Early Girl Tomato in Zone 6B — Mountain West

Early Girl tomatoes are a fantastic choice for us high-altitude gardeners. You get that classic tomato flavor, they're incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and because they ripen so early, you actually get to enjoy homegrown tomatoes even with our short season. There’s nothing quite like that first ripe tomato off the vine!

Our Mountain West climate definitely has its challenges – intense sun, alkaline soil, and those cool nights even in summer. But with a little planning and attention to timing, you can absolutely grow delicious Early Girls. Our 163-day growing season is just long enough to enjoy a good harvest.

Starting Early Girl tomato seeds indoors is key to getting a head start in our short growing season. You'll want to sow your seeds indoors from late March through mid April, roughly six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm (around 70-75°F) and provide plenty of light – a grow light works wonders. Don't forget to water from the bottom to encourage strong root growth and prevent damping off. The warmth and light will help counteract our late spring starts.

Transplanting your Early Girl seedlings outdoors happens from early May through mid June, after the danger of frost has passed. Before planting them in the garden, you'll need to harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

When transplanting, space your Early Girl tomato plants 24-36 inches apart. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – those late-season cold snaps can still happen in the high country.

Consistent watering is essential for Early Girl tomatoes, especially in our dry Mountain West climate. These tomatoes aren't drought-tolerant, so you'll need to pay close attention. The goal is to provide consistent moisture for steady fruit production.

During the peak of summer, when temperatures are moderate-at-altitude, aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Use the "finger test" – 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 getting the leaves wet, which can lead to fungal issues even with our low humidity. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and root rot.

A good layer of mulch (like straw or wood chips) around the base of the plants will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Given our dry summers and alkaline soil, this is a must.

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

Install your chosen support system at planting time. As the plant grows, gently guide the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake. This will help keep the plant upright and prevent the fruit from touching the soil.

Pruning Early Girl tomatoes can help encourage earlier ripening, which is crucial in our short season. Focus on removing the suckers that grow in the junction between the main stem and the branches.

Pinch off these suckers when they're small. Removing the lower suckers helps direct the plant's energy into fruit production rather than foliage. As the season winds down (around early October, when our first frost threatens), 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. These are one of the earliest-ripening varieties, so you should be enjoying homegrown tomatoes before you know it!

The tomatoes are ready to harvest when they turn a deep red color and are slightly soft to the touch. Gently twist the tomato from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. As the first frost approaches in early October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll continue to ripen on a windowsill.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Early Girl tomatoes in the Mountain West:

• Blossom End Rot
• What it looks like: Sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency due to inconsistent watering, common with our dry climate and alkaline soil.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during fruit development. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. 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, humid conditions (though our humidity is low, soil splash can still spread 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. Large 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). Bt spray is effective and organic.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in tomato skin, either concentric or radial.
• 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 when ripe.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our moderate-at-altitude heat, low humidity, and dry rainfall can create challenges for Early Girl tomatoes. The intense sun can also lead to sunscald, so providing some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day can be beneficial. Consistent watering and monitoring for pests and diseases are key to a successful harvest.

Companion planting can be a great way to improve the health and yield of your Early Girl tomatoes.

• Good companions:
• Basil: Repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies.
• Carrots: Improve soil aeration and attract beneficial insects.
• Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects and can improve tomato flavor.
• French Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other soil pests.
• Bad companions:
• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower): Can stunt tomato growth.
• Fennel: Inhibits growth of many plants, including tomatoes.
• Corn: Can attract tomato pests like tomato hornworms.