Growing Tomatoes in Bexar County

Horticulture agent for Bexar County, David Rodriguez, gave a presentation at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens on growing tomatoes in Bexar and surrounding counties; determinate- indeterminate, how to grow & protect. In addition, David gave a history of the Rodeo tomato and announced the 2026 Rodeo tomato- Polbig._______________________________________________________________Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) Links: Bexar County Master Gardner Website BCMG Gardening Question Helpline: 210-631-0400Follow BCMG on FBResearch and Podcast Notes / Links to further research : The Rodeo Tomato PolbigRodeo Tomatoes and How to Grow Them - VideoTomato Basics 101 - VideoHistory of the Rodeo TomatoRodeo Tomato for 2021 - Ruby CrushDavid’s Tomato Planting Recommendations: Pot up in February, up to the CotyledonUse 6” diameter for first 30 days, 12” nursery container second 30 daysUse premium peat based potting mixMassage the roots and open them up Water thoroughly once pottedMulch double shredded hardwood mulch to protect (don’t apply until May)Use tomato cages once in final growing spotInsulate the tomatoes with white cloth to protect from night time weatherRemove the insulate when the plant reached 2/3 up the cage Recommended large-fruited tomato varieties include:BobcatCelebrityHarris Moran 8849Sunbrite (semi-determinate)TycoonValley Cat   Red SnapperRecommended small/cherry-type tomato varieties include:Ruby Crush – SA Rodeo TomatoBHN 968 (semi-determinate) – SA Rodeo Tomato and Texas Superstar®Juliet (indeterminate)Vocabulary Words: F1 Hybrids: F1 hybrid is a term used in genetics and selective breeding. F1 stands for Filial 1, the first filial generation seeds/plants or animal offspring resulting from a cross-mating of distinctly different parental types.Insulate: White cloth insulation in gardening refers to techniques and materials used to protect plants from extreme temperature fluctuations, wind, and frost, or to keep soil cooler/warmer to improve plant health.Solanaceae Family: (or nightshades), is a large group of over 2,700 plant species, including common edible crops like potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers.  TX Gardening Educational Events: CULTIVATE! (Free online sessions)Friday-Saturday, March 6-7, 20269am-1pmFriday, March 69:00-10:00am Everything You Learned About Gardening is Wrong! | Greg Grant10:30-11:30am Creating a Thriving and Colorful Landscape in Spite of No Rain | David Rodriguez12:00-1:00pm Making the Most of the Rain | Lee MarloweSaturday, March 7, 20269:00-10:00am Perennial Pleasures: Texas Superstars | Lynn Cox10:30-11:30am Dinner and a Blanket | Bill Swantner12:00-1:00pm Let’s Take the Guess Work Out!: Efficient Landscape Watering | Lynn CoxRadio: Saturday Mornings Lawn & Garden Show 6am-9am on WOAI (1200 News Radio AM) Call in: 210-737-1200 or 1-800-383-WOAIEmail Karen: [email protected] David: [email protected] on FB / Follow on IGPodcast: Bugs By The Yard