How to Plant Tomatoes in a Raised Bed

Raised bed gardening is becoming increasingly popular for numerous reasons, such as saving space, better soil drainage, and easier access for those with limited mobility. If you are planning to start a raised bed garden, adding tomatoes to your plant list is a must! Tomatoes thrive in raised beds and with the right soil, watering and fertilizing techniques, you can yield a bountiful harvest.

Prepare Your Raised Bed

Before planting tomatoes in a raised bed, make sure to prepare the soil first. Raised beds require loose, well-draining soil, so make sure to mix in compost, manure or other organic matter to improve soil quality. Additionally, check the pH level of the soil. Tomatoes prefer a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0 which is slightly acidic. Adjusting the pH level can be done by adding lime or sulfur depending on whether you need to raise or lower the pH.

Plant Your Tomatoes

After soil preparation, it’s time to plant your tomatoes. You can purchase tomato seedlings from your local nursery or start your own seedlings indoors earlier in the season. Plant seedlings into the soil around 2 – 3 feet apart, making sure to dig deep enough to cover the bottom of the stem to encourage root formation. The soil must be moist but not too wet at this point.

Water and Fertilize Your Tomatoes

Watering is crucial for the growth of your tomato plants. Watering too little can cause your plants to dry out and wither, while too much water can lead to root rot. Raised bed gardens tend to lose moisture quicker, so make sure to water your tomatoes consistently while paying attention to the moisture level of the soil. Additionally, fertilizing is important to promote leaf and flower growth. Nitrogen is essential for leaf growth, while phosphorus encourages flower production. Potassium is also essential for overall plant growth. Use a balanced fertilizer by mixing bone meal or fish meal which are high in phosphorus, with kelp meal which is high in potassium.

Stake or Cage Your Tomatoes

Tomato plants can grow up to 6 – 8 feet tall and require support to grow straight up. If you decide to stake your tomatoes, insert stakes into the soil close to the plant and keep wrapping the stem around the stake as the plant grows taller. A tomato cage is a better option as it surrounds the plant and provides more support. Tomato cages can be easily found at your local garden supply store.

Harvest Your Tomatoes

With the right soil, watering, fertilizing and support, you can expect to harvest your tomatoes in 60 – 80 days. The best way to tell if your tomatoes are ready for harvest is by checking the fruit’s color. Tomatoes will turn red, yellow, orange or green when ripe depending on their variety. Simply twist the fruit to detach it from the stem when it is ready. Make sure to use scissors, and not your hands, for ease when harvesting.

In conclusion, growing tomatoes in a raised bed garden is simple and rewarding. With proper soil preparation, watering and fertilizing, and proper support, you can expect to yield a plentiful tomato crop. Start planning your raised bed garden with these tips in mind and enjoy fresh, flavorful tomatoes in no time!