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Growing Long Keeper Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

When planting Long Keeper tomatoes, it's essential to follow the right process for a successful harvest. Start by sowing the seeds indoors, about 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Plant the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inches in well-draining, loose, and slightly acidic soil with good moisture-retention qualities. Keep the soil temperature between 65-85°F for optimal germination, and provide full sun for the young seedlings. Once the plants are ready for transplant, which typically takes about 78 days, move them outdoors into your garden plot, raised bed, or greenhouse. These determinate tomatoes, with their compact growth habit, are excellent for gardens with limited space. It's crucial to space the plants 24 to 36 inches apart and maintain row spacing of 36 inches to ensure they have enough room to grow and produce their fruit. Long Keeper tomatoes are known for their resistance to Fusarium Wilt 1 and Verticillium Wilt, which is a valuable trait for ensuring a successful harvest.

To ensure a successful growing season with Long Keeper tomatoes, there are some key maintenance and growing tips to keep in mind. These tomatoes thrive when provided with well-draining, loose, and slightly acidic soil with good moisture-retaining properties. Avoid excess nitrogen in the soil, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. Instead, focus on providing sufficient phosphorus and potassium. It's important to maintain a regular watering schedule, ensuring consistent moisture for the plants, while avoiding overwatering to prevent common issues like blossom end rot and other diseases. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of common pests, such as the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies, and take prompt action if needed, using organic neem-based products for pest and disease control. When planting Long Keeper tomatoes, consider companion planting with herbs like basil and marigolds, which can help deter pests and enhance the growth of your tomato plants. Additionally, position your Long Keeper tomato plants in full sun, preferably against a south-facing wall or fence where sun reflection can provide additional heat.

Harvesting Long Keeper Tomatoes

Harvesting Long Keeper tomatoes is a unique and convenient experience. These tomatoes are a determinate variety, which means they set their fruit all at once and end the harvest. The clue to harvesting Long Keeper tomatoes lies in their name – they are bred to last an extended period. When the plant is almost full of ripe fruit and the tomatoes have reached a mature red color, it's time to harvest. To harvest Long Keeper tomatoes, gently pull up the entire tomato plant, ensuring the roots remain intact. After harvesting, carefully brush the dirt off the roots. Then, to maximize their storage life, hang the plants upside down in an area that maintains a consistent temperature of 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit. With proper care, Long Keeper tomatoes can last for an impressive 6 to 12 weeks in storage, providing a source of fresh tomatoes for an extended period throughout the fall and winter.

About Long Keeper Tomato Garden Seeds

The history of the Long Keeper tomato variety is rooted in the quest to extend the shelf life of tomatoes. This heirloom, open-pollinated tomato was introduced in 1976 by the University of Florida. It was developed with a specific trait in mind: the ability to store well. Unlike many other tomato varieties that have a relatively short shelf life, Long Keeper tomatoes were bred to maintain their freshness and flavor for an extended period, making them an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy garden-fresh tomatoes long into the fall and winter months.

Long Keeper tomatoes are primarily prized for their storage capabilities. These tomatoes are perfect for gardeners who want to enjoy homegrown tomatoes even when the growing season has ended. They are bred to excel in specific growing conditions, such as the heavy calcareous soils of Dade County, Florida, and are well-suited for regions with similar soil profiles. While they thrive in these conditions, gardeners in other soil types may experience slightly reduced yields.

Long Keeper tomatoes, with their unique ability to store for weeks, provide a convenient and fresh supply of tomatoes during the colder months when fresh garden produce is typically scarce. Their sweet and rich flavor only gets better in storage, making them a favorite for hearty winter stews, sauces, and other dishes.

When it comes to growing Long Keeper tomatoes in containers or hanging baskets, it can be a bit challenging due to their determinate growth habit and larger size. However, with a large and sturdy container, you can certainly give it a try, provided you provide proper support for the plant. Hanging baskets might not be the best choice due to the plant's determinate nature and larger size. Instead, consider them for garden plots or raised beds where their fruit can be more easily managed.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To make the most of Long Keeper tomatoes, consider planting them in succession. This means starting new plants from seeds or transplants every few weeks during the growing season. By doing this, you can ensure a continuous supply of fresh tomatoes that are ready for harvesting at different times, extending your access to delicious, homegrown tomatoes throughout the year."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Long Keeper Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 250 mg Packet - Approximately 265 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,875 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 120,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Long Keeper Tomato seeds are available for Fast

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