Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants to grow in a vegetable garden. Growing these plants for the first time can be daunting, but there are a few tips for growing tomatoes that can help your tomatoes become successful and prolific. From seedlings to mature tomatoes, follow the steps below for healthy and productive growing.
11 Tips to Grow Tomatoes Successfully
When I started growing tomatoes for the first time, I made a lot of mistakes! Many of the mistakes I made are addressed below. It can be easy to grow tomatoes and to get plenty of fruit from them throughout the growing season.
Start Seeds Indoors
Tomatoes seem to do best when they have been started indoors, and grow to 6 inches in height or more before transplanting outdoors. This also allows you to get a head start on the season. Starting your plants early can mean harvesting tomatoes earlier.
Related: How to Start Seeds Indoors
Plant in Direct Sunlight
Tomatoes love the sun! Be sure to plant them in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. A full day’s sun, which is 8 to 12 hours, will give you the happiest tomato plants. The sunlight also makes the best tomatoes, with the most flavor. So don’t be afraid to put them in the hottest location in your garden.
Air Circulation is Key
In order for tomato plants to pollinate, tomatoes need plenty of air circulation. Plant your tomato plants at least 36 inches from one another, leaving plenty of space for the plants to grow out. Air circulation around plants also prevents diseases and deters pests. This step is essential for successful tomato growth.
Keep Soil Healthy
When planting your tomatoes, it’s important that they are planted in very rich and nutrient-dense soil. As with any annuals, tomatoes are nutrient hogs and need a lot of rich soil in order to thrive. Potted tomato plants will need to have additional compost or fertilizer added as the season goes along because these plants utilize so many nutrients in order to make fruit.
Companion Planting with Tomatoes
Planning a garden for success can work best when you incorporate other plants as well. There are many companion plants that can help your tomatoes grow more successfully. Flowers are a great option because they can attract pollinators and repel pests, helping to allow your vegetables to grow strong.
Great flower companions:
- Alyssum
- Asters
- Cosmos
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
Remove Suckers from Plants
Suckers are part of the tomato plant that grows in between the main stem and the large branches. They take up a lot of growing energy for the tomato plant but rarely produce much fruit if any at all. This is only recommended for indeterminate varieties, as determinates will only produce a harvest once, and the suckers will actually increase their yield.
Heavily Water Once Weekly
Consistent water is important to tomato plants and they will need at least an inch of water once a week. Be sure to water daily, and mulch your tomatoes in order to retain that moisture. Allowing once weekly to water a little heavier actually helps to roots grow stronger.
Too much water in between dry spells can cause splitting and cracking in tomatoes. Inconsistent watering can also cause blossom end rot, it’s not always a calcium deficiency. Water consistently throughout the week with once heavier watering once a week to help root growth.
Trim Tomato Plants Properly
Tomatoes do best when trimmed consistently. Trim plants from the bottom, removing excess stems and leaves that aren’t producing fruit. The botto 6-12 inches offers the best results, keeping plants off the ground. This also allows you to care for the soil, pull weeds and check for pests. Pruning from the bottom will aid in air flow, which improves tomato production in your plants.
Pruning off large branches with leaves will also prevent fungus growth. Too much growth within your tomato plant means the plant is putting more energy into leaf production than fruit production. It does not need that many leaves, Removal of these extra leaves and branches encourages fruit growth and improves air circulation, which keeps away fungus and makes for a healthier plant.
Secure Tomato Plants as They Grow
Tomato plants can be quite large, and as they grow will begin to fall over and frequently break. Although it’s possible to allow your plants to grow on the ground, it’s recommended to secure your plants as they grow vertically. There are many options for securing tomato plants. Tomato cages, fencing, a trellis, and posts all make great options.
Be sure to secure them well as wind can break tomato plants if not secured. This design also allows you to easily access all parts of the plant, so you can prune your tomatoes, check them for pests and harvest tomato fruit.
Mulch Your Plants
Tomato plants can benefit from a heavy mulch, especially if you are trimming the bottom of your plants. A mulch can retain water in the soil, allowing for your tomato plants to get as much water as possible. Mulch will also protect the soil from direct sunlight, causing erosion. Mulch can also guard against wind and prevent rainfall from washing away the nutrients in the soil.
Some great mulch options:
- compost
- wood chips
- straw
- wool
- shredded leaves
Related: Cheap or Free Ways to Improve Soil
Check for Pests Regularly
If you prune your tomatoes regularly, you should have ample time and access to check your plants for pests. Aphids and tomato hornworms tend to be the most prolific tomato pest, although there are others. You can pick off hornworms as you find them. Aphids can be kept at bay with companion planting, but they can also be sprayed with neem oil, a non-toxic alternative to pesticide.
Pick Tomatoes at The Right Time
Tomatoes taste best when ripened on the vine. I like to harvest mine as soon as they turn red but not dark red. This allows me to catch the tomato before predators (i.e. birds) swoop in and devour the tomato plants. The tomatoes have plenty of flavor but you catch them before the birds find your tomatoes.
Tomatoes can great producers and a wonderful addition to your garden! Following these great tips for growing tomatoes and this will offer the best chance at their success.
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