A Deep Dive Into Planting And Growing Healthy, Juicy Tomatoes
Oh how I just love tomatoes. They are the staple of summer gardens and a symbol of homegrown goodness!
Whether you love your tomatoes on a fresh sandwich or transform them into a yummy sauce, tomatoes are versatile, delicious, and so good for you.
In this guide, I am delving deep into planting and growing tomatoes. I'll share everything you need to know to cultivate your own bountiful harvest of ripe, juicy tomatoes.
From selecting the perfect varieties for your garden to transplanting seedlings and caring for your plants, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to grow beautiful, juicy tomatoes!
Contents:
Choosing the best tomato plants for your garden
How to plant tomato starts (seedlings)
Can you direct sow tomato seeds and when?
Can you grow tomatoes in containers?
Supporting tomatoes with stakes, cages, or a trellis
Choosing the Best Tomato Plants for Your Garden
There are so many different types of tomato plants that it is impossible to list them all here.
To help you choose which tomatoes to grow, answer the following questions:
1. What will you use tomatoes for?
First things first, what do you plan to do with your tomatoes? Do you want big, juicy, ripe tomatoes for slicing for sandwiches and salads, or do you prefer popping sweet cherry tomatoes straight into your mouth?
Maybe you love making and canning sauce like me and need the best sauce variety (which are San Romano tomatoes!)
Knowing how you'll use your tomatoes will help you narrow down your options.
2. Do you want determinate or indeterminate tomatoes?
Next, consider whether you want determinate or indeterminate tomatoes. Determinate varieties tend to be more compact and bushy, making them ideal for containers or smaller garden spaces. Indeterminate varieties, on the other hand, keep growing and producing fruit until the first frost, offering a continuous harvest throughout the season.
READ MORE HERE: Determinate vs. indeterminate tomatoes - how to choose for your garden
3. Do you only want to grow heirloom tomato seeds?
Are you passionate about preserving heirloom varieties or open to trying modern hybrids? Heirloom tomatoes boast unique flavors and histories, while hybrids often offer disease resistance and higher yields. It's a personal preference, so go with what speaks to you.
READ MORE HERE: 11 Reasons to grow heirloom seeds in your garden
4. Do you want short or tall varieties?
Height matters, too! If you're short on space, opt for a shorter variety that won't overwhelm your garden. Tall varieties, however, can be a showstopper in larger gardens, reaching for the sky with their abundant fruit.
5. Are you planting in the ground or in raised beds?
Consider your growing conditions. Are you planting directly in the ground or using raised beds? Different tomato varieties thrive in various environments, so choose one that suits your setup.
READ MORE: Raised beds vs. in-ground garden beds
6. What does your growing season and climate allow?
Lastly, take a peek at your climate and growing season. Some tomatoes prefer hot, sunny climates, while others tolerate cooler temperatures. Knowing your local conditions will help you select a variety that will thrive in your garden.
when to plant tomatoes
The timing for planting tomatoes depends on your local climate and growing conditions. Tomatoes are summer vegetables that need warm weather, soil temperatures above 50°F (10°C), and frost-free nights.
If you're planting tomatoes from seeds, start them indoors 6-8 weeks before your region's last expected frost date. This allows the seedlings to grow and develop before being transplanted into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
You can also sow your seeds directly into your garden beds after your last frost date, but there are a few things to consider. More on this later!
If you're purchasing tomato starts (seedlings) from a nursery or garden center, aim to transplant them into the garden after the last frost date in your area.
Where to Plant Tomatoes
Tomatoes love sunlight, so choose a sunny spot in your garden with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Well-draining soil is essential to prevent waterlogged roots, so avoid areas prone to standing water.
Your tomatoes will also thrive when the soil pH ranges from 6.2 to 6.8. They are also heavy feeders, so they will need rich soil fertilized with animal manure or compost.
READ MORE: How to make the best organic garden soil for vegetables
Growing Tomatoes From Seeds
Starting tomato seeds is very easy and allows you to get a head start on the growing season.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to start tomato seeds:
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies. You'll need tomato seeds, seed starting trays or small pots, a high-quality seed starting mix, a spray bottle for watering, and optional items like a heating mat and grow lights.
2. Choose Your Seeds
Select the tomato varieties you want to grow based on your preferences for flavor, size, color, and intended use. There's a vast array of tomato varieties available, from classic heirlooms to modern hybrids, so take your time to choose the ones that best suit your taste and garden space.
3. Prepare Your Containers
Fill seed-starting trays or small pots with a sterile seed-starting mix. Avoid using garden soil, as it may contain pathogens or pests that can harm delicate seedlings. Moisten the soil evenly before planting to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
4. Plant Your Seeds
Plant tomato seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in the prepared soil. Space the seeds evenly in the trays or pots, allowing each seedling to grow. If planting in trays, you can sow multiple seeds per cell and thin them out later to the strongest seedling.
5. Provide Optimal Conditions
Tomato seeds germinate best in warm, moist conditions. Place the trays or pots in a warm location with temperatures around 70-80°F (21-27°C). If your home is cooler, consider using a heating mat placed under the trays to provide bottom heat, which can encourage germination.
6. Ensure Adequate Light
Tomato seedlings need plenty of light to grow strong and healthy. Place the trays near a bright window where they'll receive 10-12 hours of sunlight daily. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights a few inches above the seedlings.
7. Water Regularly
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water the seedlings using a spray bottle or gentle watering can, taking care not to dislodge the seeds or drown them in water. Check the soil moisture daily and adjust watering as needed.
8. Transplant Seedlings
Once your tomato seedlings have developed true leaves and are about 6-8 inches tall, they're ready to transplant into larger containers or into the garden. To reduce shock, harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week before transplanting.
Keep on reading to learn how to plant your seedlings!
READ MORE: What does it mean to harden off plants? The what, why, when, and how!
How to Plant Tomato Starts (Seedlings)
If you missed the seed-planting window or are not up for it, you could also start your tomato-planting journey with seedlings that you got from the nursery!
Whether you buy seedlings or are ready to transplant your own seedlings, follow these steps to ensure your young tomato plants get off to a strong start in the garden:
1. Choose the Right Time
Wait until after the last frost date in your area before transplanting tomato seedlings into the garden. For optimal growth, soil temperatures should be consistently above 50°F (10°C).
2. Prepare the Soil
Select a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage. Tomatoes thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
3. Harden Off Seedlings
If you've been growing tomato seedlings indoors or in a greenhouse, it's essential to acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor temperatures, starting with a few hours of sunlight and increasing exposure over a week.
4. Dig Planting Holes
Dig planting holes slightly deeper than the root ball of the seedlings and spaced 18-24 inches apart in rows or staggered in a grid pattern. This spacing allows for adequate airflow and room for the plants to grow.
5. Transplant Seedlings
Gently remove the tomato seedlings from their pots, taking care not to disturb the roots. If the seedlings are root-bound, gently tease apart the roots before planting. Place each seedling in a planting hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Fill in the planting holes with soil, pressing gently to ensure good soil-to-root contact. Avoid compacting the soil too firmly, as this can restrict root growth. Water the seedlings immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
6. Provide Support
Tomato plants benefit from support to keep them upright and prevent sprawling. Install stakes, cages, or trellises shortly after planting to provide support as the plants grow. Tie the main stem to the support structure using soft twine or plant clips.
7. Mulch Around Plants
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the tomato plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
8. Water Regularly
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the critical period after transplanting. Water deeply at the base of the plants, avoiding overhead watering, which can lead to disease.
9. Monitor and Maintain
Keep an eye on your tomato plants as they grow, checking for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Prune the plants as needed to promote airflow and remove suckers that may divert energy from fruit production.
Can you direct sow tomato seeds?
Yes, you can plant tomato seeds directly in the ground without starting them indoors, although this method is not ideal for regions with shorter growing seasons or cooler climates.
The timing for direct seeding tomato seeds depends on your local climate and growing conditions. In general, it's best to wait until after the last frost date in your area before planting tomato seeds directly in the ground. Soil temperatures should be consistently above 50°F (10°C) for successful germination and seedling establishment.
For most regions, direct seeding tomato seeds typically occurs in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed sufficiently.
Can You Grow Tomatoes in Containers?
Absolutely! Tomatoes are versatile plants that thrive in containers on patios or balconies. Choose a large container with drainage holes, fill it with a quality potting mix, and plant your tomato seedling as you would in the garden. Place the container in a sunny location, and water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
Supporting Tomato Plants with Stakes, Cages, or a Trellis
Tomato plants can become heavy with fruit, so providing support is essential to prevent them from sprawling on the ground. Stake indeterminate varieties or use cages or trellises to keep plants upright and maximize air circulation. Install supports shortly after planting to avoid damaging roots later on.
Do Tomatoes Require Fertilizer?
While tomatoes are relatively low-maintenance plants, they are heavy feeders and will benefit from regular feeding throughout the growing season.
Use a balanced fertilizer or organic compost to provide essential nutrients, following package instructions for application rates. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
READ MORE: A guide on how to use compost in the garden
How long do tomatoes take to grow?
The time it takes for tomatoes to grow from planting to harvest varies depending on many things, including the tomato variety, growing conditions, and local climate.
In general, most tomato varieties take approximately 60 to 80 days from transplanting seedlings into the garden to the first harvest of ripe fruit.
Here's a rough timeline of the typical stages of tomato growth:
Transplanting Seedlings
Tomato seedlings are typically transplanted into the garden when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. This stage marks the beginning of the countdown to harvest.
Vegetative Growth
After transplanting, tomato plants focus on vegetative growth, developing roots, stems, and leaves. During this time, the plants may undergo several rounds of pruning and trellising to promote healthy growth and structure.
Flowering
As tomato plants mature, they begin to produce flowers. These flowers are essential for fruit development and will eventually give way to small, green fruit clusters known as tomato "sets."
Fruit Development
Once pollinated, the tomato flowers develop into tiny green fruit that gradually enlarges and changes color as they mature. The time it takes for tomatoes to reach full size and ripen varies depending on the variety and environmental conditions.
Ripening
As tomatoes mature, they change color, typically starting from green and progressing to yellow, orange, red, or other ripe hues, depending on the variety. The exact time it takes for tomatoes to ripen varies but generally ranges from a few days to a few weeks.
When to Harvest Tomatoes
Now for the exciting moment—harvest time!
Keep an eye on your tomatoes as they ripen, checking for firmness, color, and overall appearance. When they are ready, gently twist or snip ripe tomatoes from the vine, taking care not to damage the plant.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor fresh off the vine (Ava loves doing this, and I love that she loves it!), or incorporate them into your favorite recipes.
My favorite is, of course, to can delicious tomato sauce!
GET MY EASY TOMATO SAUCE RECIPE HERE:
The Best Companion Plants with Tomatoes
I love companion planting in the garden!
Companion planting is a gardening strategy that involves growing compatible plants together to enhance growth, deter pests, and improve overall garden health.
When it comes to tomatoes, several companion plants can help support their growth and productivity.
Here are some of the best companion plants to consider planting alongside tomatoes:
Basil
Basil is one of the most popular companion plants for tomatoes. When grown nearby, it repels pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and flies and enhances the flavor of tomatoes. Plant basil around the base of tomato plants or intersperse it throughout your garden.
Marigolds
Marigolds are known for their strong scent, which helps repel nematodes, aphids, and other pests that can damage tomato plants. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which prey on garden pests. Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your tomato patch or interplant them among your tomato plants.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are beautiful flowering plants and excellent companions for tomatoes. They repel aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs while attracting predatory insects like spiders and ground beetles. Nasturtiums also act as a trap crop, luring pests away from your tomatoes.
Onions and Garlic
When planted near tomatoes, members of the allium family, including onions, garlic, and chives, can help deter pests like aphids, thrips, and spider mites. These pungent plants also repel harmful nematodes in the soil. Plant onions and garlic around the perimeter of your tomato patch or intercrop them with your tomato plants.
Peppers
Peppers make excellent companions for tomatoes because they have similar growing requirements and are not susceptible to the same pests and diseases. Interplanting tomatoes and peppers can help maximize garden space while promoting healthy growth and reducing pest pressure.
Carrots
Carrots are shallow-rooted vegetables that complement the deeper root systems of tomato plants. Planting carrots near tomatoes can help improve soil structure and nutrient uptake while providing a diverse mix of vegetables in your garden.
Lettuce and Spinach
Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach can be grown as an understory crop beneath taller tomato plants. They help shade the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds while providing additional harvestable crops from the same garden space.
Growing tomatoes is a rewarding process that offers a bounty of delicious fruits to enjoy. I mean, it is quite satisfying to bite into a homegrown tomato!
By selecting the right tomato variety, planting at the right time, providing proper care and support, and harvesting at peak ripeness, you'll be well on your way to a successful tomato harvest.
These are a few of my favorite tomato recipes:
A delicious, easy tomato sauce for beginner canners
Chili canning sauce with summer’s harvest
Garden fresh corn & tomato side dish
Happy gardening, friend! And BTW, if you want to learn more about gardening, our HOMEGROWN community might just be for you! Have a look below!
Love, Annette xx
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