When it comes to determining how many tomato plants you need for two people, there are a few factors to consider. While the average recommendation is 5 tomato plants per person, this can vary depending on personal preferences and usage.
Firstly, it’s important to assess how much you and your partner enjoy tomatoes and how frequently you consume them. If both of you are avid tomato lovers and enjoy incorporating them into various dishes, you might want to consider planting more than the average recommendation. On the other hand, if you only occasionally use tomatoes in your meals, you could adjust the number of plants accordingly.
Another factor to consider is the type of tomatoes you prefer. While cherry tomatoes and slicing tomatoes are delicious for fresh consumption, they might not be the best choice if you’re looking to make sauces, canning, or preserving tomatoes for the long term. In this case, opting for paste tomatoes, such as Roma or San Marzano varieties, would be more suitable. These varieties have a higher flesh-to-juice ratio, making them ideal for sauces and canning.
When it comes to canning and making sauces, the number of tomato plants you need will depend on the quantity of sauce or canned tomatoes you wish to produce. A general guideline is that it takes approximately 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of tomatoes to make 7 to 9 quarts (6.6 to 8.5 liters) of sauce or canned tomatoes. Keep in mind that this can vary depending on the juiciness of the tomatoes and the recipe you’re using.
Considering this guideline, and assuming an average yield of 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) per tomato plant, you would need around 10 to 15 tomato plants to produce enough tomatoes for canning and making sauces for two people. This not only allows for an ample supply for immediate use but also provides some extra tomatoes for storage and future use.
Of course, these numbers are just estimates, and individual preferences may vary. It’s always a good idea to plant a few extra tomato plants to account for any unforeseen circumstances, such as pests or diseases affecting the crop. Additionally, having extra tomatoes gives you the opportunity to share with friends, family, or neighbors, spreading the joy of homegrown produce.
In my personal experience, I have found that planting a variety of tomato plants, including both slicing and paste tomatoes, allows for a diverse range of culinary possibilities. I usually plant around 8 to 10 tomato plants for two people, including a mix of cherry, slicing, and paste varieties. This ensures an abundant supply of tomatoes throughout the growing season, with enough to enjoy fresh, preserve, and share with loved ones.
To summarize, the number of tomato plants you need for two people depends on your personal preferences, usage, and the type of tomatoes you prefer. While the average recommendation is 5 tomato plants per person, opting for paste tomatoes can provide a higher yield for canning and making sauces. Considering the amount of sauce or canned tomatoes you wish to produce, planting around 10 to 15 tomato plants should be sufficient. However, it’s always a good idea to plant a few extra to account for any unexpected circumstances and to have some to share.