Tomato Dirt Newsletter
Volume 10, Number 27

Dear Tomato Dirt reader,

Welcome back to Tomato Dirt! A couple times a month, we’ll send you this newsletter packed with tips about growing tomatoes and using them.

Tomato Seeds Half-Price Now Through January 4

Beat the rush and get great deals!

Each year, our friends at TomatoFest have a huge year-end sale on their tomato seeds. NOW is the time to get yours.

Choose from more than 325 favorite heirloom tomato varieties and tomato seed collections – up to 50% off regular retail prices during this once-a-year sale from our friends at TomatoFest.

Visit the TomatoFest store now to get best selection.

Tomato Dirt is on Pinterest

FEATURE: Here’s How to Plan Your Garden for Next Year

Image: Cheryl’s Life Ramblings

When it comes to having a successful tomato garden this year, the most important step you can take doesn’t involve a shovel, a tiller, or even a speck of dirt.

The most important step is planning. Here’s what to consider as you plan for growing this year’s tomatoes and vegetables in the garden.

• Plan what varieties to grow. How do you plan to use your tomatoes – in salads, for canning, for drying, for snacking? Do some research about tomato varieties to find out about disease resistance, when to plant them, and how long until fruit is ready to harvest. Choose tomatoes that meet your needs.
• Plan how many tomatoes and other vegetables to grow. How much space can you devote to your garden? How much time are you willing to invest in planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting? How many tomatoes and veggies can you use, process, and give away? Although a garden can be as labor-intensive as you choose, a common beginner’s mistake is in underestimating the amount of time you need to invest during the growing season in order for your garden to be productive.
• Plan where to grow your tomatoes and veggies. Choose a sunny, convenient spot with access to water. No matter what type of vegetables you plan to grow, make sure your garden plot gets at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.

Careful thought and planning now will maximize productivity in your garden, help you grow healthy tomatoes and vegetables, and save you extra work later on.

Check out more detailed information about starting a vegetable garden and understanding different tomato varieties to get yourself ready for the new growing season. And get helpful tips about planting tomatoes on our Planting Tomatoes Pinterest board.

Best Tips for Growing Tomatoes: Bestseller in 89 Countries

You’ll be able to diagnose pest and disease problems using step by step priceless information, illustrated with 260 full color photos.

Get the book and you’ll also get 6 free bonuses, including the Family Tomato Cookbook and a database of 1300 varieties of tomatoes. More details here.

FREE Kitchen Gardener Planner for Tomato Dirt Readers!

Tomato Growing Tip: How to Choose a Garden Site

Image: Tomato Dirt

See more ideas on our Tomato Dirt Pinterest Board.

Get Ready to Start Tomato Plants Indoors

Tabletop grow light kits – makes it easy to start and grow tomatoes	Germination mat – keeps seeds warm during seed starting from Hydrofarm	Indoor grow lights to start tomato seeds from Gardener’s Supply, others

More Tips for Planning Your Garden