The Best Tomatoes To Grow In Zone 4

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best tomatoes to grow in Zone 4! If you are an avid gardener residing in this region, you know that the climate can be quite challenging for growing certain crops. However, fear not, as we have compiled a list of tomato varieties that are specifically suited to thrive in Zone 4 conditions. From early-maturing varieties to those resistant to cold temperatures, we will explore the characteristics and growing tips for these tomatoes, ensuring a bountiful harvest even in the harshest of climates. So, let’s dive in and discover the best tomatoes to grow in Zone 4!

The best tomatoes to grow in Zone 4

When it comes to growing tomatoes in Zone 4, it is crucial to choose varieties that are well-suited to the colder climate and shorter growing season. By selecting the best tomato varieties for this region, you can ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. Here are ten top choices that thrive in Zone 4:

1. ‘Early Girl’: This classic variety is known for its early maturity, making it perfect for Zone 4 gardeners. It produces medium-sized, flavorful fruits that ripen in just 50-55 days.
2. ‘Stupice’: Originating from Czechoslovakia, ‘Stupice’ is a cold-tolerant heirloom variety that excels in Zone 4. It yields small to medium-sized tomatoes with exceptional flavor and matures in approximately 55-60 days.
3. ‘Legend’: As the name suggests, ‘Legend’ is renowned for its exceptional disease resistance, making it a reliable choice for Zone 4 gardeners. This determinate variety produces medium-sized, juicy tomatoes in about 68-72 days.
4. ‘Sub-Arctic Plenty’: Developed specifically for short growing seasons, ‘Sub-Arctic Plenty’ is an excellent choice for Zone 4 gardeners. It bears an abundance of small to medium-sized tomatoes in just 42-49 days.
5. ‘Siberian’: True to its name, ‘Siberian’ is a cold-hardy variety that thrives in Zone 4 conditions. It produces medium-sized, flavorful tomatoes in approximately 58-62 days.
6. ‘Polish Linguisa’: This unique heirloom variety hails from Poland and is well-suited to cooler climates. ‘Polish Linguisa’ yields large, meaty tomatoes that are perfect for sauces and drying. It matures in about 80-85 days.
7. ‘Northern Delight’: Developed specifically for northern climates, ‘Northern Delight’ is an excellent choice for Zone 4 gardeners. This determinate variety produces medium-sized, sweet tomatoes in approximately 65-70 days.
8. ‘Mountain Magic’: Known for its exceptional disease resistance, ‘Mountain Magic’ is a reliable choice for Zone 4 gardeners. It produces clusters of small, flavorful tomatoes in about 65-70 days.
9. ‘Glacier’: Another cold-tolerant variety, ‘Glacier’ is an early-maturing tomato that thrives in Zone 4. It yields small to medium-sized tomatoes with a tangy flavor and matures in just 55-60 days.
10. ‘Black Prince’: For those seeking a unique and flavorful tomato, ‘Black Prince’ is an excellent choice. This heirloom variety produces medium-sized, deep purple tomatoes with a rich, smoky taste. It matures in approximately 70-80 days.

When selecting tomato varieties for Zone 4, it is essential to consider factors such as cold tolerance, disease resistance, and maturity time. By choosing from this list of top performers, you can enjoy a successful tomato harvest in your Zone 4 garden.

Avoid growing these tomatoes in Zone 4

When it comes to growing tomatoes in Zone 4, it is essential to choose varieties that are well-suited to the specific climate and growing conditions of this region. While there are numerous tomato varieties available, not all of them thrive in the colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons of Zone 4. Here are ten tomato varieties that should be avoided in this zone:

1. Brandywine: Although Brandywine is a popular heirloom variety known for its exceptional flavor, it is not the best choice for Zone 4. It requires a longer growing season and warmer temperatures to produce a good harvest.
2. Pineapple: Similar to Brandywine, Pineapple tomatoes also need a longer growing season and warmer temperatures to reach their full potential. In Zone 4, they may struggle to ripen before the first frost.
3. Black Krim: While Black Krim tomatoes have a unique and delicious taste, they are not the most suitable choice for Zone 4. These tomatoes prefer a longer growing season and may not have enough time to mature in this zone.
4. Mortgage Lifter: Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are known for their large size and meaty texture. However, they require a longer growing season to develop fully, making them less ideal for Zone 4.
5. Green Zebra: Green Zebra tomatoes have a distinct green color and tangy flavor. Unfortunately, they are not the best choice for Zone 4 due to their longer maturation period.
6. Cherokee Purple: Cherokee Purple tomatoes are beloved for their rich, sweet flavor. However, they are not the most suitable variety for Zone 4 as they require a longer growing season to reach their full potential.
7. Hillbilly: Hillbilly tomatoes are large and beautifully striped, but they may struggle to ripen fully in the shorter growing season of Zone 4.
8. Mr. Stripey: Similar to Hillbilly, Mr. Stripey tomatoes have stunning yellow and red stripes. However, they may not have enough time to mature in Zone 4.
9. Aunt Ruby’s German Green: Aunt Ruby’s German Green tomatoes have a unique green color and a sweet yet tangy flavor. Unfortunately, they may not ripen fully in Zone 4’s shorter growing season.
10. Chocolate Stripes: Chocolate Stripes tomatoes have a rich, sweet flavor and beautiful dark stripes. However, they may not have enough time to mature and ripen in Zone 4.

When selecting tomato varieties for Zone 4, it is crucial to choose those that are specifically bred for colder climates and have shorter maturation periods. By opting for the best tomatoes to grow in Zone 4, gardeners can ensure a successful and bountiful harvest.

Tips for growing tomatoes in Zone 4

Zone 4 presents unique challenges for gardeners due to its colder climate and shorter growing season. However, with the right knowledge and techniques, you can still grow delicious and thriving tomato plants. In this article, we will explore some tips and best practices to help you choose the best tomatoes to grow in Zone 4 and maximize your harvest.

1. Selecting the Right Tomato Varieties:
   Choosing tomato varieties that are well-suited for Zone 4 is crucial. Look for varieties that have a shorter growing season, typically around 60-70 days, as this will ensure that your tomatoes have enough time to ripen before the first frost. Some excellent choices for Zone 4 include Early Girl, Stupice, Glacier, and Sub-Arctic Plenty. These varieties are known for their ability to tolerate cooler temperatures and produce flavorful fruits.
2. Start Indoors:
   To give your tomato plants a head start, it is recommended to start them indoors, 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. This will allow your plants to establish strong root systems and be ready for transplanting once the weather warms up. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a well-draining seed starting mix, and provide adequate light and warmth for optimal growth.
3. Harden Off and Transplanting:
   Before moving your tomato seedlings outdoors, it is essential to harden them off gradually. This process involves exposing the plants to outdoor conditions gradually, starting with a few hours a day and gradually increasing the time over a week or two. Transplant your hardened-off seedlings into well-prepared soil, enriched with organic matter, and ensure they are spaced appropriately to allow for good air circulation.
4. Protecting from Cold Temperatures:
   Zone 4 can experience unexpected temperature drops, even during the growing season. To protect your tomato plants from cold snaps, consider using season extenders such as row covers, cloches, or cold frames. These structures will provide additional insulation and help maintain warmer temperatures around your plants, allowing them to thrive even in cooler conditions.
5. Proper Watering and Mulching:
   Consistent watering is crucial for tomato plants, especially during the hot summer months. Ensure that your plants receive around 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Mulching around your tomato plants with organic materials like straw or wood chips will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
6. Pruning and Supporting:
   To promote better airflow and reduce the risk of diseases, it is recommended to prune your tomato plants. Remove the lower leaves and suckers (the shoots that emerge from the leaf axils) regularly. Additionally, providing proper support, such as using stakes, cages, or trellises, will help keep your plants upright and prevent them from sprawling on the ground.

Growing tomatoes in Zone 4 requires careful consideration of the specific challenges posed by the colder climate and shorter growing season. By selecting the best tomato varieties for Zone 4, starting indoors, protecting from cold temperatures, and following proper watering, mulching, pruning, and supporting techniques, you can successfully grow delicious and healthy tomatoes in your garden. With a little planning and attention, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of the best tomatoes suited for Zone 4.