Ten Tips For Growing Tomatoes in the East Bay

Ten Tips for Growing Tomatoes in the East Bay

Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding plants to grow, and they thrive in the East Bay's Mediterranean climate with proper care. Whether you're a first-time tomato grower or a seasoned gardener, understanding the unique conditions of the East Bay–especially the coastal cities of San Leandro, Oakland, San Lorenzo, Fremont, and Alameda–can help ensure a bountiful harvest. Here are some expert tips and best practices for growing tomatoes successfully in our region.

1. Choose the Right Tomato Varieties

In the East Bay, selecting tomato varieties that perform well in our climate is key. Summer days here are warm but not excessively hot, and coastal influences can keep temperatures cooler in bayside areas. Look for varieties that thrive in moderate temperatures and shorter growing seasons, such as:

• Determinate Varieties: These compact plants only grow to a certain height. They mature quickly and are ideal for small spaces or container gardening. Examples include 'Early Girl', 'Celebrity', and 'San Marzano'.
• Indeterminate Varieties: These plants are true vines that will continue growing and sprawling. Small-fruited indeterminate varieties like the cherry tomotoes 'Sungold' and 'Sweet 100' produce reliably even in cooler microclimates.
• Heirlooms: For gardeners with sunnier yards or those who live further inland, try heirlooms like 'Brandywine' or 'Cherokee Purple'.

Pro tip: If your garden is frequently foggy or has a lot of shady spots, opt for varieties specifically suited to low-light conditions, such as 'Stupice' or 'Siberian'.

2. Plant at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to tomatoes. In the East Bay, the best time to plant tomato seedlings is after the last frost date, typically mid-to-late April. By this time, soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F, which is crucial for healthy root development.

• Start Seeds Indoors Early: If you’re growing from seed, start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. For the East Bay that is essentially in late January or February. If you missed that window, then purchase mature seedlings or “starts” instead so you can have a summer crop.
• Transplant Carefully: If you grow your own seedlings outdoors, move them outside once nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F to prevent cold stress and help them harden off. If you’re buying starts, they are already adapted to local temperatures.

3. Select the Right Location

Tomatoes love and need the sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you’re gardening in containers or working with a small space, position your pots in the sunniest area possible.

• Pro Tip: In coastal areas where fog can limit sunlight, make the most of reflective surfaces like walls or patios to maximize light exposure and also provide added warmth around your plants.

4. Prepare the Soil

Tomatoes thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0-6.8). Before planting, amend your soil with plenty of organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or other amendments to improve fertility and drainage.

• Avoid Waterlogged Soil: In clay-heavy soils with slow drainage, consider planting tomatoes in raised beds or large containers to prevent waterlogging. 
• Use Mulch: Once planted, add a layer of mulch, such as straw or very fine wood chips, around the base of the plants. This helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Use the mulch to make a 3” high flat donut shape around the plant with the stem in the center of the donut hole.

5. Water Wisely

Consistent watering is critical for healthy tomato plants. Provide deep, infrequent waterings to encourage strong root systems.

• Frequency: Check your soil moisture regularly by digging your finger down a few inches. The surface soil may be dry, but if it feels quite moist below, then you may not need to water yet.
  Generally, water 2-3 times per week early in the season, increasing as plants grow and the weather warms. During peak summer heat, you may need to water daily, especially for container-grown plants, which dry out more quickly. However, once your tomato plants have fruited, be careful as excess water can either cause your tomatoes to split, or make them mushy.
• Method: Always water carefully and gradually at the base of the plant. Avoid splashing or wetting the leaves, which will lead to fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

6. Support Your Plants

Tomato plants can grow tall and heavy with fruit, so they absolutely need physical support to prevent them from sprawling on the ground.

• Cages and Stakes: Use sturdy tomato cages or stakes with plant ties to keep your tomatoes growing upright. For indeterminate varieties, consider much taller and larger cages or trellis systems to accommodate their vigorously vining growth.
• Prune for Health: Remove the lower leaves that touch the soil and any suckers (small shoots between the main stem and branches) to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

7. Fertilize Regularly

Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Start with a balanced fertilizer when planting, then switch to a phosphorus-rich formula once the plants start flowering.

• Organic Options: Consider using fish emulsion, compost tea, or worm castings to feed your plants naturally. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen will encourage the plant to have leafy growth and less fruit production.

8. Protect Against Pests and Diseases

In the East Bay, common tomato pests include aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Keep an eye out for early signs of trouble, and take action promptly.

• Natural Predators: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to keep pests in check. You can also purchase these and release them in your garden.
• Companion Planting: Grow basil, marigolds, or nasturtiums alongside tomatoes to help repel pests naturally.
• Disease Prevention: Rotate your crops annually and avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot year after year to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases like verticillium wilt.

9. Harvest at Peak Ripeness

Tomatoes taste best when picked at their peak ripeness. Look for fully colored fruit that feels slightly firm but yields gently to pressure.

• Pro Tip: If you notice cooler temperatures in late summer or early fall, pick all tomatoes that are just starting to ripen and let them finish indoors on your kitchen counter.

10. Stay Local for Resources

Gardening in the East Bay means you have access to a wealth of local resources who understand our bayside bioregion and climate: 1) The Alameda County Master Gardener site shares a variety info from the UC Master Gardener program; 2) the Alameda Backyard Growers group produces an great newsletter; and 3) local garden expert Buzz Bertolero curates The Dirt Gardener, an excellent site full of local garden knowledge. Take advantage of their insights to refine your tomato-growing skills.

In Closing:

By following these tips and best practices, you’ll be well on your way to growing delicious, juicy tomatoes in your East Bay garden. Visit our San Leandro garden center for all your vegetable garden supplies. Our plant-loving nursery associates are ready to help you on your tomato growing journey. Happy gardening!