How to Plant Tomato in the Ground

Tomatoes are one of the most popular fruits, which are consumed widely for its nutritional value and delicious taste. It can be grown easily in your garden, backyard or any other open space with some basic gardening knowledge. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant tomato in the ground.

Choose the Right Tomato Variety

The first step to growing a healthy tomato plant is to select the right variety according to your climate and growing conditions. There are determinate and indeterminate varieties of tomato plants, with varying heights and fruit sizes. Determinate tomatoes grow to a specific height and bear fruit at once, whereas indeterminate tomatoes grow tall and produce fruit throughout the season.

Other factors to consider while selecting the tomato variety are the fruit size, shape, and color, as well as the disease resistance level. Some popular tomato varieties are Beefsteak, Roma, Cherry, and Heirloom.

Prepare the Soil

The second step is to prepare the soil for planting. Tomato plants require well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. Test the soil pH level and amend with compost or lime to adjust the pH level if needed. Loosen the soil up to a depth of 12 inches using a tiller or hoe, and remove any weeds or rocks. Add compost or manure to the soil to enrich it with nutrients for better growth.

Plant the Tomatoes

The next step is planting the tomato seedlings. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or backyard and dig a hole deep enough to plant the tomato seedlings. Space the seedlings at least 2 feet apart to allow ample room for growth. Gently remove the seedlings from the container and loosen the roots, before placing them in the hole. Cover the hole with soil, leaving the top of the soil level with the stem.

Water and Fertilize

After planting the seedlings, water them generously to settle the soil and hydrate the roots. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and water the tomato plants deeply once or twice per week. You can also add a layer of mulch around the plants to reduce water loss and prevent weed growth.

Fertilize the tomato plants with a balanced fertilizer with equal N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) ratio every three weeks. You can also add compost or composted manure to the soil for slow-release nutrients.

Support the Plants

To prevent the tomato plants from falling over and breaking under the weight of the fruit, it's essential to support them with stakes or cages. Drive a stake into the ground beside each seedling, or use a cage to enclose the plant. Tie the stem gently to the stakes or cage with twine as it grows taller, keeping it upright and stable.

Protect the Tomatoes

Tomato plants are susceptible to diseases and pests, such as blight, aphids, and hornworms. To prevent these issues, keep an eye on the plants regularly, checking for any signs of damage or infection. Remove any infected or diseased leaves, and apply a fungicide or insecticide if required.

Another way to protect the tomato plants is to cover them with row covers or netting, which prevents the pests from attacking them. You can also companion plant marigolds, basil or garlic with tomatoes, as they act as natural repellents for pests and insects.

Harvesting the Tomatoes

The final step is to harvest the tomatoes once they're ripe and ready. Pick the fruits when they turn red, and check them regularly for any signs of overripe or underripe. To ensure that the plant produces more fruits, harvest them regularly, and remove any yellowing or dead leaves to improve air circulation.

In conclusion, growing tomatoes in the ground is an easy and rewarding task with a little effort and patience. By following these simple steps, you can grow healthy tomato plants and enjoy the fresh and delicious fruits all summer long.