When to Plant Tomatoes in Colorado: A 2026 Guide for Gardeners

Epic Tomatoes by Craig LeHoullier is more than just a gardening manual; it is a love letter to the tomato. Aimed at both novice and seasoned gardeners, this book delivers an encyclopedic look at over 200 tomato varieties. LeHoullier, a respected tomato expert, shares his decades of experience in a conversational tone that makes complex topics feel approachable. The book systematically covers everything from selecting the right seeds to dealing with common pests, all while celebrating the joy of growing your own food.

The standout feature is the sheer breadth of tomato profiles. Each variety is described with its color, size, flavor, and best use, accompanied by vivid photographs that practically jump off the page. Readers have praised these images as both inspiring and educational. The book also includes practical growing advice tailored to different climates, as well as tips for container gardening and straw bale methods. The 'Ten Tastiest Tomatoes' list is a fan favorite, helping gardeners zero in on the most rewarding picks.

The design is top notch. The large format (8.6 x 10.85 inches) allows for big, clear photos and easy-to-read text. The author organizes information logically, with charts that compare characteristics at a glance. While the physical copy is heavy (2.31 pounds), the quality of the glossy paper and binding justifies the weight. A few buyers noted a strong chemical smell from the ink, but this appears to be an isolated issue and dissipates over time.

Drawbacks are minor. The book is only available in English, which limits its audience. Some readers might wish for more detailed regional guides, though LeHoullier's two-climate experience (North Carolina and Pennsylvania) offers broad insights. Also, the large size may not fit well on a small bookshelf. However, these are small trade-offs for such a comprehensive resource.

Overall, Epic Tomatoes is an essential addition to any gardener's library. It consistently earns high praise for its depth, clarity, and passion. If you are serious about growing outstanding tomatoes, this book will save you time, money, and frustration. It is a worthwhile investment that pays off with every harvest.

The Sow Right Seeds Homestead Tomato is a heat-tolerant, semi-determinate heirloom variety that produces medium-sized red tomatoes. Each packet contains about 45 seeds (though some buyers have reported receiving fewer) and includes clear planting instructions. This tomato is an excellent choice for home gardeners in warmer climates who want a reliable slicer that keeps producing even during summer heat waves.

The standout feature here is heat tolerance. Many tomato varieties stop setting fruit when temperatures stay above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but the Homestead keeps going. The fruits are around 8-12 ounces, red, and crack-resistant, which means more usable tomatoes and less waste. Flavor is classic and satisfying: juicy, savory, and perfect for sandwiches, salads, or preserving as sauce or jam. Expect maturity in 75-85 days from transplant.

Build and quality of the packaging are good. Seeds come in a full-color, resealable packet with planting depth, spacing, and sun requirements printed clearly. Sow Right Seeds uses solar-powered facilities and has taken the Safe Seed Pledge, so you know you're getting non-GMO, responsibly sourced seeds. The company also promises to replace any seeds that don't germinate.

However, there are some honest drawbacks. A handful of reviews mention low germination rates, with as few as 20 percent sprouting. Others note that the packet contained far fewer seeds than the advertised 45. These issues seem inconsistent, so your experience may vary. Also, because this is a semi-determinate plant, it still reaches 5-6 feet tall and will need staking or a cage for support.

Overall, the Homestead Tomato is a solid choice if you garden in a hot region and want a dependable, great-tasting slicer. Just plant extra seeds to account for possible germination issues, and buy from a reputable seller to ensure fresh stock. With proper care, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of tasty, crack-free tomatoes.

The Sow Right Seeds Beefsteak Tomato seed packet is a fantastic choice for home gardeners who want to grow their own super-sized slicing tomatoes. This heirloom, non-GMO variety is known for producing bright red fruits that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter, with a classic, meaty texture and rich tomato flavor. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grower, this packet makes it easy to start a productive vegetable garden.

One of the standout features of these seeds is that they are indeterminate, meaning the vines will keep producing fruit all season long until the first frost. You can expect your first ripe tomatoes in about 75-85 days after planting. The seeds germinate in 5-10 days when soil temperatures are between 70-80°F, and the plants can grow up to 6 feet tall with a 3-4 foot spread. Just be sure to provide sturdy support like stakes or cages, as the heavy fruit can weigh down the branches.

The packet itself is compact and includes clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Sow Right Seeds is committed to sustainability, using solar power for their operations and taking the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only non-GMO seeds. This adds peace of mind for gardeners who care about the environment and seed purity.

One potential drawback is that the packet contains only 100mg (about 45 seeds), which is fine for a small home garden but not enough for large-scale planting. Also, germination can be slow if the soil isn't warm enough, so using a heat mat or waiting for warmer weather is recommended. The indeterminate growth habit means you'll need to plan for trellising, but the payoff of fresh, huge tomatoes is well worth the effort.

Overall, the Sow Right Seeds Beefsteak Tomato seeds are a reliable choice for anyone wanting to grow delicious, oversized tomatoes at home. With easy instructions, sustainable practices, and a classic heirloom variety, this packet offers great value for the price. If you're looking to add a prolific, flavorful slicer to your garden, this is a solid pick.

If you have ever heard Mike McGrath on his popular NPR radio show "You Bet Your Garden," you know he delivers gardening advice with a healthy dose of humor. This second edition of his tomato-growing guide brings that same approach to print, offering a complete resource for anyone who wants to grow great-tasting heirloom tomatoes. Whether you have a big backyard or just a small patio with a few containers, this book aims to help you succeed.

The book covers all the essentials: choosing tomato varieties, starting seeds, planting, staking, watering, fertilizing, and dealing with pests and diseases. McGrath explains organic methods clearly, and his experience shines through. The content is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a solid choice for beginners. That said, the writing is anything but dry. McGrath's conversational tone and witty asides make the information stick. Many readers mention they can almost hear his voice as they read.

At 128 pages, this is not a dense encyclopedia. It focuses on practical knowledge rather than overwhelming detail. The book's compact size and clear illustrations make it a handy reference to keep nearby during the growing season. Some experienced gardeners may wish for more advanced troubleshooting, but the foundation it provides is solid and trustworthy. A few readers noted the humor can occasionally feel forced or too casual for their taste, but most seem to enjoy the personality.

Overall, "You Bet Your Garden Guide to Growing Great Tomatoes" delivers exactly what it promises: a fun, informative guide to growing delicious homegrown tomatoes. If you want reliable organic advice with a side of laughter, this book is a great pick. For serious tomato enthusiasts looking for in-depth technical detail, pairing this with a more advanced reference might be wise. But for the vast majority of home gardeners, McGrath's guide is a valuable and enjoyable resource.

The HOME GROWN Large Red Cherry Tomato Seeds pack delivers 500 heirloom, non-GMO seeds in a single grow-ready package. This is a fantastic option for home gardeners, homesteaders, or anyone aiming for self-sufficient food production. The seeds are from indeterminate vine varieties, known for producing clusters of sweet, bite-sized red tomatoes throughout the season, often until the first frost.

Standout features include exceptionally high germination rates right out of the packet, which means less waiting and more seedlings. The seeds are adaptable to outdoor garden beds, containers, indoor setups, and even hydroponic systems. For beginners, the included online growing guide with QR codes offers valuable support. Experienced growers will appreciate the generous 500-seed count for starting a large patch or sharing with friends.

The packaging is eco-friendly and compostable, with each packet individually labeled. A QR code on the pack links to detailed instructions, making it easy to maximize your harvest. The seeds are sourced and packed in the USA, adding a layer of quality control and reliability. The vines themselves are vigorous and indeterminate, so you will need sturdy stakes, cages, or a trellis to support the heavy yield.

One potential drawback is that this product has zero customer reviews yet, so we cannot cite real-world experiences. Additionally, indeterminate tomato plants require consistent care, including full sun, regular watering, and loamy soil. Gardeners in USDA zones 3 to 11 can grow these, but those in cooler regions may need to start them indoors or use a greenhouse.

Overall, this seed pack offers an excellent balance of quantity, quality, and versatility. The high germination rate and heirloom pedigree make it a trustworthy choice for anyone wanting a bountiful cherry tomato harvest. With proper staking and care, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes from summer through fall. It is a solid investment for both new and experienced gardeners.

The Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin series has long been a favorite among home gardeners for its no-nonsense, focused approach. This edition, 'Grow the Best Tomatoes,' is exactly what you would expect: a compact, information-packed guide that cuts through the fluff. Aimed at both beginners and seasoned growers, it delivers straightforward advice on getting the most out of your tomato plants.

What sets this bulletin apart is its practicality. It doesn't just tell you to water your plants; it explains how to create the ideal growing conditions, from soil pH to temperature ranges. The sections on starting seeds indoors and building trellises are particularly useful. You get clear, step-by-step instructions that feel like advice from a knowledgeable neighbor rather than a textbook.

Design-wise, the booklet is modest. It's a simple paperback with a sturdy cover and standard print. While it lacks glossy photos or fancy diagrams, the text is well-organized and easy to follow. For a reference you can take right into the garden, this format works well. The only real downside is its brevity. Some topics, like pest management or advanced pruning, are only touched on briefly.

If you are looking for a deep dive into tomato science, this might feel too basic. But for most home gardeners, it hits the sweet spot. It gives you the essential knowledge to avoid common mistakes and boost your harvest. The preservation tips at the end are a nice bonus, helping you make the most of your crop.

Overall, this is a reliable, affordable resource that delivers on its promise. It won't replace a full-length gardening book, but as a quick-reference guide, it is hard to beat. If you want to grow better tomatoes without getting overwhelmed, this bulletin is a smart addition to your gardening library.

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: January 10, 1998
Edition: Updated
Language: English
Print Length: 32 pages
ISBN-10: 1580171575
ISBN-13: 978-1580171571
Item Weight: 1.59 ounces
Dimensions: 5.65 x 0.5 x 8.55 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #193,676 in Books; #61 in Fruit Gardening; #212 in Canning & Preserving; #223 in Vegetable Gardening

Growing Tomato Plants by Adele M. Shepherd is a straightforward Kindle guide that aims to help home gardeners produce delicious, high-yielding tomatoes. The author brings decades of experience from both the nursery industry and commercial tomato farming, which gives this book a practical, no-nonsense feel. It's written for anyone who wants to move beyond store-bought tomatoes and learn the full process from seed selection to harvest, including the often-overlooked steps of trellising and fertilizing.

The standout feature here is the breadth of information packed into 235 pages. You get a brief history of the tomato, a breakdown of common varieties, and detailed instructions on starting seeds with a claimed 98% germination rate. The pest and disease chapter is especially useful, with clear photos to help identify cutworms, hornworms, and other troublemakers, plus organic and chemical control options. Readers have praised the author's innovative pruning method (tested during her nursing career) that reduces disease spread. The book also covers saving seeds and proper storage, making it a well-rounded resource.

Design-wise, the Kindle format works well. Enhanced typesetting and X-Ray support let you jump between sections easily, and the Page Flip feature is handy for referencing instructions while you garden. A few readers mentioned the photos are helpful, though some are in black and white depending on your device. The language is conversational and easy to follow, which keeps even the more technical topics from feeling overwhelming.

On the downside, a handful of reviewers found the content too elementary. If you already know the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes or have dealt with blight before, you might not learn much new. The 2012 publication date means some pest control references could be outdated (though the core growing advice remains solid). Also, the book is only available as a digital download, so those who prefer thumbing through a physical copy will be left out.

Overall, this is a strong guide for its intended audience: home gardeners who are new to growing tomatoes or want to improve their results without getting lost in overly complex botany. It's thorough, trustworthy, and written by someone who clearly loves the craft. While advanced growers may want more depth, for the price (it's currently free) and the quality of instruction, it's an easy recommendation for anyone looking to grow the best tomatoes in the neighborhood.

If you're looking for a straightforward, all-in-one guide to growing tomatoes, The Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes by Cherie Everhart is a strong choice. This 288-page book (second revised edition, 2015) covers everything from soil prep and composting to seed starting and support systems, with special attention to heirloom varieties. It's written for home gardeners who want practical, no-nonsense advice without getting lost in scientific detail.

The standout feature here is the thorough breakdown of composting and fertilization tailored to different tomato types. The book explains how to choose a garden location, prepare the soil, and select the right support cages or nets. The chapter on heirloom tomatoes is particularly useful for anyone wanting to grow unique, flavorful varieties that aren't always covered in general gardening guides. Each section is laid out clearly, with step-by-step instructions that make it easy to follow along.

At 6 x 9 inches and weighing just under a pound, the paperback is portable enough to take outside while you work. The writing is conversational and avoids unnecessary jargon, which is a plus for beginners. However, because the book was published in 2015, some recommendations (like specific fertilizers or pest control methods) may not reflect the latest organic or sustainable practices. You might want to cross-check with more recent online resources for cutting-edge techniques.

The biggest downside is that there are no customer reviews yet, so you're relying solely on the publisher's description and specs. That said, the content looks comprehensive and the author clearly knows the subject. If you're a beginner or intermediate gardener who prefers a printed reference over scrolling through blog posts, this guide will serve you well. For experts, it may feel a bit basic, but the heirloom coverage adds value.

Overall, The Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes delivers on its promise: everything you need to know explained simply. It's a solid, no-frills resource that covers the essentials and includes the added bonus of heirloom tomato cultivation. If you can look past its 2015 publication date and lack of reviews, it's a worthwhile addition to any tomato grower's library.