Early Girl Tomato in Zone 7B — Texas

Early Girl Tomato is a fantastic choice for Texas gardeners because it delivers that classic tomato flavor early in the season, before the worst of the Texas heat sets in. You'll enjoy fresh, juicy tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, and sauces, and you'll feel a real sense of accomplishment getting a jump start on the growing season.

Our unpredictable weather can be a challenge, but Early Girl's early maturity means you can usually get a great harvest before the extreme heat and potential drought hit hard. With our long 255-day growing season, you might even get a second smaller crop in the fall!

Start your Early Girl Tomato seeds indoors from early to late February, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, and provide warmth (around 70-75°F) for best germination.

A heat mat can be helpful in our sometimes-cool early spring. Make sure your seedlings get plenty of light – a grow light is ideal. Bottom watering helps prevent damping-off, a common problem in early spring.

Remember, Texas springs can be early! You want to be ready to move those seedlings out as soon as the weather cooperates.

Transplant your Early Girl Tomato seedlings outdoors from late March through early May, after the last expected frost. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the Texas sun and wind.

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and space your plants 24-36 inches apart. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – those late season freezes can still sneak up on you. Be ready to cover your plants if a cold snap is predicted.

Early Girl Tomatoes need consistent moisture, especially in our climate. They aren't very drought-tolerant, so regular watering is crucial for good fruit production. During the hot summer months, you'll likely need to water deeply several times a week, possibly even daily during the hottest stretches.

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 for about 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases, especially when humidity is high.

Wilting leaves or dry, cracked soil are signs of underwatering. Yellowing leaves or standing water are signs of overwatering. Mulching around your tomato plants with straw or wood chips helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature – a must-do in Texas!

Early Girl Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit throughout the season. They need strong support to keep the vines off the ground and prevent the fruit from rotting.

Cages or 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.

Pruning Early Girl Tomatoes can improve airflow and encourage earlier ripening. Remove the suckers (the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and branches) from the bottom of the plant. This directs the plant's energy into fruit production rather than foliage.

Start pruning a few weeks after transplanting and continue throughout the season. As the end of the season approaches (first frost around mid- November), you can also top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first harvest of Early Girl Tomatoes from mid May through mid July, 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 cut the tomatoes from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As frost threatens in mid- November, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. Place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana to speed up the ripening process.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Early Girl Tomatoes in Texas:

• Blossom End Rot
• What it looks like: A sunken, dark brown or black leathery patch on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Calcium deficiency due to inconsistent watering. The Texas cycle of drought and flash floods can really mess with nutrient uptake.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during fruit development. Mulch heavily to help maintain even soil moisture.
• Early Blight
• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Soil splash spreads it onto lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch well. Water at the base of the plant. Copper fungicide can slow the spread. 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. They can defoliate a plant in no time!
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (wear gloves if you're squeamish!). Bt spray is effective.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either circles around the stem or lines radiating from it.
• What causes it: Heavy watering or rain after a dry spell. The fruit swells too fast.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall in Texas can make growing Early Girl Tomatoes a challenge. Extreme heat can cause blossom drop, while fluctuating humidity can encourage fungal diseases. Consistent watering and good air circulation are essential for success.

Good companions for Early Girl Tomatoes include:

• Basil: Repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Plus, it tastes great with tomatoes!
• Carrots: Improve soil aeration and attract beneficial insects.
• Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects and repels some pests.
• French Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting these near your tomatoes:

• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower): Can stunt tomato growth.
• Fennel: Inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes.
• Corn: Shares some of the same pests and diseases as tomatoes.