Early Girl Tomato in Zone 6A — Great Plains

Early Girl Tomato is a fantastic choice for Great Plains gardeners because it delivers that delicious homegrown tomato flavor earlier than most other varieties. This means you get to enjoy fresh tomatoes from your garden even with our shorter growing season. Plus, they're incredibly versatile – great for slicing, salads, or even a quick sauce.

Sure, we Plains gardeners have to contend with some extreme weather and variable rainfall. But with careful planning and attention to timing, you can absolutely grow Early Girl Tomatoes successfully during our 188-day growing season. It's all about getting a head start and being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

Starting your Early Girl Tomato seeds indoors is key to getting a jump on our season. Aim to sow your seeds mid-March through early April. This gives you about six weeks to nurture those little seedlings before transplanting them outdoors.

Use seed trays with a good quality seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, and consider bottom watering to avoid damping off – just set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil absorb it from the bottom. You'll also need a warm spot and a grow light to provide consistent light, especially with our variable spring weather.

Transplanting your Early Girl Tomatoes outdoors should happen late April through early June, after the risk of frost has passed. But keep an eye on the forecast – we know how unpredictable spring can be here! Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

When transplanting, space your plants 24-36 inches apart to give them room to grow. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Be prepared to protect your young plants from late frosts or strong winds, which can be tough on tender seedlings.

Consistent watering is crucial for Early Girl Tomatoes, especially here on the Plains where we often experience periods of drought. They're not drought-tolerant, so you'll need to stay on top of it. During the hot summer months, plan to water deeply about 1-2 inches per week, depending on rainfall.

Stick your finger about two inches into the soil to check moisture levels before watering. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet. With our low-to-moderate humidity, this will help prevent fungal diseases.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and slow growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Adding a layer of mulch around your plants will help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature more consistent.

Early Girl Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit throughout the season. They definitely need support to keep those vines off the ground. 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 weave the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine. Wind protection is essential here on the Plains, so consider placing your plants in a spot that's sheltered from the strongest gusts or using windbreaks.

Pruning your Early Girl Tomatoes can help improve airflow and encourage earlier ripening. Focus on removing suckers – those small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches.

You can also remove the lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent disease. Start pruning a few weeks after transplanting and continue throughout the season. As we approach our first frost around mid- October, consider topping the plant (cutting off the top) to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first harvest of Early Girl Tomatoes mid-June through mid-August, about 50 days after transplanting. The fruits are ready to pick when they turn a deep red color and are slightly soft to the touch.

Gently twist or snip the tomato from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the end of the season approaches and frost threatens, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll still develop flavor, just maybe not quite as intense as vine-ripened ones.

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

• Blossom End Rot
• What it looks like: Sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the fruit.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency due to inconsistent watering, which is common with our variable rainfall.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions, exacerbated by soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Rotate crops yearly.
• Hornworms
• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. Big green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: Larvae of hawk moths that can quickly defoliate plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot). Use Bt spray. Leave any hornworms with white cocoons on them – those are beneficial parasitic wasps.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either concentric circles around the stem or lines radiating from the stem.
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell, causing the fruit to absorb water too quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly when ripe.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our hot summers, low-to-moderate humidity, and variable rainfall create a challenging environment for Early Girl Tomatoes. Consistent watering is key to preventing blossom end rot and cracking. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Wind protection can prevent damage to plants and fruit.

Companion planting can help your Early Girl Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots improve the soil around tomatoes and deter nematodes. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes because they compete for nutrients. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can block sunlight and create too much shade, especially further north in the Plains.