Tomatoes

Growing tomatoes can be a rewarding and satisfying experience for gardeners of all levels. To begin, select a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Tomatoes thrive in warm weather, so ensure the soil is warm enough before planting. We suggest waiting until night time lows are consistently above 50 degrees. If you're starting from seeds, begin indoors several weeks before the last frost date in your area, then transplant seedlings outdoors once the soil has warmed up.

When planting tomatoes, space them according to their variety, typically around 18-36 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and room to grow. Provide support for your tomato plants, such as stakes or cages, to keep them upright as they grow and produce fruit.

Tomatoes require consistent watering, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Underwatering tomatoes is better than overwatering. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Once your plant reaches 1 foot tall, fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and fruit development.

Keep an eye out for common tomato pests and diseases, such as aphids, hornworms, and blight, and take appropriate measures to control them, such as handpicking, using organic pesticides, or practicing crop rotation.

With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of juicy, flavorful tomatoes throughout the growing season, perfect for enjoying fresh, in salads, or preserved for later use.

Need help deciding? Check out our Tomato Cheatsheet