Field guide
How to grow tomato (slicing): planting, care, and harvest guide
Tomato (Slicing) typically reaches first harvest in 65–85 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant tomato (slicing) by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — May to June
- USDA Zones 7–8 — April to May
- USDA Zones 9–10 — March to April
- USDA Zones 11–13 — February to March
Companion plants
Good companions: Basil, Carrots, Parsley, French Marigolds
Avoid planting with: Cabbage, Florence Fennel, Potatoes
Harvest
When to pick
- Fruit is fully colored with slight give when gently pressed
- Bottom of fruit (blossom end) turns from green to full color
- Fruit may crack in heavy rain if left too long
How: Twist gently or cut stem with pruners. Can pick slightly underripe and ripen on the counter. Harvest before heavy rains to prevent cracking.
Storage: Store at room temperature, stem scar down. Never refrigerate. Use within 5-7 days. Green tomatoes ripen in a paper bag with a banana.
Common pests and problems
Tomato Hornworm
Signs: Large green caterpillars, rapid defoliation, dark droppings
Control: Hand-pick daily. Apply Bt for caterpillars. Leave parasitized worms (with white cocoons) alone.
Blossom End Rot
Signs: Dark, sunken, leathery spot on the bottom of the fruit
Control: Not a pest — it's a calcium uptake issue caused by inconsistent watering. Mulch heavily and water deeply and regularly. Add calcium (lime or gypsum) to soil before planting.
Early/Late Blight
Signs: Brown spots with rings (early) or water-soaked dark spots (late) on leaves
Control: Remove lower leaves, improve airflow by pruning. Mulch to prevent soil splash. Copper fungicide preventively in wet seasons. Rotate tomato family crops on a 3-year cycle.
Whiteflies
Signs: Tiny white flying insects when leaves are disturbed, sticky residue, yellowing
Control: Yellow sticky traps. Insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators.
About this field guide
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