How to Plant a Tomato Seedling

Planting tomato seedlings is an easy and gratifying gardening activity that can yield ripe, juicy tomatoes within a few months. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plant your own tomato seedlings:

Choose a Location and Prepare the Soil

Tomatoes grow best in a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Before planting your seedlings, loosen the soil with a garden fork or trowel and mix in compost or organic fertilizer to provide the plants with nutrients.

Prepare the Seedlings

Start by selecting healthy tomato seedlings that are about 6-10 inches tall. Remove the seedlings carefully from their containers and gently brush away any soil around the roots. Trim off any broken or dead roots and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Water the seedlings thoroughly before planting.

Plant the Seedlings

Make a hole in the soil that is about twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the seedling. Place the root ball of the seedling into the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming the soil around the seedling. Be sure to leave several inches of space between each seedling, as tomato plants need air circulation to prevent diseases.

Provide Support

Tomatoes need support to grow tall and strong, especially if you’re planting indeterminate varieties. Consider using stakes, cages, or trellises to provide support. Place the support system in the soil near the seedling when you plant it, being careful not to damage the roots. As the plant grows, gently tie the stems to the support system with string or plant ties.

Water and Mulch

Water your tomato seedlings immediately after planting to help them settle into their new home. After that, water them regularly, being careful not to let the soil dry out completely. Tomatoes need about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. To conserve moisture and prevent weeds, apply a layer of mulch around the base of each plant.

Prune and Fertilize

As your tomato plants grow, prune off any suckers that develop in the crotch between the stem and branches. Suckers are unproductive shoots that can divert energy away from fruit production. Also, fertilize your plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and produce fruit.

Harvest

Depending on the variety, your tomato plants should start producing ripe fruit 60-90 days after planting. Check the plants regularly for ripe fruit, and harvest them when they’re plump and fully colored. Tomatoes taste best when they’re fully ripened on the vine. Enjoy!