Tomato Varieties for the Earth Box

Short Growing Season

• Gardeners living in regions where frost can occur in late May and early September often have a difficult time raising tomatoes to maturity. Many tomato varieties require 70 to 85 days to mature and produce ripe fruit. Selecting tomato varieties that have a shorter maturity time for your Earth Box will give you a bountiful yield. Shorter season tomato varieties include Earthy Wonder, Fireworks, Glacier and Stupice. All of these varieties will mature in 60 days are less.

Cold Nights

• Growing regions that have a longer growing season but experience a dramatic fluctuation in daytime to nighttime temperatures can hinder the growth and development of many tomato plants. Most tomato plants need warm soil and mild nighttime temperatures to bloom and set fruit. Colder nights will delay the process and limit the yield. Fortunately, some tomato varieties are less sensitive to cold nights and will continue to produce blossoms and fruit. Grow Bush Beefsteak, Early Girl and Yellow Pear tomato varieties in your Earth Box if you live where the nights are cold during the growing season.

Heat and Drought Tolerant

• In regions where the climate is hot and dry, such as the Southwestern United States, even with the Earth Box self-watering system, the climate can impact the health and harvest of your tomato plants. Dry, hot conditions can rapidly dry the leaves and evaporate moisture from the plant. High temperatures will also stall the plant from producing blossoms. Tomato plants that perform and produce fruit well in hot and dry regions include Green Grape, Heartland and Porter varieties.

Heat and Humidity Tolerant

• Heat combined with high humidity can stress tomato plants and make them more susceptible to fungus and disease. Additionally, high heat, above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, can cause a tomato plant to stop producing blossoms, while high humidity may also cause blossom drop. Some tomato varieties are more tolerant of heat and humidity, producing well in your Earth Box during challenging summer heat. Select Brandywine Sudduth, Celebrity, Crimson Carmello or Homestead tomato varieties for your Earth Box if you garden in a region with high heat and humidity.