How to Grow Tomato Plant

Growing tomatoes at home not only provides a source of fresh food but also helps you save money and ensure food safety. Tomatoes are easy to grow, produce fruit all year round, and are a rich source of vitamins for the family.

Discover the best times to choose tomato seedlings, how to plant tomatoes in the ground step-by-step, and some basic maintenance advice for watering, fertilizing, pruning, and taking care of the health of your tomato plants until harvest. Although it takes time to become skilled with tomatoes, anyone may succeed by understanding the basic principles.

Best Time to Plant Tomatoes

Just like knowing when to plant any other plant, the time to plant tomatoes is important to ensure your crop is successful. Tomatoes are warm-weather plants that need plenty of sun to grow and do best in temperatures between 70 and 75°F (21 and 24°C). They won’t grow below 50°F (10°C). 

The soil also needs to be warm – ideally 60°F (16°C). So if you’re in zones 5-7, consider carefully whether or not to plant tomatoes. 

Tomato seeds are best sown under cover in March and April and are ready to harvest from July to September. Sowing times will vary depending on the variety you choose to grow, so always follow the instructions on the seed packet. To learn more about tomato varieties, check out the guide here.

Choose the Seedlings 

Once you know the types of tomatoes, make sure you know what type of tomato seedlings you want to grow. When choosing seedlings, look for:

• The seedlings have a healthy root system that has not started to twist around the pot
• The leaves are green, with no yellowing or pests
• The stems are sturdy, and not too tall
• The seedlings do not have small shoots (if any, they can be pruned)

Planting tomatoes can be started from seed, but if this is your first year growing tomatoes, especially if you only plan to grow a few tomato plants, I recommend starting with seedlings and focusing on learning how to grow and care for them rather than learning how to germinate seeds and care for seedlings indoors.

Where to Plant and Prepare the Soil

Tomatoes need well-drained soil, and full sun, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, preferably more. This is particularly crucial in zones 5 and lower, colder northern regions with shorter growth seasons. 

In warmer southern regions (zones 7 and above), tomatoes could benefit from partial shade or protection from the scorching afternoon sun. Tomatoes prefer warm, but not hot, weather; when it gets too hot, they frequently lose their flowers and do not set fruit.

So choose an exposed growing area away from buildings, trees, and tall shrubs. Ensure the plants receive adequate ventilation, which helps prevent common garden diseases.

You can mix any amendments into the soil at the bottom of the holes so the roots won’t sit directly on fertilizer, which prevents plant roots from rotting when exposed to fertilizer.

How to plant 

Before planting, remove the lower leaves from the tomato plant by pinching them off at the stem, leaving small bumps called “root nodes.” Dig a hole and plant the tomato deeper than it was in its original container so the root nodes are buried. This encourages roots to form along the stem, creating a strong root system and a vigorous plant. Space tomato plants 24 to 30 inches apart. 

After planting, firm the soil around the plant. Use wire cages when planting to support the plants, keeping leaves and fruit off the ground. This leads to higher yields, fewer pests, and less disease. Optimal cages are 20 to 24 inches in diameter and 4 to 6 feet tall.

How to take care of tomato plants

Tomatoes have a long growing season, so consistent monitoring and maintenance are key. This includes regular watering, fertilizing, pruning, and keeping an eye out for diseases and pests. 

Watering Tomatoes

• Tomatoes typically need about 1 inch of water per week, increasing to 2 inches during the hottest parts of summer.
• Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and help plants absorb moisture efficiently.
• It’s better to water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little every day. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Direct water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry, which helps prevent diseases.
• Tomatoes grown in pots may require daily watering, and even twice daily during extreme heat.

Fertilizing Tomatoes

Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization.

• Start by enriching your garden beds with compost and a slow-release granular fertilizer at the beginning of the season.
• Add compost or other amendments directly into the planting holes.
• Every two weeks, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that’s slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium (the “P” and “K” on fertilizer labels) than nitrogen (the “N”).
• Pale yellow-green foliage and slowed growth can indicate that your plants need more nutrients.

Pruning and Training Tomatoes

Pruning is essential for indeterminate tomato varieties but not for determinate or bush types.

• Without pruning, indeterminate tomatoes can become tangled and more prone to disease.
• Check your plants weekly to prune and secure them to their support.
• Pruning Techniques:
  • Air Circulation: Remove lower leaves and branches to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease.
  • Limit Main Stems: Keep only 1-3 main stems per plant by removing excess suckers.
  • Topping Plants: About 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost, cut off the top growing point to encourage the plant to focus on ripening existing fruit.

Watch for pests and diseases

Like other crops, tomato plants will not escape from becoming victims of pests and diseases, some bad cases can cause the plant to die and reduce the yield of the plant.

Monitor tomato plants for common pests such as aphids, hornworms, and tomato fruitworms. Treat infestations promptly with organic insecticides if necessary. Keep an eye out for diseases such as early blight and powdery mildew, and practice good garden sanitation to prevent their spread.

Harvesting Tomatoes

How long to harvest tomatoes? 

It takes 50 to 85 days to harvest after transplanting. Smaller types like cherry tomatoes tend to mature faster (around 50–60 days), while larger varieties like beefsteak tomatoes may take closer to 85 days. It’s important to note that tomatoes are usually ready for harvest when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. As tomatoes begin to ripen, they will change color from a bright medium-green to a lighter hue with hints of pink or yellow flushing. 

To ensure that everything is ready when your tomatoes are, gather tomato recipes and prepare your supplies well in advance of any canning or sauce-making projects you would like to take on.

Tips for Planting tomatoes

You can intercrop your tomatoes with pest-repelling plants like basil or onions. Basil and onions have a strong aroma that repels pests like stink bugs, tomato flies, and termites. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides, keeping your tomatoes and the environment in your garden safe. 

Intercropping your tomatoes with pest-repelling plants not only provides natural protection but also creates a lush and lush garden. Try these tips for a healthy and bountiful tomato crop.

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