Early Girl Tomato in Zone 5B — Great Plains

Early Girl Tomato is a winner for us Plains gardeners because it delivers that homegrown tomato flavor faster than almost any other variety. That means you get to enjoy fresh, juicy tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, and sauces, even with our shorter growing season. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting your own tomatoes after nurturing them from tiny seeds.

We all know the Great Plains can throw some extreme weather our way, from late frosts to scorching summer heat and the occasional hail storm. But with a little planning and attention to timing, you can successfully grow Early Girl Tomatoes and enjoy a bountiful harvest within our roughly 178-day growing season.

Starting Early Girl Tomato seeds indoors gives you a head start on the season. Aim to sow your seeds mid-March through early April, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) by bottom watering. Place the tray in a warm spot, ideally around 70-75°F, and provide plenty of light. A simple shop light works great. Be prepared for temperature swings in spring!

Transplant your Early Girl Tomato seedlings outdoors from early May through mid-June, 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 and sun exposure each day.

Space your plants 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the forecast, as we can still get some wild weather that time of year.

Early Girl Tomatoes need consistent moisture, especially during our hot Plains summers. They aren't very drought-tolerant, so you can't just rely on rain. The key is to water deeply and regularly, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall.

Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage disease in our low-to-moderate humidity. In the peak of summer heat, you might need to water every other day.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A good layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture and keeps the soil temperature more even.

Early Girl Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They need support to keep them off the ground and prevent the vines from sprawling. Standard 5-foot tomato cages or sturdy stakes work well.

Install your chosen support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently train the vines to grow up the support. Given the wind we often get on the Plains, make sure your supports are well anchored.

Pruning Early Girl Tomatoes can help improve airflow and encourage earlier ripening, which is especially important with our shorter season. Focus on removing the suckers that grow in the "V" between the main stem and the branches.

Also, prune the lower leaves that touch the ground to prevent soil-borne diseases. Start pruning a few weeks after transplanting and continue throughout the season. As the first frost approaches around mid- October, you can top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first harvest of Early Girl Tomatoes from late June through late August, depending on when you transplanted. The tomatoes are ready to pick when they turn a deep red color and are slightly soft to the touch.

Gently twist or cut the fruit from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the end of the season nears and frost threatens, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Early Girl Tomatoes in the Great Plains:

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: A sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the fruit.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency due to inconsistent watering. The variable rainfall patterns on the Plains can make it tough to keep soil moisture consistent.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily. Remove affected fruit.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm conditions. Soil splash spreads it.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Copper fungicide can slow the spread.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. Big green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: Voracious caterpillars that can defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot). Bt spray is effective.

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either circles around the stem or lines radiating from the stem.
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: The hot heat and variable rainfall we experience on the Plains can stress tomato plants, making them more susceptible to blossom end rot and cracking. The intense sunshine can also lead to sunscald if the plants aren't properly shaded or have insufficient leaf cover. Keep a close eye on your plants and adjust your watering and care accordingly.

Good companions for Early Girl Tomatoes include basil, which is said to repel pests and improve the flavor of the tomatoes. Carrots can help break up the soil and attract beneficial insects. Parsley attracts beneficial insects and can act as a trap crop for some pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can attract tomato pests like the corn earworm, which can also damage tomatoes.