The Best Way to Plant Tomatoes

There are many techniques for planting tomato plants, but this is the best.

Tomato plants are a popular choice for home gardens, providing juicy fruits throughout the summer months. The key to a successful tomato harvest lies in choosing the right planting methods and understanding the needs of these plants. This article will delve into the best practices for planting tomatoes, and how to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Getting the timing right is essential for healthy tomato plants. One common mistake is planting too early, as the soil temperature must be consistently above 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18°C) for optimal growth. Beginning with quality seedlings, spacing them appropriately, and providing adequate light are further factors in cultivating an abundant tomato crop.

Proper watering is another critical aspect of growing tomatoes. The plants require consistent moisture, ideally from rainfall or supplemented by watering if needed. It’s crucial to monitor weather conditions and adjust watering frequency accordingly to ensure that the tomatoes thrive and flourish.

Selecting the Right Tomato Variety

Heirloom vs Hybrid

Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down through generations for their unique flavors, colors, and textures. Some popular heirloom tomatoes include Brandywine, Black Krim, and Green Zebra. On the other hand, hybrid tomatoes are created by cross-pollinating two different parent varieties to produce a new variety with specific traits like disease resistance, increased yields, or uniform size. Examples of hybrid tomatoes are Better Boy, Early Girl, and Roma.

Determinate vs Indeterminate

Tomato plants can be classified into two main types based on their growth habits: determinate and indeterminate.

Determinate tomatoes are bushy plants that grow to a specific height, usually 3 to 4 feet, and produce most of their fruit within a short time window. These plants are ideal for small spaces or container gardening. Examples of determinate tomato varieties are Roma and San Marzano.
Indeterminate tomatoes are vining varieties that keep growing and producing fruit until frost kills the plant. They require staking or caging for support and can grow up to 10 feet tall. Examples of indeterminate tomato varieties include Brandywine and Cherry tomatoes.

Tomato Sizes

Tomatoes come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from small bite-sized cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak tomatoes. Here is a list of common tomato sizes and their corresponding varieties:

Cherry tomatoes (1-2 oz): Small, sweet, and are great for salads, snacking, or roasting. Examples: Sungold, Cherry, and Grape tomatoes.
Paste or Plum tomatoes (2-3 oz): Oblong-shaped tomatoes with a meaty texture and low moisture content, perfect for sauces and canning. Examples: Roma and San Marzano.

Slicing tomatoes (8-16 oz): Medium-sized tomatoes with a balanced flavor, excellent for sandwiches, salads, or eating fresh. Examples: Better Boy and Brandywine.
Beefsteak tomatoes (16+ oz): Large, juicy tomatoes with thick slices, ideal for sandwiches or eating fresh. Examples: Mortgage Lifter, Big Rainbow, and Cherokee Purple.

Choosing the right tomato variety for your garden depends on factors like personal taste, available space, and growing conditions. Take these factors into account when selecting your tomato plants to ensure a successful and bountiful harvest.

Starting Tomatoes from Seed

Germination

Starting tomatoes from seed is a rewarding process for any gardener. To begin, choose high-quality tomato seeds suited for the growing season in your region. Seeds should be planted about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date to avoid the danger of frost affecting the seedlings.

Prepare the containers: Use clean seed trays, pots, or recycled containers with drainage holes. Fill them with a seed-starting mix and moisten the soil evenly.
Sow the seeds: Place 2-3 seeds per container, spaced equally apart. Keep in mind that not all seeds will germinate, so planting multiple seeds per container is recommended. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, and lightly press down to ensure good contact with the soil.

Provide proper conditions: Place the containers in a warm area with a consistent temperature of 70-80°F (21-26°C). Covering the containers with a plastic lid or wrap can help maintain humidity and warmth during the germination process.
Monitor the progress: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and check for seedlings regularly. Germination typically takes 7-14 days, depending on the tomato variety and growing conditions.

Growing Seedlings

Once the seeds have germinated and sprouted, it’s important to focus on nurturing the young seedlings.

Provide light: Tomato seedlings require plenty of light to grow strong and healthy. A sunny windowsill, a grow light, or a greenhouse can provide the necessary light. Ensure seedlings receive at least 14-16 hours of light per day.
Thinning the seedlings: When the seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, thin them to one strong plant per container. This step is crucial, as crowded conditions can inhibit growth and lead to problems later on.
Temperature and ventilation: Keep seedlings in an area with temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Ensure proper air circulation to reduce the risk of mold and diseases.

Proper watering: Water seedlings from the bottom to encourage strong roots and prevent diseases. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength when seedlings are 3-4 weeks old.
Hardening off: Before transplanting seedlings outside, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions to build up their tolerance. This process usually takes 7-10 days, depending on the weather.

By following these steps and paying attention to the needs of the tomato seedlings, gardeners can enjoy a successful growing season with a bountiful harvest.

Preparing the Soil

Soil Composition

To prepare the soil for planting tomatoes, it is important to create the right composition for successful plant growth. Tomato plants thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Incorporating compost into the soil helps to improve its structure and provide essential nutrients to the roots. Additionally, adding aged manure to the soil offers a slow-release source of nitrogen that is important for tomato growth.

Soil pH

Tomato plants prefer soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8. To test the soil pH, use a soil test kit or send a sample to a local extension office. If the soil pH is outside the preferred range, amendments may be necessary. To raise the pH, add lime or wood ash. To lower the pH, add sulfur, peat moss, or composted leaves.

Amendments

Tomato plants benefit from adding amendments to the soil before planting:

Compost: Compost provides nutrients and improves soil structure. Mix 2-4 inches of compost into the top 6 inches of soil.
Aged manure: Nitrogen-rich aged manure can be added in a ratio of 1-part manure to 3-parts soil. This helps feed the plants and improves drainage.

Bone meal: Bone meal is a phosphorus-rich amendment that aids in root development. Add 1-2 tablespoons per plant hole when transplanting.
Nitrogen fertilizers: Use a balanced slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to add initial nutrients, and then supplement as needed throughout the growing season.

It is essential to keep soil moist but not soggy, as tomatoes require consistent moisture for proper development. Using mulch around the base of the plants will help to maintain moisture levels and regulate soil temperature.

Transplanting and Planting

Transplanting Seedlings

When transplanting tomato seedlings, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil is at least 60°F. Carefully transfer the young tomato plants outside, and gently tap them out of the pot they have been growing in. Place the roots and as much of the soil as possible into the planting hole, ensuring the root ball is fully covered.

Planting Depth

Plant tomato plants deeper than they come in the pot, all the way up to the top few leaves. This method allows tomatoes to develop roots along their stems, creating a stronger plant. Bury at least half or up to two-thirds of the stem, and remove the lower leaves to submerge more of the stem if necessary. If the plant is leggy, a shallow trench can be made to lay the plant sideways, allowing it to develop roots along the buried portion of the stem.

Spacing

Proper spacing is essential for growing healthy tomato plants. Here are some general guidelines for spacing:

For staked plants, space them 18-24 inches apart.
For tomato cages, space them 24-30 inches apart.
For plants left to sprawl on the ground, space them 36-48 inches apart.

Remember to plant tomatoes in an area that receives full sun for the best growth and development, and give adequate spacing to promote good air circulation and prevent disease.

Providing Support

Tomato Cages

Tomato cages are a popular method for supporting tomato plants, as they provide a surrounding structure that the plant can grow into and lean on for stability. Traditional tomato cages are made of metal and come in various shapes and sizes, with square or cone-like structures being the most common. To use tomato cages:

Place the cage over the young tomato plant

Ensure the plant is centered within the cage
Press the cage’s stakes into the ground for stability
As the plant grows, gently guide the branches through the cage openings

Staking Tomato Plants

Staking is a simple and effective way to provide support for tomato plants. This method involves using a vertical support, such as a 6-foot wooden stake, bamboo, or metal T-post, to which the plant is tied. To stake tomato plants:

Drive the stake about a foot into the ground, approximately 6 inches away from the plant
As the plant grows, tie its main stem to the stake using garden twine or soft plant ties

Remove any side shoots that emerge from the main stem to encourage a single stem growth

Advantages of using stakes for tomato plants include:

Good airflow around the plant, reducing potential diseases

Easy access to the plant for pruning, inspecting, and harvesting

Trellising

Trellising is another method for supporting tomato plants, where a horizontal or vertical structure is used for the plants to climb or lean on. With this method, plants can be grown along a single row, on both sides of a trellis, or individually with a smaller trellis. To set up a trellis for tomato plants:

Choose a suitable trellis structure, such as a fence, wooden lattice, or metal grid

Position the trellis behind the row of tomato plants or between offset plants on both sides
As the plants grow, secure the branches to the trellis using twine, soft plant ties, or clips

By providing proper support to tomato plants, gardeners can ensure a healthy and high-yielding harvest.

Tomato Care

Watering

Tomato plants require consistent moisture and well-draining soil for optimal growth. If rainfall is less than an inch per week, supplement with additional watering—approximately 20 minutes three times a week. In very hot weather, monitor plant conditions and increase watering frequency if wilting occurs.

Fertilizing

To encourage healthy tomato growth, use compost as a natural and effective fertilizer. Compost releases essential nutrients slowly throughout the growing season. In addition, it is beneficial to use an organic granular formula such as Espoma Tomato-Tone (4-7-10 or 3-4-6). Apply 2 to 3 tablespoons of fertilizer around the plant’s drip line, water thoroughly, and reapply every 3 to 4 weeks until the first frost.

Mulching

Mulching is crucial for maintaining soil moisture, regulating soil temperature, and preventing weed growth. Mulch options include:

Straw: Retains moisture and keeps the soil cool
Black plastic: Warms the soil for early planting and suppresses weeds
Grass clippings: Adds nutrients to the soil and prevents weed growth

When using mulch, pull it back a few inches from the base of the plant to allow for air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

Pruning

Proper pruning can improve air circulation, promote healthy growth, and increase tomato yields. Follow these steps to prune tomato plants:

Identify and remove “suckers,” the small shoots that grow in the angle between the main stem and a leaf.

Remove lower leaves that touch the ground to prevent disease.
Choose a single main stem or two to three main stems, and remove others for improved airflow and nutrient allocation.

Remember that tomatoes thrive in sunny locations with well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and temperatures consistently above 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). Pay close attention to these factors for successful tomato gardening.

Pest and Disease Management

Tomato Hornworm

Tomato hornworms are large caterpillars that can cause significant damage to tomato plants. To control these pests, regularly inspect your plants for caterpillars, eggs, or damage. Hand-pick and remove any that you find. For larger infestations, you can use biological control methods such as releasing natural predators, like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, into your garden.

Aphids

Aphids are small insects that can be found on the underside of tomato leaves, and they feed on the plant sap. Start by knocking them off the leaves using a heavy stream of water from a watering nozzle. Follow up with a spray of soapy water to deter further infestations. If necessary, consider introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs, to control aphid populations.

Blight

Blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomatoes, causing leaf spots and fruit rot. To minimize the risk of blight:

Water with drip irrigation or a soaker hose
Water in the morning to allow leaves to dry quickly in the sun
Stake or cage plants

Space plants to increase airflow
Mulch exposed soil with plastic or organic materials

Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot is a calcium deficiency that leads to the soft, rotten bottom of tomato fruits. To prevent this condition:

Ensure consistent and adequate watering
Apply a calcium-rich fertilizer to the soil
Maintain the soil pH between 6.2 and 6.8

Blossom Drop

Blossom drop is the shedding of flowers before they develop into fruits, often due to environmental stress or poor pollination. To minimize blossom drop:

Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly wet
Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer application

Provide sufficient air circulation around plants
Encourage pollinators by planting flowers nearby or by gentle hand-pollination

Remember to follow proper plant care practices and monitor your tomato plants regularly to identify and address any pest or disease issues promptly.

Harvesting Tomatoes

Testing For Ripeness

When harvesting tomatoes, it is essential to test for ripeness. A ripe tomato will have a deep, uniform color and feel firm yet slightly soft to the touch. Gently squeeze the fruit to gauge its texture. Be cautious not to press too hard to avoid bruising. Additionally, when ripe, tomatoes should detach easily from the vine with a gentle twist.

Optimal Harvesting Time

To ensure the best flavor and quality, aim to harvest tomatoes when they are fully colored but still firm. The optimal harvesting time depends on several factors:

Temperature: Tomatoes ripen best at temperatures close to 75°F. When temperatures rise above 90°F, fruits may start to soften and develop poor color.

Sunlight: Growing tomatoes in areas with direct sunlight during the day and afternoon shade helps maintain ideal ripening conditions.

In general, monitor your garden tomatoes and harvest them when they meet the ripeness criteria, regardless of the specific timeframe.

Storing Tomatoes

Once harvested, proper storage is crucial to maintain the taste and freshness of your tomatoes. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Store tomatoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Do not refrigerate them, as it can cause a loss of flavor and texture.
If you need to preserve your tomatoes for longer periods, consider options like canning or freezing.

By following these steps, you can ensure a successful tomato harvesting process, yielding delicious fruits ready to be enjoyed in various dishes.