How to Plant a Cherry Tomato Plant

Cherry tomatoes are delicious and easy to grow. To start a cherry tomato plant, follow these steps:

1. Choose Your Pot or Planter

The best pot or planter for a cherry tomato plant has good drainage and is at least 12 inches in diameter. Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

2. Choose Your Soil

Cherry tomatoes grow best in soil that is rich in nutrients and has good drainage. Choose a high-quality potting mix or create your own by mixing compost, perlite, and vermiculite in equal parts.

3. Start Your Seedlings

Start your cherry tomato seedlings indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant each seedling in a small pot filled with moist soil, and keep them in a warm, sunny location. Water them regularly, and when they reach 6-8 inches tall, they are ready to be transplanted.

4. Transplant Seedlings

Before transplant, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few hours per day. Plant your seedlings in your chosen pot or planter, leaving about 2 inches between each plant. Gently water the soil around each plant.

5. Care for Your Plant

Keep your cherry tomato plant well watered, but be careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. As the plant grows, provide support with a stake or trellis.

6. Harvest Your Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are ready to be harvested when they are firm, shiny, and have a deep red color. Gently twist or snip the stem just above the fruit to harvest. Cherry tomatoes will continue to ripen after they are picked, so if they are not fully ripe, you can leave them at room temperature until they are ready to eat.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious cherry tomatoes all season long!