How to Grow and Care for Tomato Plants

Nothing says summer like plucking a plump tomato from the vine. But did you know there are thousands of varieties of tomatoes out there? Even though each one may require a slight modification in its growing method to get that perfect fruit, the general idea is the same. These warm-weather crops are simple enough for beginners, as long as you know what they need to flourish. Check out the guide below to learn how to grow tomatoes and keep your plants thriving throughout the summer.

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Choose the Right Variety

While there may be upwards of 10,000 tomato cultivars out there, you don’t have to comb through every available seed catalog to decide which ones you should grow. The easiest way to narrow down your options is to choose between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes.

Determinate tomatoes generally grow to a predetermined size, and the plant can often be supported by a tomato cage. These tomatoes all ripen around the same time and are often bush varieties, which generally top out at around 4 feet tall.

Indeterminate tomatoes are also known as vining tomatoes. They grow continuously throughout the year until the first frost and need more than a tomato cage for support. You can find indeterminate varieties that grow 12 feet or more.

Thinking about how much available gardening space you have and what you want to use your tomatoes for at the end of the season will help you determine which varieties would work best in your garden. If you only have a patio and mostly want to snack on tomatoes straight off the plant, a determinate cherry or Roma variety might suit you best. But if you have a large raised or in-ground bed and want to grow the bigger varieties, you’re better off with an indeterminate like a Beefsteak or Early Girl.

Prepare to Plant

You have a few options when it comes time to get your hands in the dirt. You can purchase young plants from your local nursery, direct sow your tomato seeds in their permanent outdoor location, or start seeds inside that you can then transplant outside when the weather allows.

No matter which route you go, there are a few things you can keep in mind to set yourself up for success. You want to give each tomato plant plenty of space to grow without bumping into its neighbor. You can find instructions for your specific variety on the seed packet or by asking someone who works at the nursery where you bought your plants. The general rule of thumb is to space determinates 2 feet apart and indeterminates 3 feet apart.

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Tomatoes like well-drained soil that receives anywhere from 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. You can use virtually any high-quality garden soil mix from the store, but consider amending whatever you purchase with an organic, aged compost. This is especially helpful for container gardening since tomatoes are heavy feeders and can consume all the nutrients from the soil in a surprising amount of time.

For those who want to get a little more nitty-gritty with their soil composition, it’s good to know that tomatoes prefer soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Too much nitrogen and you’ll likely end up with beautiful foliage but few fruits.

Direct Sow or Transplant

Depending on how long your growing season is, you may want to start your seeds inside before transplanting them into their permanent homes in the garden. Knowing your garden zone and how many days are in the growing season can help you decide which route to take.

Direct sowing tomatoes is a fine option for anyone who lives in a mild climate with plenty of warm and sunny days. For those who live in zones that have shorter growing seasons, it’s best to start tomato seeds inside anywhere between 6 and 8 weeks before the final frost date. This gives your tomato plants a head start and lets you take full advantage of those precious warm days to get the best harvest possible.

Fertilize and Water

Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so you’ll want to fertilize them regularly. You can incorporate a continuous-release fertilizer into your containers, beds or in-ground garden when you plant your tomatoes. But you can also continue feeding them throughout the season as often as the instructions for your specific fertilizer suggest.

Be sure to use a fertilizer that contains calcium, which will help protect your plants from blossom end rot. You can often find fertilizers that are labeled specifically for tomatoes.

Water your tomatoes regularly, aiming for approximately an inch of water each week. If you stick your finger an inch deep into the soil and it feels dry, you know it’s time to water. It’s also wise to invest in containers with a bottom water feature if you can’t grow your plants in raised beds or the ground. This helps to prevent overwatering.

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Harvest and Enjoy

Once your tomatoes begin to ripen and change to their final color, you can start plucking them from the plant and using them in everything from salsas and sandwiches to pasta sauces and more. Many tomato varieties are grown for specific purposes, so be sure to research the ways your tomatoes taste the best.

If you need a little inspiration to keep enjoying your harvest all season long, here are a few of our favorite tomato recipes:

• Fried Green Tomatoes
• Tomato Cucumber Salad
• Open-Faced Bacon Tomato Basil Sandwiches
• Grilled Tomato Basil Pizza
• Yellow Tomato Gazpacho
• Shakshuka (Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce)
• Spaghetti with Chunky Tomato Sauce
• Fresh Tomato Soup