‘Moneymaker’ is a variety of tomato that has been hugely popular with gardeners for decades and remains a firm favourite today. Abundant crops of uniformly shaped, medium-sized fruits have a good flavour to either eat fresh or use in a wealth of different dishes.
‘Moneymaker’ is a tall-growing cordon tomato, which means training and removing side shoots is required. It’s a versatile and reliable variety, suitable for growing either in a greenhouse or polytunnel, or outdoors. Like all tomatoes, ‘Moneymaker’ is frost-tender, and the plants last for one growing season.
How to grow Moneymaker tomatoes
Either grow from seed from late winter to early spring or buy ready-grown plants in mid-spring. Grow indoors in warmth to develop good-sized young plants then transplant into their final growing position, hardening off first if planting outdoors. Support and tie in plants as they grow and regularly feed and water. Harvest fruit from around July to October.
Where to grow Moneymaker tomatoes
Grow Moneymaker tomatoes in full sun in a sheltered spot outdoors, or inside in a greenhouse or polytunnel. Plant either in large individual pots, growing bags, or in the ground. Because Moneymaker tomato grows to heights of around 1.5-2m, support plants with a stake.
How to plant Moneymaker tomatoes
Sow seed indoors, ideally in a heated propagator set to 18-21°C, from February to early April. Once seedlings appear and have formed their first true leaves, transplant to individual 8cm pots and grow on in a warm well-lit place such as a sunny windowsill. Pot on into larger pots once the roots have filled the first pots, using multi-purpose compost or tomato compost.
When planting outside, only do so after the last frosts have passed, in late May or early June. Plant into fertile soil or potting compost and tie the plants to sturdy supports.
How to care for Moneymaker tomatoes
Moneymaker tomatoes need regular care which includes watering, feeding, training, and removing side shoots.
An even supply of water is important, so the compost stays moist but does not saturate the roots. Too little water means fewer, smaller tomatoes and is also likely to result in nutrient deficiencies. Conversely, too much water ‘dilutes’ the flavour and causes fruits to split. Ideally, water in the morning or evening, pouring water directly onto the soil as splashing the leaves can speed the spread of any diseases present.
Feeding makes an enormous difference to crop quantity and quality. Use a tomato fertiliser, applied as directed from when the first fruit trusses start to form.
When growing Moneymaker tomato in a greenhouse, the ideal maximum temperature is 25°C. Too much sun and heat can cause fruit disorders such as sun scald, leaf curl, scorch, and poor fruit set. Put up shading (whitewash-type or netting), ventilate well and spray water on paths – but not the plants – to raise humidity. Ventilate the greenhouse as much as possible, including during cool weather, as diseases thrive in damp, humid air. Remove dead leaves or spoilt fruit promptly before it becomes a source of infection.
How to prune Moneymaker tomatoes
Train the main stem once or twice a week, tying it in to its support. At the same time, remove young side shoots using your finger and thumb, to prevent the plant from becoming a tangled mass of stems.
How to propagate Moneymaker tomatoes
The easiest way to propagate new Moneymaker plants from old is to root the side shoots in water and then plant them up. As they are technically the same age as the parent plant, they will flower and fruit quickly.
Alternatively, save tomato seedfrom very ripe tomatoes to sow the following spring. Simply pick a couple of very ripe tomatoes from the plant, halve them and scoop out the seeds, rinse the flesh off in a colander and leave to dry on kitchen paper. When the seeds are completely dry you can pack them into a paper bag, and label it clearly.
Pests and diseases
Like all tomatoes, Moneymaker tomatoes are liable to pest and disease issues, although the right growing conditions can help prevent most problems to some extent.
Erratic watering can cause various issues. Lack of water may result in blossom end rot, when brown patches appear on the bottom of the fruit. This is a deficiency of calcium usually caused by soil conditions being too dry for the plant to take up the nutrients it needs. Over-watering can cause fruits to swell too fast and split: these fruits, if left on the plant, may become infected with grey mould which then spreads to healthy fruits.
Aphids, whitefly, and red spider mite are pests that are most likely to occur under cover. Inspect regularly and act early before pests take hold – distorted leaves, often covered with the sticky honeydew that they secrete, are often the first signs of a problem. Biological controls work well under cover and are more environmentally friendly than using pesticides. Help prevent attack with companion planting strong-smelling marigolds or basil to deter pests and attract beneficial predators with their nectar-rich flowers.
Tomato blight is a fungal disease that is widespread in wet, mild summers. Black patches appear on the leaves, then stems, fruits are discoloured and quickly rot. Finally, the plant collapses and dies. Outdoor plants are particularly vulnerable, though indoor ones can also be affected. Act promptly to dispose of infected leaves and fruits – don’t compost as the spores can survive.
Advice on buying Moneymaker tomatoes
- Either buy Moneymaker tomato seeds to grow from scratch or buy ready-grown plants in mid to late spring. Buying plants is more expensive but is a good option if you only want one or two, or don’t have anywhere warm and sunny indoors to raise your own from seed
- Always buy from a reputable supplier to ensure you’re getting the best quality seeds or plants
- If buying plants, always check for signs of damage or disease before planting
Where to buy Moneymaker tomatoes
- Marshalls (seeds)
- Thompson & Morgan (seeds)
- Crocus (plants)
Frequently asked questions
What kind of tomato is a Moneymaker?
Moneymaker is an indeterminate or cordon tomato which means it grows to around 2m in height and needs regular training.
How high do Moneymaker tomato plants grow?
Moneymaker tomato plants grow to around 1.5-2m. In practice, this means pinching out the growing tip once the plants have reached the top of their supports.
What does moneymaker tomato taste like?
Moneymaker tomatoes have a tangy yet mild taste and suit being used in all kinds of dishes, or simply eaten fresh to enjoy the flavour at its finest.
* This article was originally published here
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