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In today’s 2 minute tip, I share our keys to tomato growing success. If you shop on Amazon, you can support OYR simply by clicking this link (bookmark it too) before shopping: http://www.amazon.com/?tag=oneya-20 Our Keys to Tomato Success: 1) start tomatoes indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date (mid-March here in zone 5) and 7 to 8 weeks before transplanting them outside; 2) starting earlier doesn't provide a significant advantage; 3) start hardening off tomatoes after the last frost when nighttime temps are in the 40’s or above (early May) by placing them in the shade; 4) gradually move tomatoes from shade to full sun over the next week or two; 5) transplant tomatoes when nighttime temps are mostly in the 50's or above (one to two weeks after the last frost or around mid-May here in zone 5); 6) plant in full sun; 7) don't plant tomatoes where tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, or other related crops grew the prior year; 8) plant tomatoes deeply, leaving only 4 to 6 inches above the ground, and snip branches as needed; 9) to maximize production per square foot, plant 1 indeterminate tomato plant per square foot and prune suckers to prevent overcrowding; 10) grow tomatoes vertically on trellises; 11) when plants are a few feet tall, prune lower branches to reduce blight; 12) weave plants through trellis as they grow and top them off when they reach the top of the trellis (8 feet); 13) water moderately to heavily during growth and lightly during harvesting; 14) mulch tomatoes when soil is warm to reduce watering requirements, reduce soil splash, and reduce blight risk; 15) compost, worm castings, and mulch from free local resources provide all the nutrients our tomatoes need. One Yard Revolution is all about growing a lot of food on a little land using sustainable organic methods, while keeping costs and labor at a minimum. Emphasis is placed on improving soil quality with compost, mulch, and compost tea. No store-bought fertilizers, soil amendments, pesticides, compost activators, etc. are used. Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneyardrevolution Channel Page: http://www.youtube.com/user/OneYardRevolution