Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as Garden Tomato, is a short-lived perennial plant cultivated for its edible fruits. Though tomato is a fruit from a botanical perspective, its culinary uses have resulted in its being classified as a vegetable. Tomato is one of the commonest garden vegetables in the U.S..
Tomatoes have not always been a staple of the American diet. Until the 20th century, tomatoes were widely thought to be poisonous. To combat this myth, George Washington Carver would stand in front of crowds and eat tomatoes.
Tomatoes are now known to be a primary source of lycopene, a powerful cancer fighting antioxidant. A Harvard Medical School study found that eating tomatoes, tomato sauce, or pizza more than twice a week reduced prostate cancer risk by as much as a third.
Though perennials, tomatoes are usually cultivated as annuals. Tomato plants are classified as either determinate or indeterminate. Determinate tomatoes are bush-like plants that produce their fruits all at once and cease growing at a particular height. Indeterminate tomatoes are vine-like and will continue growing and producing fruit until killed by frost.
Tomato plants grow best in full sun and acidic soil. Plant tomato seeds six weeks before transplanting. Provide stakes or cages to support tomato plants. Determinate tomatoes can be grown in containers or tubs. Otherwise, provide about three feet of space between plants. For best results, plant tomatoes with such companions as cabbage, carrots, celery, borage, and onion.
To prepare for next year's planting, dry and save seeds from your best tomatoes. Remember that hybrid tomato seeds will not resemble their parent plants.