Rich in vitamins and lycopene, tomatoes grow well year-round in Hawai'i's backyard and container gardens. The red fruit likes well-drained soils rich in organic matter with pH levels of 6.0 to 6.8.

Varieties most appropriate for Hawai'i's conditions include University of Hawai'i's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources hybrid vine cultivars N-5, 52, 63, 65, and bush cultivars such as Healani and Kewalo. UH hybrids have increased resistance to nematodes, fungal and viral diseases.

Plants can be direct seeded or transplanted 12 to 15 inches apart, in rows 2 to 3 feet apart. For home gardens, raise planting beds to increase drainage, and sow plants in a fully sunlit area.

Improve garden soils by adding 1 to 2 buckets of well-rotted manure or decomposed organic matter to the soil. Apply 10-20-20 fertilizer at 2 pounds per 100 square feet — half at planting and half at fruiting. Additional fertilizer applications should be applied as needed.

A common home garden problem is blossom-end rot, which causes a dime- to quarter-size rot at the bottom end of fruits. It is linked to calcium deficiency, inadequate soil moisture and poor drainage. For precise fertilizer recommendations, soils should be tested for pH and nutrient availability before planting.

Tomato spotted wilt virus, bacterial and fungal spots, blights and wilts are serious diseases that affect tomato production. To minimize fungal and bacterial problems, stake plants off the ground, prune leaves on a regular basis to promote air and light circulation, and direct irrigation to the soil avoiding unnecessary contact with leaves.

Nematodes, thrips, aphids, whiteflies, leaf miners, mites and fruit flies are major pests of tomatoes. For specific pest management recommendations, consult the UH tropical ag college's master gardener program on your island.

Tomatoes are largely composed of water. Irrigate plants regularly to avoid fruit cracking and blossom-end rot. Mulching with plastic sheeting or compost can help retain soil moisture and control weeds.

Tomatoes are harvested 60 to 80 days after planting. Vine-ripened fruits have deeper flavor and color than fruit picked early and allowed to ripen.

I've become a big fan of vine-ripened tomatoes. Before you buy tomatoes from Mexico or even Emeril's Romanita tomatoes, try some Hau'ula, Kamuela, Ho Farm, Green Grower's, Hamakua Springs or heirloom tomatoes at your local farmer's market. They can't be beaten.

Jari Sugano is an extension agent with the University of Hawai'i-Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Reach her at suganoj@ctahr.hawaii.edu.