Tomatoes - Manitoba

The Manitoba tomato is a superb determinate variety, but can grow up to 6-7 ft tall and has abundant yields. Perfect for short growing seasons, it delivers rich, juicy fruits ideal for canning and fresh consumption.

Sun: Full sun.

Temperature: Warm location.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, compost-rich. 

Recommendation: Use mulch to keep moisture, water regularly and evenly at the base not getting the leaves wet. make sure there is good airflow. Remove bottom leaves so they do not touch the soil to prevent diseases and to improve airflow.

Determinate varieties require tomato cages for support. They grow to a set height (Manitoba 6-7 ft, Roma to 5 ft). Need regular pruning, remove all lower leaves until the first set of flowers, as for suckers you want to keep most of them (I remove 1 out of 3-4 suckers just to allow better airflow). suckers can be put in water for a week to develop roots and then plant in your yard to get additional tomato plants (note those plants may produce less than the original plant but they will produce)

Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer Nitrogen rich fertilizer starting 3 weeks after transplant. When flowers start, reduce the amount of nitrogen and increase phosphorous and potassium in the fertilizer, also sprinkle Epsom salt at the base of the plant. If your soil lacks calcium add some calcium as well at the same time.
Spacing: 24 inches apart. Determinate varieties can grow well in containers of 5 gallons or higher. If growing in containers add calcium and Epsom salt when transplanting and when flowers start. Also, containers may dry faster and may need watering twice a day.