Bush Early Girl Tomato

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix kept at 70–75°F. Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days. Provide bright light (16 hours daily under grow lights) to prevent leggy seedlings. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Harden off seedlings over 7–10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F, ideally closer to 65–70°F. Set transplants at the depth they were growing in pots, or deeper — tomatoes can root along buried stems. Space 24 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart.

Tomatoes reach harvest maturity in 60, 69 days from transplant. Pick fruit when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch; color is the primary indicator of ripeness rather than firmness. Mature fruits will separate easily from the vine with a gentle twist or slight downward pull. Because this is a determinate variety, most of the crop will ripen within a 2, 3 week window, so check plants every 2, 3 days during peak production.

As a determinate variety, Bush Early Girl requires minimal pruning. The compact, bushy growth habit naturally confines the plant, so heavy pruning is unnecessary and may reduce fruiting. Remove only damaged or diseased leaves, and consider removing a few lower leaves once fruit begins to ripen to improve air circulation and prevent fungal issues.