By Ellen Peffley
Tomatoes are the top garden crop in America. That statistic is certainly reflected in the bench space given to tomato plants in garden centers and nurseries.
Gardeners can find seedlings in 4- and 6-packs, in single 3-inch pots up to 1-gallon sized large caged plants. Varieties include heirlooms and hybrids; cherry, Roma and juicy Beefsteak types; bush and vining growth habits; yellows, reds, oranges and purples. Regardless of the kind or variety of tomato, there are general guidelines for planting and care of tomato transplants.