Celebrity Tomato in Zone 6B — Northeast

Celebrity Tomato is a winner for Northeast gardens. Its reliable flavor, perfect for slicing and sauces, and its relatively early maturity make it a great choice to make the most of our short growing season. Plus, its disease resistance is a big help in our sometimes humid summers.

Our Zone 6B climate can be tricky, with the risk of late spring frosts and early fall freezes nipping at our heels. But with careful timing, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of Celebrity Tomatoes within our 183-day growing season. Starting seeds indoors is key to getting a head start.

To get a jump on our short growing season, you'll want to start your Celebrity Tomato seeds indoors from mid-March through early April. This gives you about six weeks to nurture those seedlings before transplanting them outside. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the trays warm (around 70-75°F) and provide plenty of light. A heat mat can be helpful, and grow lights are a must to prevent leggy seedlings, especially with our late spring's often cloudy days. Water gently from the bottom by placing the tray in a shallow container of water; this encourages strong root growth and prevents damping-off.

Transplant your Celebrity Tomato seedlings outdoors from late April through late May, once the danger of frost has passed. Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade and increase the time each day.

When transplanting, space plants 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil. Even though the calendar says "late spring," we can still get chilly nights, so keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to cover your young plants if needed. A cloche or even an old milk jug with the bottom cut out can provide some protection.

Celebrity Tomatoes need consistent moisture to thrive, especially in our moderate-to-humid Northeast climate. They aren't drought-tolerant, so don't let them dry out. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time, depending on rainfall.

Stick your finger about two inches into the soil near the base of the plant. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid climate. Overhead watering is fine if it's done early in the day so the leaves can dry before nightfall.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A layer of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is especially helpful in our often rocky New England soil.

Celebrity Tomatoes are determinate, but they can still get quite bushy and benefit from support. Cages or stakes are both good options, but medium-height cages tend to work best for this semi-determinate variety. Install the support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later.

If using stakes, tie the main stem to the stake every foot or so with soft twine or tomato clips. For cages, make sure the cage is sturdy enough to support the weight of the mature plant and its fruit. You might need to prune some of the lower suckers to improve air circulation, especially in our humid summers.

You can expect your first Celebrity Tomato harvest from early July through late August, about 70 days after transplanting. The fruits will be medium-large, red, and firm with a slight give when gently squeezed. The excellent disease resistance of this variety means you'll likely have plenty to pick!

Harvest tomatoes when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Gently twist or snip the stem just above the fruit. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Check your plants every few days, because ripening can accelerate quickly.

As mid-October approaches and the first frost looms, harvest any remaining green tomatoes. These can be ripened indoors by placing them in a paper bag with a banana or apple. Keep them in a cool, dark place, and they should ripen within a week or two.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Celebrity Tomatoes in Zone 6B:

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 is the main culprit in the Northeast. If we get a stretch of unusually hot days or nights, especially in early summer, it can interfere with pollination.
• How to fix/prevent it: Be patient; fruit set usually resumes when temperatures moderate. Provide afternoon shade during heat waves. Ensure consistent watering, but avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Hand-pollination can help if you suspect poor pollination.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves are stripped overnight. You might find large (up to 4 inches) green caterpillars with white diagonal stripes. Look for dark droppings on the leaves below.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths. They can defoliate your plants quickly if left unchecked.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them and drop them into soapy water. They're surprisingly easy to spot once you know what to look for. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is effective and organic. If you see hornworms covered in white cocoons, leave them be—those are parasitic wasp eggs that will take care of the hornworm for you.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (target or bullseye pattern) appear on lower leaves first, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: This fungal disease thrives in our warm, humid Northeast summers. It spreads via soil splash onto lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves (don't compost them). Mulch around the base of the plants to prevent soil splash. Water at the base, not overhead. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning. Copper fungicide can slow the spread. Rotate your crops each year to prevent buildup in the soil.

Northeast Specific Challenges: Our moderate heat and moderate-to-humid humidity can create favorable conditions for fungal diseases like early blight. Consistent monitoring and preventative measures are key. Even rainfall helps, but we need to be sure there is good drainage.

Companion planting can give your Celebrity Tomatoes a boost. Basil is a classic companion because it repels pests like tomato hornworms and whiteflies while supposedly improving tomato flavor. Carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes, as they can inhibit tomato growth. Fennel is also a bad companion, as it can stunt the growth of many plants. Corn can attract tomato pests, so keep them separated.