Springtime right time for tomato planting

The tomato. No other food is so synonymous with the Central Valley of California. From Redding to Bakersfield and all points in between, the tomato is the single most-planted seasonal fruit in the Golden State.

From huge spreads of tomatoes destined for the cannery and harvested by sweating crews on behemoth machines, down to the prized Pineapple Krim in the backyard garden, there is no other plant that quite captures the imagination of gardeners and farmers alike. Both dream of that perfect orb at the peak of its perfection, glistening in the afternoon light of a valley summer day.

And why not? Tomatoes are both good looking and good for you. They have a range of flavors that can appeal to almost anyone. From citrus to spicy, from sweet to tart, there is a tomato for you. With the reappearance of old-fashioned "heritage" plants, and the growth from far-flung tomato loving regions around the world, we have more choices than ever. And not just in flavor, but in colors as well. From the traditional reds, to yellows, "whites," purple, orange, striped and mottled, and even one that is green when ripe. It's almost too much to choose from.

Most of us who really love our tomatoes have already got them in (I've once again got about three plants too many, already!). But for those of you that have been procrastinating, don't fret — it's not too late. The nurseries and Garden departments of your favorite big-box stores are still filled with all sorts of veggie garden goodness. Mid- to late April is still just fine for getting in those wonderful "Beefsteak" tomatoes, an "Ace" or two won't be bothered a bit either.! It may be too late for an "Early Girl," but a "Hillbilly" just loves it on the warm side! You can start a tomato from transplant right up through early May, and still have a pretty good harvest come June and July.

Just remember — most tomatoes like a slightly loose soil, and need a lot of "trace" elements like potassium, magnesium, and even a little iron, to be successful. Make sure you have adequate water as well; a tomato's roots can easily reach 6 feet into the ground, but the harder it has to search for water, the smaller and drier the fruit. Also, in my experience and that of most long-time gardeners I know, tomatoes tend to like a little afternoon shade, it's not necessary, strictly speaking, but it tends to give the plant a bit of a break on those blazing central valley summer days. Check your particular variety Some like shade more than others, some actually prefer full sun all day. Me, I tend to go with beefsteak varieties and they seem to thrive with post-3 o'clock shade.

So get out there and plant. With a little luck, you can join me on the corner later this summer trying to give my excess tomatoes away.

P.L. Plantingman is a pseudonym for a Plumas Lake resident who loves to garden and grow.