The Art and Science of Growing Tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest

No other vegetable (technically a fruit) unites gardening enthusiasts and non-gardeners alike like the flavor of a vine-ripened, juicy tomato. Mastering the following techniques for cultivating this beloved crop under the sometimes capricious conditions of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) might mean the difference between a ripe harvest or another batch of green tomato salsa.

Planning

Tomatoes are well-suited for growing in a cloche, hoop house, or greenhouse. The plants are self-fertile, containing both male and female parts in the same blossom, capable of setting fruit without an outside pollinator. When planting outside, choose a sunny and warm site for your tomatoes. Planting them near masonry or stone walls, which store heat, reflect light, and provide shelter from the wind, is an excellent tactic to add critical warmth.

To ensure a harvest in the occasionally cool PNW summers, choose short-season tomato varieties that ripen in cooler climates. Look for varieties labeled with keywords like "early," "northern," or "glacier." Several varieties from regions with similar heat-challenged growing seasons to the PNW, perform well here, as do locally bred varieties. These "homegrown" varieties often have names that reference regional geography. Smaller tomato types, such as cherry and salad varieties, reliably ripen early; larger beefsteak varieties are best left to gardeners in hotter regions or those with backyard greenhouses.

Many small farms prioritize flavor and production; inquire at your local farmers' market to discover which varieties thrive in your area. Gardeners without access to well-stocked farmers' markets or nursery transplants can start their own seedlings under indoor lights beginning in March.

When purchasing tomato plants, select stocky plants that are 6 to 8 inches tall, with healthy green leaves and sturdy stems. Avoid plants that are already in flower or setting fruit; larger, more established plants when they begin to flower generally yield more. Tomato seedlings should not be transplanted unprotected until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 45 to 50°F. Even June is not too late to get plants in the ground, as several weeks of unprotected cold in the garden do not hasten an early harvest.