How to Plant Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in home gardens. They are easy to cultivate, and they provide a luscious supply of fresh, flavorful fruit throughout the summer. If you want to add tomatoes to your garden, follow these steps:

Choose a Location

The first step in planting tomatoes is choosing the right location. Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They also need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a location in your garden that receives full sunlight for most of the day.

Prepare the Soil

Before planting your tomatoes, you need to prepare the soil. Remove any weeds or debris from the planting site, and then work organic matter into the soil to make it rich and fertile. Compost, aged manure, or leaf mold all work well to amend garden soil for tomatoes.

Planting Tomatoes

When planting your tomatoes, make sure to space them about 2-3 feet apart, depending on the variety. You can either transplant young tomato plants or start from seed. If you are transplanting, make sure to set out your tomato plants after the last spring frost. If you are starting from seed, begin indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.

Caring for Tomatoes

Once your tomatoes are in the ground, you need to take good care of them. Make sure they receive enough water, especially during dry spells. It's best to give them a good soaking once a week rather than a little bit of water each day. Tomatoes also benefit from regular fertilization. You can use a balanced vegetable fertilizer or side-dress them with compost or aged manure throughout the growing season.

Supporting Tomatoes

Tomatoes need support, especially if you are growing indeterminate or vining varieties. You can use tomato cages, stakes, or trellises to support your plants. Place the supports in the soil when you plant tomatoes to avoid damaging the roots later. As your plants grow, tie them to the supports to keep them from falling over under the weight of the fruit.

Harvesting Tomatoes

Once your tomatoes begin to ripen, you can start harvesting them. Check your plants regularly for ripe, red fruit. You can harvest them when they are still slightly green if you want to ripen them indoors. To do this, simply place the green tomatoes on a windowsill or countertop until they turn red. However, tomatoes that ripen on the vine taste the best, so try to leave them on the vine as long as possible before harvesting.

With a little bit of care, you can grow your own delicious tomatoes right in your own backyard. Follow these steps for planting and caring for your tomato plants, and you will soon be enjoying a bountiful harvest of juicy, flavorful fruit.