How do you grow tomatoes?

How to choose the best tomato varieties

Selecting the right tomato depends on your climate, available space, and intended use. Tomatoes are generally categorized as either determinate or indeterminate. Determinate varieties grow to a fixed size and ripen their fruit over a short window, making them ideal for canning or small garden containers. Indeterminate varieties continue growing and producing fruit throughout the entire season until the first frost, requiring more vertical support.

When choosing a variety, consider the days to maturity listed on the seed packet or plant tag. If you live in a region with a short growing season, look for "early season" varieties that mature in 60 days or less. Beginners should often start with disease-resistant hybrids, which are specifically bred to withstand common issues like verticillium wilt or fusarium wilt.

• Cherry tomatoes: High yield, fast-growing, perfect for snacking.
• Beefsteak tomatoes: Large, meaty fruits ideal for slicing and sandwiches.
• Roma tomatoes: Dense, low-moisture fruits excellent for sauces and pastes.
• Heirloom varieties: Renowned for unique flavors and colors, though often more delicate.

How to prepare soil and plant tomatoes

Tomatoes thrive in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Before planting, incorporate several inches of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, into the top foot of soil. This improves drainage and provides the slow-release nutrients necessary for healthy root development. Choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Planting technique is critical for strong root systems. Remove the bottom sets of leaves from your transplant and bury the stem up to the top two sets of leaves. Tomatoes have the unique ability to grow adventitious roots along any part of the stem buried underground. This deeper planting method creates a more extensive root network, which helps the plant better withstand drought and wind.

1. Dig a hole deep enough to bury two-thirds of the plant's stem.
2. Mix a handful of balanced fertilizer or bone meal into the bottom of the hole.
3. Place the plant in the hole and fill with soil, firming it gently.
4. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

How to care for tomatoes throughout the season

Consistent moisture is the most important factor in preventing common fruit problems. Aim to provide about one to two inches of water per week, focusing the stream at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Wet leaves can encourage fungal diseases, so avoid overhead watering. Applying a two-inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weeds.

Support your plants early to prevent them from sprawling on the ground, which increases the risk of rot and pests. Use stakes, wire cages, or trellises to keep the vines upright and off the soil. As indeterminate varieties grow, you may need to prune "suckers"—the small shoots that emerge in the crotch between the main stem and a branch—to improve airflow and focus the plant's energy on fruit production.

• Apply a liquid fertilizer once the first fruits appear to boost production.
• Monitor for pests like tomato hornworms, which can be picked off by hand.
• Remove any yellowing or diseased lower leaves to prevent the spread of blight.

Why blossom end rot and other problems happen

Blossom end rot is a common frustration characterized by a dark, leathery patch on the bottom of the fruit. It is typically caused by a calcium deficiency, which is often triggered by irregular watering rather than a lack of calcium in the soil. When a plant experiences a cycle of extreme dry spells followed by heavy soaking, it cannot transport calcium efficiently to the developing fruit. Maintaining consistent soil moisture is the best preventative measure.

Cracking or splitting of the fruit skin usually occurs after a heavy rain following a dry period. The interior of the tomato grows faster than the skin can expand, causing it to burst. While these fruits are still edible, they should be harvested promptly to prevent fermentation or insect damage. Proper mulching and steady irrigation schedules help mitigate these fluctuations, ensuring the fruit skin remains supple and resistant to rapid expansion.

Common mistakes when growing tomatoes

One of the most frequent errors is planting too early in the spring. Tomatoes are warm-season crops that suffer damage if exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait until the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed before moving plants outdoors. Planting too early often results in stunted growth or plants that never fully recover from the initial cold shock.

Another mistake is overcrowding the garden bed. Tomatoes need significant airflow to prevent fungal diseases like early blight. If plants are spaced too closely, humidity builds up between the leaves, creating a perfect environment for pathogens. Ensure you provide at least 24 to 36 inches of space between plants. Finally, avoid using nitrogen-heavy fertilizers once the plant begins to flower. Excessive nitrogen encourages lush, leafy growth at the expense of fruit development, leading to large, green plants with very few tomatoes to harvest.