Homestead tomato is a reliable heirloom tomato developed in the 1950’s.  It is a vigorous semi-determinate plant (sets fruit all at once) and grows between 122-183cm (4-6’) tall with a 50-61cm (20-24”) spread and is known to set fruit under a wide range of growing conditions.  Plant produces good yields of very uniform and flavorful 226-255g (8-9oz) red tomatoes. Excellent for salads, sandwiches, and canning. Plant does well in hot & humid conditions. We typically stake or cage all of our tomatoes to avoid breaking branches and to keep plants off of the ground.  We use Velcro strips to tie up both determinate and indeterminate varieties and they are reusable year after year.   Homestead is a prolific producer of bright red, solid, meaty and juicy tomatoes that make an excellent slicer or canning variety.

Tomatoes are a warm-season crop that are easy to grow and provide delicious fruits for a variety of culinary uses. There are many varieties to choose from, ranging in size, shape, and color. Plant tomatoes in a location that receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day and has well-drained soil. Tomatoes prefer soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow seeds 6mm (¼”) deep in seed-starting soil and keep them moist until they germinate, which should occur in 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or into a larger container with at least 30cm (12”) of soil depth. When transplanting tomato seedlings into the garden, wait until after the last frost date and the soil has warmed up to at least 10°C (50°F). Dig a hole that is deep enough to cover the root ball and up to the first set of leaves. Space plants 60-90cm (24-36”) apart in rows that are 90-120cm (36-48”) apart. Fertilize tomato plants with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Water the plants deeply once a week or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry. Tomatoes are susceptible to blossom end rot, which is caused by calcium deficiency, so consider adding calcium to the soil or using a calcium-rich fertilizer. Tomato plants need support to grow upright and to prevent the fruit from touching the ground, which can cause it to rot. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support the plants as they grow.

Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe and have reached their mature size and color. The fruit should be firm but slightly soft to the touch. Tomatoes can be used in a variety of culinary dishes, including salads, sauces, and salsas. Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Planting Depth: Sow seeds 6mm (¼”) deep. Germination: 7-10 days. Height at Maturity: 60-180cm (24-72”) tall. Days to Maturity: Tomatoes can be harvested 60-100 days after planting, depending on the variety. Watering: Water deeply once a week or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry. Sun/Shade: Full sun. Spacing after Planting: Space plants 60-90cm (24-36”) apart in rows that are 90-120cm (36-48”) apart.