Early Girl Tomato in Zone 8A — Texas

Early Girl Tomato is a fantastic choice for Texas gardeners wanting that first taste of homegrown tomatoes. Its early maturity means you can often get two harvests in our long growing season, beating the worst of the Texas heat. Plus, nothing beats a BLT made with a tomato you grew yourself!

Sure, Texas throws some curveballs with its unpredictable weather, but with a little planning, you can enjoy Early Girl Tomatoes. Our 260-day growing season gives you plenty of time to succeed.

Starting your Early Girl Tomato seeds indoors is the way to go here in Texas. Get those seeds going late January through mid February. That gives you about six weeks to get them strong before transplanting.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm – a heat mat helps – and provide plenty of light with grow lights. And here's a tip: bottom-water your seedlings to encourage strong root growth and prevent damping-off. Our early springs can be tricky with temperature swings, so starting indoors gives you more control.

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

Space them 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Watch out for late cold snaps, which can still happen. Be ready to cover your young plants if temperatures dip unexpectedly.

Watering is crucial for Early Girl Tomatoes, especially with our Texas heat. They need consistent moisture to produce those tasty tomatoes. They are not drought tolerant, so stay vigilant.

During the hot summer months, you'll likely need to water deeply several times a week, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil – if it feels dry, it's time to water. In spring and fall, you can usually reduce watering frequency. Water at the base of the plant to avoid splashing soil onto the leaves, which can spread disease.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. Mulching around your plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially important in Texas.

Early Girl Tomatoes are an indeterminate variety, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They need support to stay off the ground and prevent sprawling.

Standard 5-foot tomato cages or sturdy stakes work well. Install the support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently guide the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine.

Pruning can help your Early Girl Tomato plants produce earlier and more abundantly. Focus on removing the suckers that grow in the crotch between the main stem and branches. These suckers steal energy from fruit production.

Also, prune the lower leaves that touch the soil to improve air circulation and prevent disease. Prune regularly throughout the season, especially as the plant gets larger. As the first frost approaches around mid- November, you can pinch off any new blossoms to encourage the plant to put its energy into ripening the existing fruit.

You can expect your first harvest of Early Girl Tomatoes early May through early July, about 50 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ready 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 first frost approaches in mid- November, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer, out of direct sunlight.

Early Girl Tomatoes, like all tomatoes, can face some challenges in Texas. Here's how to tackle the most common problems:

• 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, common with our drought/flood cycles.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. 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, spread by soil splash.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Improve air circulation. Copper fungicide can help.
• 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 defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them (they're easy to spot once you know what to look for). Bt spray is effective and organic.
• Cracking
• What it looks like: Splits in the 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.

Texas Specific Challenges: The extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall in Texas can make growing Early Girl Tomatoes a challenge. Consistent watering is key to preventing blossom end rot and cracking. Good air circulation is essential to prevent fungal diseases like early blight. Be prepared to protect your plants from sudden temperature drops and hail. And watch out for fire ants when you're working in the garden!

Companion planting can help your Early Girl Tomatoes thrive in Texas. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests. Carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes in the soil and repel whiteflies.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes, as they can stunt tomato growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn competes with tomatoes for nutrients and sunlight.