How to Keep Grass from Around Tomato Plants

Tomatoes thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Unfortunately, this type of soil also makes an ideal growing medium for grass. If you don't keep the grass around your tomato plants under control, it can steal valuable water and nutrients from your plants, stunting their growth and reducing their yield. Here are some tips for keeping grass from around your tomato plants:

1. Mulch Your Tomato Plants

Mulching is one of the best ways to suppress grass growth around your tomato plants. Spread a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, hay, chopped leaves or grass clippings around the base of your plants. This will help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed seeds from germinating. Mulch also adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.

2. Use Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric is a synthetic material that is designed to suppress weed growth. Cut out a piece of fabric that is slightly larger than the area you want to protect around your tomato plants. Cut a small hole in the center of the fabric to allow room for the plant to grow. Lay the fabric over the soil and anchor it in place with landscape fabric pins. This will prevent grass and other weeds from growing around your tomato plants.

3. Weed Regularly

Removing weeds by hand is the most labor-intensive way to control grass around your tomato plants, but it's also the most effective. Weeding regularly will prevent grass from competing with your tomato plants for water and nutrients. Use a hoe or handheld cultivator to loosen the soil around your plants and remove any unwanted weeds. Be sure to remove weeds before they go to seed, as this will prevent them from spreading.

4. Use Chemical Herbicides

If you have a large area to manage, or if manual weeding isn't feasible, you may want to consider using chemical herbicides. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that has been shown to be effective at controlling grass and other weeds around tomato plants. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and to use protective clothing when applying herbicides.

5. Plant Your Tomatoes in Containers

If grass is a persistent problem around your tomato plants, you might consider planting your tomatoes in containers. This will give you greater control over the soil and will ensure that your tomato plants are not competing with grass for resources. Choose a large container that will give your tomato plants enough room to grow and provide adequate drainage. Add fresh potting soil or compost to the container and plant your tomatoes as you normally would.

By using one or a combination of these strategies, you can keep grass from around your tomato plants under control. This will help ensure that your plants grow strong and healthy, producing an abundant harvest of juicy, ripe tomatoes.