How to Grow Creole Tomatoes

Grow your own vine-ripened organic creole tomatoes.

True creole tomato aficionados know that creole tomatoes are not just home-grown tomatoes or a variety of tomato that was developed at Louisiana State University in the 1950s. "Creole" is the contemporary name for tomatoes that get their robust and delicious flavor from growing in the nutrient-rich, silt-laden black soil of southern Louisiana. Bearing this in mind, you have two choices if you want to grow true creole tomatoes. You can either transport soil from the Mississippi delta or you can relocate to the deep South for the purpose of growing tomatoes. If you find these options impractical, you can replicate ideal growing conditions of creole tomatoes and provide them with a growing medium that is rich in organic micronutrients.

Things You'll Need

• Soil test kit
• Organic compost
• Soil amendments, as indicated by soil test
• Ruler
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Select a planting site that receives sun most of the day. It should be sheltered from high winds but not shaded. A confined, raised planting bed is ideal because you may have to incorporate many soil amendments to replicate the rich soil found in the alluvial plain of lower Louisiana.

2. Test and amend your soil. Home test kits are available that will tell you the composition and pH of your soil, which minerals and nutrients are abundant or deficient, and indicate the presence of contaminants. You may then begin to amend the soil to provide optimal conditions for tomato cultivation. Tomatoes require loose, well-drained soil. Because they are heavy feeders, tomatoes need soil rich in organic matter. Ideal pH is between 5.8 and 7.0. While synthetic fertilizers are faster-acting, organic compost is preferable because nutrients are continuously available to the tomato plants and the microbial action improves the soil texture.

3. Select your tomato plants. Creole tomatoes can be any of a number of varieties with similar characteristics. They are heat-tolerant, mildew-resistant and thrive in high humidity, all necessary qualities to survive hot, wet, southern Louisiana summers. Good performers include indeterminate varieties: "Better Boy," "Fantastic" and "'Monte Carlo." If you prefer bush tomatoes, determinate types include: "Bingo," "Celebrity," "Mountain Delight," "Solar Set," and "Sunleaper." To save money, you can buy six or eight-packs of tomato plants in 2 inch pots, which are often sold for the same price as one large, well-established plant. Choose healthy, firm plants with dark green leaves.

4. Plant your tomatoes in deeply moistened soil. Using a garden trowel, dig a hole that is two thirds of the height of the tomato plant from the soil line to the uppermost tip. Soak the roots, container and all, in a pan of water for a few minutes before planting, to thoroughly hydrate the roots. Gently remove the tomato plant from its soil container. "Tease" the roots apart with the point of a pencil so they are not compacted. Pinch off any leaves that will be beneath the soil line in your garden, plus any flowers on the plant. This will divert the plant's energy to the roots. Gently back-fill with soil around the plants and apply water until the soil is very wet. This is called "muddying-in" the plant so the soil makes complete contact with the roots.

5. Apply 3 inches to 4 inches of mulch to your planting bed, avoiding the 2-inch radius around the base of the plants. Shredded newspaper is a good choice because it regulates soil temperature, enhances water retention in the soil and inhibits weed growth. Additionally, it is inexpensive and decomposes, adding organic matter to your garden soil.

6. Water your plants frequently until the plants are well established, depending on the weather. Once you see new growth, wait until the soil begins to dry out before watering. This will encourage the plant to develop a deep root system, needed to support the plant and provide necessary nutrients for producing fruit.

7. Harvest your vine-ripened tomatoes when they are fully red and beginning to soften.

Tips & Warnings

• To extend your growing and harvesting season, plant half of your tomato plants, then wait three weeks to plant the other half.

• Do not allow tobacco use near your tomato plants.

References

• NOLA: Tough Creole Tomatoes are Red and Ready
• Climate & Temperature: What is the Climate, Average Temperature/ Weather in New Orleans, Louisiana?
• Simply Hydroponics and Organics: Article 5-5 The Dirt on Dirt
• Tomato Gardening Guru: Planning a Tomato Garden
• AG Answers: There's Mulch Ado About What's Best for Tomatoes

Resources

• OSU Extension Service Garden Hints: The Scoop on Fertilizers