato is an indeterminate tomato variety bred by George Emery from Hollister, California.

The fruit of this tomato is deep pink and typically weighs 6 to 7 ounces. It is known for its exceptional flavor, making it a popular choice for those seeking a delicious and versatile tomato for various culinary uses.

As an indeterminate variety, it will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season, requiring proper support and maintenance to maximize its yield. This tomato is valued for its rich, well-balanced taste, and its medium-sized fruits make it suitable for fresh eating, slicing, and other culinary applications.

The Tastemaster Improved Hybrid is expected to produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season until the first frost, which can result in a high overall yield. Indeterminate tomatoes typically require staking or caging due to their vining habit and can produce a larger total yield over the entire season compared to determinate varieties, which tend to produce a single harvest. T

Rotating your tomato plants to different parts of the garden each year can help avoid diseases that reduce yield. This practice prevents the buildup of soil-borne pathogens that can affect tomato plants.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Slicer tomatoes are fantastic for sandwiches. They are large and meaty, so you only need one slice to cover the sandwich, but they aren’t too juicy and won’t get the bread soggy."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Tastemaster Improved Hybrid Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg packet - Approximately 70 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 Tastemaster Improved Hybrid Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.