How To Plant Tomatoes

Probably the most popular thing to grow in a vegetable garden is tomatoes. Seriously, everyone asks me about tomatoes. The reason is that they taste SO MUCH BETTER than tomatoes in the store. People say that all the time about all kinds of plants but never is it as true as it is of tomatoes. So if you'd like to grow your own tomatoes, just read on.


First, you cannot direct sow tomato seeds into your garden. Not if you want any kind of a decent harvest. We don't have a long enough growing season. Therefore, you can either buy seeds and start them indoors in February or buy plants in April or May. I do the latter.

Second, tomatoes are warm weather plants that will not tolerate any kind of frost. Don't think you can get around this. If you plant a tomato and it frosts outside while it's unprotected, it will die. End of story. So don't plant out till after your last frost date. You can read about that more here. Speaking of warmth, tomatoes also need all the sun they can get. 

Third, prepare the ground by pulling out all weeds and any rocks. If you have poor soil (sand or clay, like me) then it's a great idea to add soil amendments like manure or compost to improve it. Tomatoes are called "heavy feeders" which mean they require more nutrients than more vegetables so I like to give them a sprinkle of organic fertilizer (not ON the plant, but around it) at planting and again later in the season.

Fourth, when you plant your tomatoes, be sure to dig a deep enough hole. Tomatoes are very unusual in that it actually helps them if you bury part of the stem. I usually plant them so the first adult leaves are right above the soil surface.

Fifth, tomatoes will require some kind of support. You can buy cages or stake them. I have cages. Also, don't buy the cheapest cages you can find because they'll just break. Tomatoes need to be kept off the ground to prevent fungus and diseases. Air circulation is very important.

Finally, I like to mulch them with straw or shredded leaves to keep weeds down and keep the soil uniformly moist which tomatoes love. Keep the plants well watered till they're established. 

Well, there you go. Anyone can grow their own tomatoes and it's such a fun and delicious hobby. Got tomato bragging to do? Tell me all about it in the comments below.