I'm setting up four 4x8 garden beds this weekend, and I've decided to dedicate two of them to tomatoes. I'm going to plant 8 San Marzanos in one bed and a mix of 4 Sun Gold Cherries and 4 Cherokee Purples in the other. Since I've never grown any vegetables before, I'm trying to figure out if that's too many tomato plants for just my husband and me, especially as we plan to share some with my in-laws. I'm hoping to make plenty of pasta sauce and salsa this summer. Any advice on yield or how many plants are reasonable for two people?
3 Answers
You'll have plenty of tomatoes if all goes well! The Sun Golds will produce a lot, and you can pick the San Marzanos as they ripen and freeze them for later use. Just remember, it depends on how you manage the plants. If you prune correctly, you could end up with a great yield. Don't let them grow wild or you might end up with less fruit!
So should I focus on pruning and not cut off suckers?
You definitely might have more than enough at times, but keep in mind that not all plants thrive every year due to factors like pests or weather. If you end up with a surplus, you can always can or freeze them, or give some away. It's all part of the gardening experience, and you'll learn as you go!
Honestly, four plants of Sun Golds could produce more than you expect—like a gallon a week during peak season! The San Marzanos should be fine too, but watch out for crowding and diseases. Mixing varieties is a smart move, and you might want to look into other types for better resilience and taste. Don't get discouraged if not all plants produce maximally this first year; just keep refining your approach!
What do you recommend for a good variety for sauce?
Definitely San Marzanos, but what others are good?
Absolutely! Pruning helps the plant focus on producing larger fruit instead of just lots of smaller ones.