Nothing beats the taste of a fresh, juicy, homegrown tomato – straight from your Vegepod to your plate! Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, offering a variety of flavours, textures and uses in the kitchen. This blog explores the top tomato varieties to grow in New Zealand, focusing on the best tomatoes for pots, grow bags, and, of course, your Vegepod. We’ll share tips on choosing the easiest-to-grow tomatoes and how to maximise your homegrown harvest.
Types of tomatoes that grow best in New Zealand
Exploring tomato varieties for every gardener
New Zealand’s diverse climate means there’s a tomato variety for every gardener. Here are the most popular types of tomatoes to consider:
- Cherry tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes are perfect for snacking or adding to salads. They’re prolific and thrive in most conditions.
- Roma tomatoes: Known for their rich flavour and meaty texture, Roma tomatoes are ideal for cooking and making sauces.
- Beefsteak tomatoes: Large and juicy, these are perfect for sandwiches or grilling. They need a bit more space but are worth the effort.
- Grape tomatoes: Bite-sized and firm, grape tomatoes are versatile and great for snacking or roasting.
- Heirloom tomatoes: These unique tomatoes come in a variety of colours and flavours. They’re a must for gardeners seeking something gourmet.
Factors to consider:
- Climate adaptability: Choose varieties suited to your local conditions.
- Growth habit: Determine whether you need determinate (bush) or indeterminate (vining) tomatoes.
- Purpose: Decide if you want tomatoes for fresh eating, cooking or preserving.
Best tomatoes to grow in a Vegepod
Maximising your Vegepod for tomato success
The Vegepod provides an ideal environment for growing tomatoes, combining protection, efficiency and convenience.
Why Vegepods are perfect for tomatoes:
- Controlled environment: The canopy shields plants from pests and harsh weather.
- Water efficiency: The self-watering system ensures consistent moisture.
- Pest protection: Tomatoes thrive without the risk of bugs or birds interfering. You can learn more about how you can protect your veggies from pests here.
Top Picks for the Vegepod:
- Cherry Varieties (e.g., Tiny Tim, Sweet 100): Compact, high-yielding and flavourful.
- Roma Varieties (e.g., San Marzano): Perfect for pasta sauces and soups.
- Dwarf Tomatoes (e.g., Patio Princess): Ideal for small spaces and container gardening.
If you have a small or medium size Vegepod, dwarf or patio variety tomatoes are recommended to contain the plant within the space. If you have a large Vegepod, you can grow the bigger tomato varieties and stake them horizontally across the pod as you have 2 meters of length.
Growing tomatoes in pots and grow bags
Portable solutions for tomato gardening
If you’re short on space or prefer portability, pots and grow bags (like the Vegebag!) are excellent options.
Benefits of the Vegebag:
- Mobility: Easily move them to optimise sunlight exposure.
- Space-saving: Perfect for balconies, patios or small gardens.
Best tomatoes to grow in the Vegebag:
- Bush tomatoes: Compact and manageable.
- Determinate varieties: Ideal for confined spaces, such as Tumbling Tom or Better Bush.
Tips for success:
- Choose a vessel with excellent drainage – the Vegebag is your best bet!
- Use a quality potting mix enriched with compost. You can read our ultimate guide to soil here.
- Position plants in full sun (at least 6 hours daily).
Easiest tomatoes to grow at home
Stress-free tomato varieties for beginners
Tomatoes are known for being beginner-friendly, but some varieties are particularly easy to grow.
Characteristics of easy-to-grow tomatoes:
- Resistant to pests and diseases.
- Adaptable to a range of climates.
- Fast-growing with high yields.
Recommended varieties:
- Cherry tomatoes (e.g., Gardener’s Delight): Hardy, prolific and delicious.
- Roma tomatoes: Dependable for cooking and canning.
- Yellow pear tomatoes: A unique choice with a sweet, mild flavour.
Common Challenges and Solutions:
- Pests: Use a cover to keep pests at bay like the Vegepod mesh.
- Watering: Ensure consistent soil moisture which is easy to do with Vegepods self-watering system.
Tips for growing homegrown tomato plants
How to achieve a thriving tomato harvest
To get the most out of your tomato plants, follow these key tips:
- Start with quality seeds or seedlings: opt for trusted suppliers to ensure strong plants.
- Spacing: Provide adequate room for airflow to prevent fungal issues.
- Fertilising: Use organic fertilisers to promote healthy growth and fruiting.
- Pruning: Remove suckers to direct energy to fruit production.
- Harvesting: Pick tomatoes when they’re firm and fully ripened for peak flavour.
Growing tomatoes in your Vegepod is an enjoyable and rewarding gardening experience. Whether you prefer the sweet pop of cherry tomatoes, the rich flavour of Roma tomatoes or the stunning colours of heirloom varieties, there’s a perfect choice for every gardener. With the right care and attention, you’ll soon be enjoying an abundant harvest of homegrown tomatoes, bursting with flavour.
Ready to get started? Transform your Vegepod into a thriving tomato patch and savour the taste of fresh, homegrown produce all summer long!