Celebrity Tomato in Zone 6B — Midwest

Celebrity Tomato is a Midwest garden staple for good reason. Its reliably delicious, medium-sized fruits are perfect for slicing, sauces, or canning. Plus, with our long summer days and fertile soil, you'll be harvesting a bountiful crop of these beauties in no time.

Our Midwest weather can be a bit unpredictable, with those variable springs and occasional summer heat spells. But don't worry, Celebrity Tomato is a fairly quick grower and fits well into our 183-day growing season. With a little planning, you'll be enjoying homegrown tomatoes all summer long.

Starting your Celebrity Tomato seeds indoors is the way to go here in the Midwest. You'll want to sow those seeds about mid-March through early April, giving them roughly 6 weeks to get a head start before transplanting. This helps them get a jump on our moderate-to-late spring.

Use seed trays filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm and provide plenty of light – a grow light works wonders, especially if you don't have a super sunny window. A little tip I use is to bottom-water my seedlings. Just set the tray in a shallow pan of water and let the soil soak it up. This encourages strong root growth.

Once the danger of frost has passed (usually late April through late May around here), it's time to get those Celebrity Tomato plants into the garden. Before you do, be sure to harden them off. Gradually expose them to the outdoor elements for about a week, increasing the amount of time each day.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Our springs can be variable, so keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to cover your young plants if a late frost threatens.

Consistent watering is key for Celebrity Tomatoes, especially with our Midwest summer heat and humidity. While we often get decent rainfall, you'll still need to supplement to ensure they get enough moisture. These guys aren't drought-tolerant, so don't let them dry out.

During the peak of summer, aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. A good way to check is the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can encourage fungal diseases in our moderate-to-humid climate.

Overwatering can be just as bad as underwatering. Yellowing leaves can be a sign of either, so pay attention to how the plant looks overall. A nice layer of mulch around the base of the plants will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Celebrity Tomatoes are considered determinate, but they can still get fairly bushy, so some type of support is a must. I find that medium-height cages work best for this variety.

Install the cages at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. Gently guide the plant's growth through the cage as it grows. While Celebrity Tomatoes don't sprawl as much as indeterminate varieties, the support will keep the fruit off the ground and improve air circulation.

Get ready to harvest your first Celebrity Tomatoes around early July through late August, about 70 days after transplanting. The fruits will be a beautiful, medium-large red color and feel firm with just a slight give when gently squeezed.

To harvest, simply twist the tomato off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. If a frost is in the forecast as we approach mid- October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll still taste great!

Here are a few common problems you might encounter with Celebrity Tomatoes in the Midwest:

Blossom Drop

• What it looks like: Flowers fall off without setting fruit. Small fruit yellows and drops. The plant looks healthy but produces no fruit.
• What causes it: Temperature stress. Our summer heat spells, especially when coupled with warm nights, can prevent fruit set. Low humidity or poor pollination can also contribute.
• How to fix/prevent it: Be patient – fruit set usually resumes when temperatures moderate. Provide afternoon shade during extreme heat. Keep plants well-watered. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer. Gently shake the plants to encourage pollination.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. Large (up to 4 inches) green caterpillars with white diagonal stripes. Dark droppings on leaves below.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths. They can defoliate a plant very quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them – they're surprisingly easy to spot once you know what to look for. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is effective and organic. Check for parasitic wasp eggs (white cocoons) and leave those caterpillars alone!

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (target or bullseye pattern) on lower leaves first, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: This fungal disease thrives in our warm, humid conditions and spreads via soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch well to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately and pruning if needed. Copper fungicide can slow the spread. Rotate your crops each year.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our combination of moderate-to-hot heat, moderate-to-humid humidity, and wet summers can create ideal conditions for fungal diseases like early blight. Consistent monitoring and proactive measures like proper watering and good air circulation are key to keeping your Celebrity Tomatoes healthy.

Companion planting can really boost your Celebrity Tomato crop here in the Midwest. Basil is a classic companion because it repels pests and is said to improve the flavor of tomatoes. Carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds are also great for pest control, especially nematodes in the soil.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower) near your tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel is also a no-go, as it inhibits the growth of many plants. Corn can block sunlight and compete for nutrients.