The homegrown tomato is a symbol of summer and a reward for any gardener. With incredible flavor that far surpasses store-bought varieties, growing your own is a deeply satisfying experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Planting & Spacing
When to Plant
Plant tomato seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). You can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date.
Sun and Soil
Tomatoes are sun-lovers, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Spacing
- Determinate (Bush) types: Space 24 inches apart.
- Indeterminate (Vining) types: Space 24-36 inches apart and provide a tall, sturdy stake or cage for support.
Pro Tip: Plant tomatoes deeply, burying the stem up to the first set of true leaves. The buried stem will grow new roots, creating a stronger plant.
Watering & Care
Watering
Provide consistent moisture, aiming for 1-2 inches of water per week. Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage deep root growth and avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Mulching with straw or wood chips is highly recommended to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing
Tomatoes are heavy feeders. Start with compost-rich soil. When the first fruits begin to form, you can supplement with a fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium. An organic tomato-specific fertilizer is an excellent choice.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tomato Hornworms
These large green caterpillars can defoliate a plant quickly. The best control is to hand-pick them off. They are often preyed upon by parasitic wasps, so avoid broad-spectrum pesticides.
Blossom End Rot
This appears as a dark, sunken, rotten spot on the bottom of the fruit. It's caused by a calcium uptake problem, usually due to inconsistent watering. The key to prevention is maintaining even soil moisture with deep watering and mulch.
Early Blight
A fungal disease that causes yellow spots with dark borders on lower leaves. Prune off affected lower branches to improve air circulation and apply a copper-based or bio-fungicide if necessary. Water at the soil level to prevent its spread.
Harvesting
Harvest tomatoes when they are fully colored and firm, but with a slight give. For best flavor, allow them to ripen fully on the vine. If frost threatens, you can harvest green tomatoes and allow them to ripen indoors in a warm place.