Choosing the right tomato varieties to grow in Quebec
Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables (technically a fruit!) among Quebec gardeners. With a variable climate, growing tomatoes in our region requires careful variety selection, proper soil preparation, and appropriate maintenance practices.
Choosing the right variety is essential to acheive success in Quebec, where summers are hot but relatively short. Here are three varieties particularly well-suited to Quebec conditions. In this article, we'll explore growing our cherry, regular, and micro-dwarf tomatoes. We'll also clarify the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes.
Step-by-step guide to grow tomatoes in Quebec
1. Start with good seeds
Tomatoes need a long season to grow, why it is essential to do your sowing inside.
When to sow seeds : Sow inside 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost (from March to beginning of April). If you're too enthusiastic and start before that, your seedlings will grow enviously. That is to say, they will become leggy.
Temperature : Maintain between 21 and 24°C for optimal germination.
Lighting : Provide 14 to 16 hours of light per day with grow lamps. A well-exposed window may suffice, but the amount of sunlight in March in Quebec is not enough! It’s still quite dark."
Choosing a tomato plant : See the blog Nos meilleures variétés de tomates
2. Transplanting
When to plant : After the risk of frost (generally from late May to early June)..
Soil temperature : Make sure it reaches at least 15°C.
Spacing : Plant at 45-60 cm apart to promote air circulation and prevent diseases.
3. Soil preparation and fertilization
Tomatoes thrive in rich, well-drained soil.
Soil pH : Between 6,0 et 6,8.
Organic matter : Incorporate compost or well-decomposed manure before planting.
Fertilization : Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or compost tea to promote vigorous growth. Personally, I prefer compost over chemical fertilizers. Granular chicken manure provides a good base of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium."
- Calcium : Calcium is a crucial element for the growth and uniform ripening of fruits. When tomatoes are grown in pots, regular calcium supplementation during the summer is essential, just as consistent watering is. Crab or seaweed meals are rich in calcium and help prevent blossom end rot.
4. Watering and mulching
Watering : Provide deep and regular watering, approximately 2,5 cm per week.
Mulching : Add a layer of straw or wood chips around the plants to retain moisture and limit weeds.
5. Support for tomato plants
For varieties like Canabec Rose and Banana Leg, the support is essentiel.
Use cages, stakes or treillis to keep the plants upright and improve air circulation.
Prune the lower leaves to reduce the risk of diseases.
6. Common diseases and pests in QuebecMaladies et ravageurs courants au Québec
Tomatoes can be affected by late blight, aphids, and defoliating caterpillars (tomato hornworm).
Preventing late blight : Avoid overhead watering and space the plants well.
Controlling pests : Use insecticidal soap for aphids and remove caterpillars by hand.
Companion plants : Grow basil and marigolds nearby to repel insects.