Vine Tomatoes

Tomato is broadly classified into two varieties, namely vine (indeterminate) and bush (determinate) type, according to their growth habits. As the name suggests, the former grows indeterminately as vines. In contrary to this, bush tomatoes exhibit a determinate growth habit and do not require staking or supporting. Vine tomatoes are preferred by home growers, who prefer to have continuous supply of ripe tomatoes throughout the year. For commercial plantation, bush variety is a better alternative that needs minimal effort for growing and harvesting.

Growing Vine Tomatoes

Tomatoes sold in the markets are usually picked at half ripened stages, so as to extend their shelf life. Hence, growing vine tomato plants is a rewarding experience, where you get to enjoy juicy tomatoes ripened naturally. Except for staking and supporting, vine tomato plantation tips are no different from tomato varieties that we normally grow in vegetable gardens. Refer to the following gardening tips to maintain healthy vine tomato plants:

• Site Selection - Areas that receive full sun are excellent for growing tomato vines. The soil pH should be neutral (6-7 range will do). If available, choose areas that have protective structures such as near walls or vine covered trellis. This will minimize the effects of strong winds to your vines.
• Seeds or Plantlets - Tomatoes of any variety are easy to germinate at home. Hence, it is not necessary to buy costly plantlets. Purchase vine tomato seed from your local nursery. Make sure to select disease and pest resistant variety.
• Growing Tomatoes - Prepare soil or potting media by supplementing excess concentration of compost. If you are using seeds, sow them indoors in a seed tray 2 months before the last expected frost. For growing tomato plantlets, you can plant them after the frosting is over, by maintaining a space of 12-18 inches between two plantlets.
• Watering - Caring for tomato plants include watering on a regular basis, so that the plants receive at least 1 inch water every week. Depending upon the weather conditions in your area, determine the irrigation frequency of tomato plants.
• Pruning - When grown in an uncontrolled manner, indeterminate tomato varieties grow up to 10 feet and more. Hence, pruning vine tomatoes and removing suckers are crucial to restore energy for formation of large fruits. Also, consider staking tomato plants to support the vines.

Pick these tomatoes, when their color turn glossy and texture is slightly firm. Very often, arrival of frost induces rotting of green tomatoes, while still on the vine. No wonder, the question 'how to ripen green tomatoes off the vine' lingers in the minds of most tomato growers. What you can do is pick mature green tomatoes and place them in a shallow box at room temperature. Within 2-3 weeks, you will notice reddening of the tomatoes. You may like to read more on tips for growing tomatoes in pots and containers.

Vine Tomatoes Nutrition

If you love to have this juicy fruit cum vegetable, the best alternative is plant it on your own. As we all are aware, bush or vine tomatoes nutrition is very impressive; they are rich source of vitamin A and C, along with dietary fiber, iron and potassium. The only drawback is presence of sugar in high amounts, which is not good for diabetics. Research studies conducted on ripe tomatoes also found that these wonderful fruits possess anticancer properties and help fight development of cancerous cells.

Nowadays, 'tomatoes on the vines' are sold in food stores at a high price, approximately three times more than those without stems. They are determinate varieties, harvested with a small piece of vine. According to suppliers, tomatoes attached to stems are juicier and tastier than artificially ripened ones. Frankly speaking, the increased price is not for juiciness, but for the appearance that attracts prospective buyers. So, instead of purchasing them, you can grow vine tomatoes and ensure a continuous supply of garden fresh juicy tomatoes.