25 seeds
Matures in 65 days, indeterminate plant
Planting companions: Cabbage, cucumber, garlic, chives, basil, lettuce, carrot, asparagus, spinach
Poor companions: Potato, pepper
The grape tomato measures approximately 3 to 4 cm in length and has an oval shape reminiscent of grapes. The dark red, glossy fruits have a delicate texture and a delicious flavor.
Start your tomato seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in the soil. Sow the seeds in a tray at a depth of 1/4" and about 1" apart. Maintain the room temperature at around 20°C (70°F) until germination. Also, ensure adequate light with a grow light or in front of a sunny window; keep the soil moist, but ensure proper drainage. When the second set of leaves grows, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and bury the stems as low as possible to promote optimal rooting.
Remember to acclimate your plants a week before putting them in the garden to harden them. Note that tomatoes do not tolerate cold, so they should not be planted in the garden until all risk of frost is eliminated. Plant them in full sun in rich, well-drained soil, and again, bury the plants as low as possible to encourage rooting. If you provide them with a trellis, space your plants about 2 feet apart, but if you prefer to let the plants spread, space them 3 to 4 feet apart.
Tomatoes often perform better when they have a trellis or support, as it protects them from pests and diseases related to excessive ground contact. As the plants begin to grow, tie them to the support to aid in their development. Temperatures below 12°C (55°F) can reduce production, so you may need to protect the plants if temperatures drop. Water the plants but avoid wetting the leaves as much as possible to prevent them from yellowing. As soon as frost arrives, all tomatoes, even the green ones, should be harvested. Unripe tomatoes will eventually ripen if kept in a warm place away from direct sunlight.
