Introduction

When planning a tomato garden, one of the most important decisions you will make is where to plant your tomatoes in relation to your home. Different sides of the house can offer different growing conditions that can greatly impact the success of your tomato plants. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of planting tomatoes on each side of the house.

Planting on the North Side

Tomatoes prefer full sun, which makes planting them on the north side of the house less than ideal. However, if you have limited space or if the other sides of your house do not receive adequate sunlight, the north side can be a viable option. In this case, it is important to choose tomato varieties that are particularly suited to growing in cooler, shadier conditions.

Planting on the South Side

Planting tomatoes on the south side of your house is often a great choice as this side typically receives the most sunlight throughout the day. However, this can also mean that the plants may become too hot and experience sunscald. To prevent this, it is important to provide adequate shade and to choose varieties that are particularly heat resistant.

Planting on the East Side

The east side of the house can offer a good balance of sunlight and shade, with the plants receiving morning sun and afternoon shade. This can help to prevent the plants from becoming too hot and can also help to protect them from harsh afternoon sun. However, in areas with particularly hot summers, the morning sun may still be too intense, so it is important to choose heat-tolerant varieties.

Planting on the West Side

Tomatoes planted on the west side of the house will receive afternoon sun, which can be intense during the summer months. However, this side can still be a viable option for growing tomatoes, as long as you provide proper shade and use heat-tolerant varieties. If the plants become too hot and start to wilt, they can be watered in the evening to help them recover.

Conclusion

When deciding what side of the house to plant tomatoes, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option, taking into account the amount and intensity of sunlight, as well as heat and shade conditions. By choosing the right varieties for your specific growing conditions, you can create an optimal environment for healthy, productive tomato plants.