This is not another “how to grow tomatoes in Kentucky” guide—you can find
my complete Kentucky tomato varieties and planting guide here
Instead, this is where I share real-time updates from my Kentucky Zone 7a
garden experiments. I’m testing Cherokee Purple and Roma tomatoes using
different methods: in-ground vs raised beds vs containers, comparing trellis
systems (cattle panels, stakes, arches), and documenting what actually works
through Kentucky’s challenging weather.
Every few weeks, I update this page with new photos, harvest data, pest
battles, and honest results. If you want to SEE how these growing methods
perform in real Kentucky conditions—not just read generic advice—you’re
in the right place.
Whether you’re a beginner gardener, a tired-but-determined homesteader, or just trying to figure out what the heck “indeterminate” means, you’re in the right place. I am learning too. Real soil, sweat, pests, and tomatoes.
Want the Complete Kentucky Tomato Growing Guide?
Before diving into my trials, check out my comprehensive guide covering varieties, planting times, disease prevention, and everything you need to grow tomatoes in Kentucky. Click Here
This Season’s Experiments (2025)
- Cherokee Purple (3 locations tested
- Roma Bush (raised bed + containers)
- Growing method comparison Trellis system comparison
- 2026 add different trellis and beds, and BOOM New varieties to try
Current Results & Updates
- Part One -Growing Tomatoes Vertically Mother’s Day Surprise
- Part 2 – Companion Planting for Tomatoes in Container Garden
- Part 3- Planting in the Container Garden
- Part 4- Arched Tomato Trellis in a Raised Be
Part 5 – Conquering the Cattle Panel Trellis
Part 6 – Tomato Plant Support Ideas: Kentucky Trellis for Cherokee & Roma - February 2026 Getting Ready to Start New Tomato Seeds for my Kentucky Garden
Tomato Trellis Systems Compared: What’s Actually Working
New Designs coming in 2026
| System | Cost | Ease of Install | Support for Indeterminate | Results So Far |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle Panel Arch | $45 | Moderate | Excellent | Works great for Cherokee Purple – See Part 5 |
| Vertical Cattle Panel | $20 | Easy | Excellent | Best for heavy Roma – See Part 6 |
| Traditional Cages | $8 | Easy | Poor | Fell over in wind |
Update (July 15): The arched cattle panel is handling the weight of my 6-foot Cherokee Purple plants beautifully. The traditional cages? Complete disaster.
Lessons Learned (Updated Regularly)
The 2025 season was full of lessons. Here’s what I will do differently in 2026.
Give them room to grow. Tomato blight and powdery mildew are big problems for growing tomatoes in Kentucky.
MULCH MULCH MULCH. Did I say Mulch? One day the tomatoes are getting drenched by rain the next they are drying up. Mulch is worth it.
Companion planting with tomatoes. I did a few in 2025 HERE next year I will do more. Some of them act as living mulch!
📬 Follow the Tomato Trials
I’ll be updating this series all summer and each year. Want to follow along and get honest updates, photos, and my real-time results?
