How to Grow Tomato

Growing guide

Overview

Tomato is a warm-season, frost-tender vegetable grown for its juicy fruit. It thrives in full sun with moderate, consistent moisture and well-drained soil.

Soil & planting prep

Use loamy to sandy, well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0-6.8. Work compost into the bed before planting, space plants 24-36 inches apart, and set transplants deeper than the pot so roots form along the buried stem.

When to plant

Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Transplant outside only after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed; tomatoes are frost-tender and are not fall-planted. In short-season areas, protect young plants if a late cold snap is forecast.

How to plant

1. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting them outside.
2. Choose a full-sun spot with well-drained loamy or sandy soil, and work compost into the planting area.
3. After the last frost, remove the lower leaves and dig a hole deep enough to bury the stem up to the top 2-3 sets of leaves.
4. Set the transplant deeper than it grew in its pot and space plants 24-36 inches apart.
5. Water deeply at the base, install a cage or stake immediately, and mulch to keep soil moisture steady.

5 common mistakes to avoid

• Putting transplants out too early when nights are still cold stalls growth and can kill them; wait until after the last frost and soil has warmed before planting.
• Letting soil swing between wet and dry causes blossom end rot and cracked fruit; water consistently so the root zone stays evenly moist.
• Planting in shallow holes misses the tomato’s ability to root along buried stems; set transplants deep, leaving only the top few sets of leaves above ground.
• Waiting to stake or cage plants lets them sprawl, which leads to broken stems and fruit rot; put support in place at transplant time.
• Feeding heavily with high-nitrogen fertilizer produces big leafy plants with few tomatoes; use a balanced or lower-nitrogen fertilizer after fruit begins to set.

Harvesting & storage

Most garden varieties are ready about 60-85 days after transplanting; pick when fruit is fully colored and slightly firm but gives a little under thumb pressure. Harvest by twisting or cutting fruit from the vine, and store at room temperature. Refrigeration harms tomato flavor and texture.

Companion planting

Basil, marigolds, onions, and carrots are common companions; avoid planting tomatoes near fennel.

Growing in containers

Tomatoes grow well in containers if you use at least a 5-gallon pot with drainage and a sturdy cage or stake. Use quality potting mix and check water daily, since containers dry out faster than garden beds.

Pro tips

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Plant deeply — tomatoes root along buried stems. Water consistently to prevent blossom end rot.