Green Zebra Tomato in Zone 6B — Midwest

The Green Zebra Tomato is a real standout in the Midwest garden. Its tangy, slightly acidic flavor is fantastic in salads, salsas, or just sliced with a little salt. Plus, its unique green-striped appearance adds a pop of color that the usual red tomatoes just can't match.

Sure, our Midwest weather can be a bit unpredictable, with those summer heat spells and the occasional wild storm. But with a little planning and attention to timing, you can easily grow these beauties during our 183-day growing season.

Starting Green Zebra Tomato seeds indoors gives them a head start on our growing season. Aim to sow your seeds mid-March through early April, 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 a little warmth helps germination. A heat mat underneath the trays works wonders. And don't forget the light! Once the seedlings emerge, they need plenty of bright light, either from a sunny window or a grow light. I like to bottom water my seedlings – set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up. That way, you don't disturb the delicate seedlings. Our moderate-to-late spring means getting these started indoors is key.

Transplant your Green Zebra Tomato seedlings outdoors late April through late May, after the last chance of frost has passed. Before planting, it's crucial to harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade, then slowly increase the time and sunlight each day.

When planting, space them 24-36 inches apart. That gives them plenty of room to grow. Keep an eye on the weather forecast around transplant time. We all know how variable our Midwest spring can be! If a late frost is threatened, cover your young plants with blankets or cloches to protect them.

Green Zebra Tomatoes need consistent moisture to thrive, especially during our moderate-to-hot Midwest summers. They aren't drought-tolerant, so don't let them dry out completely. Strive to maintain consistently moist soil.

A good rule of thumb is the "finger test." Stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. During the hottest part of the summer, your plants might need up to 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases in our moderate-to-humid conditions.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry, cracked soil. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and keep the soil temperature even. I like straw or shredded leaves.

Green Zebra Tomatoes are indeterminate, which means they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They need strong support to keep them off the ground and prevent the stems from breaking under the weight of the tomatoes. Cages or stakes both work well.

Install your chosen support system at planting time. This prevents you from disturbing the roots later on. If using stakes, gently tie the main stem to the stake every foot or so as it grows. With cages, simply guide the plant's growth inside the cage.

Pruning Green Zebra Tomatoes helps improve air circulation and encourages the plant to focus its energy on fruit production. The main thing to prune is the "suckers." These are the small shoots that grow in the "V" between the main stem and the branches. Pinch them off when they're small.

Also, remove the lower leaves that touch the ground. This helps prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing up onto the plant. Prune throughout the growing season as needed. As the first frost approaches in mid- October, you can also top the plant to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen.

You can expect your first Green Zebra Tomatoes mid-July through late August, about 75 days after transplanting. The trick is knowing when they're ripe, because they stay green! Look for a slight softening of the fruit and an amber undertone to the green stripes. They should also feel slightly soft to the touch.

Gently twist the tomato off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the first frost approaches in mid- October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer on a countertop, out of direct sunlight.

Here are a few common problems you might encounter with Green Zebra Tomatoes in the Midwest:

Blossom End Rot

• What it looks like: A dark, sunken, leathery spot on the bottom of the tomato.
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering, leading to calcium deficiency. Our variable spring and summer heat spells can cause these fluctuations.
• 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.

Knowing When Ripe

• What it looks like: A green tomato.
• What causes it: The Green Zebra stays green when ripe, so it can be difficult to tell when to harvest.
• How to fix/prevent it: Look for a slight softening of the fruit, an amber undertone to the stripes, and a slight give when you gently squeeze the tomato.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on the lower leaves, spreading upwards. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: A fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Spreads via soil splash. Our wet summers can make this a challenge.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation by spacing plants and pruning. Copper fungicide can slow the spread. Rotate crops yearly.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot heat and moderate-to-humid humidity, along with our wet-summer rainfall, create conditions that can favor fungal diseases like early blight. Consistent monitoring and preventative measures are key to a successful harvest.

Companion planting can help your Green Zebra Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a great companion because it repels pests like tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Plus, it improves the flavor of the tomatoes! Carrots are also beneficial because they loosen the soil and attract beneficial insects.

Parsley attracts hoverflies, which are natural predators of aphids. French marigolds repel nematodes and other harmful soil pests. Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes, as they can inhibit tomato growth. Fennel also inhibits growth, and corn can attract tomato pests like the corn earworm.