Purdue Extension: Let's talk about your tomatoes

As of this writing, my tomatoes have endured high winds, extended stretches of rainfall, hot temperatures and low 40 degree evening temperatures and a small amount of decent growing weather.

In plant a tomato in my garden every week using the same variety from April 15 to June 15. This year, early planting just did not pay out. Every year is different, but I'm thinking for 2026 I'll wait until later in May to plant crops like tomatoes.

Eggplants planted six weeks ago look very rugged and have endured flea beetle damage.

These beetles overwinter as adults in grass, feed on leaves and cause some damage with warmer weather.

Soil drainage has been a significant variable to tomato growth so far this season. Well-drained soils that have been amended with compost over time have performed much better.

Two beds have clay soil, and they have not performed as well. Container and raised beds have really been a bright spot this season. I have noted in my 24 raised beds that beds with some organic matter have warned quicker and drained better.

As matter of plant grows out of the feeding damage with warmer weather.

Normally, the main plant damage with warmer weather.

Normally, the main plant grows out of the feeding damage with warmer weather.

Soil drainage has been a significant variable to tomato growth so far this season. Well-drained soils that have been amended with compost over time have performed much better.

Two beds have clay soil, and they have not performed as well. Container and raised beds have really been a bright spot this season. I have noted in my 24 raised beds that beds with some organic matter have warned quicker and drained better.

Container and raised beds have really been a bright spot this season. I have noted in my 24 raised beds that beds with some organic matter have warned quicker and drained better.

As of this writing, my tomatoes have endured high winds, extended stretches of rainfall, hot temperatures and low 40 degree evening temperatures and a small amount of decent growing weather.

In plant a tomato in my garden every week using the same variety from April 15 to June 15. This year, early planting just did not pay out. Every year is different, but I'm thinking for 2026 I'll wait until later in May to plant crops like tomatoes.

Eggplants planted six weeks ago look very rugged and have endured flea beetle damage.

These beetles overwinter as adults in grass, feed on leaves and cause some damage with warmer weather.

Soil drainage has been a significant variable to tomato growth so far this season. Well-drained soils that have been amended with compost over time have performed much better.

Two beds have clay soil, and they have not performed as well. Container and raised beds have really been a bright spot this season. I have noted in my 24 raised beds that beds with some organic matter have warned quicker and drained better.

As matter of plant grows out of the feeding damage with warmer weather.

Normally, the main plant damage with warmer weather.

Normally, the main plant grows out of the feeding damage with warmer weather.

Soil drainage has been a significant variable to tomato growth so far this season. Well-drained soils that have been amended with compost over time have performed much better.

Two beds have clay soil, and they have not performed as well. Container and raised beds have really been a bright spot this season. I have noted in my 24 raised beds that beds with some organic matter have warned quicker and drained better.

Container and raised beds have really been a bright spot this season. I have noted in my 24 raised beds that beds with some organic matter have warned quicker and drained better.