If you’ve been dreaming about picking fresh tomatoes from your own garden, you’re in the right place for the easy guide to growing tomatoes. Tomatoes are not only delicious but surprisingly rewarding to grow. Even if you’re brand new to gardening, this guide will help you get started with confidence. If you are growing tomatoes for the first time, we will cover everything from choosing your plants to keeping them happy and hydrated during the summer heat.
Step 1. Choosing Your Plants
If you’re short on time (thanks to kiddos or life’s chaos), grab a couple of starter tomato plants from your local garden center, like Bonnie Plants. They’re easy, and all the hard work of growing from seed is already done for you! But if you want to try seeds later on, that’s totally fine too. Do what works best for your situation.
Here’s a tip for hotter climates like the South or Southwest: Look for heat-tolerant varieties like Heatmaster, Big Beef, or cherry tomatoes like “Sweet Million.” These can handle warm summer days without wilting away.
Step 2. The Perfect Growing Spot
Tomatoes love the sun! Make sure to plant them in a spot where they’ll get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If you’re growing in containers, ensure you’re using pots that are at least 3 gallons in size to give those roots the room they need.
If you live in a super hot area, plant your tomatoes where they’ll get morning sun and some shade in the afternoon (or use shade cloth to protect them from intense heat).
Step 3. Soil Prep for Happy Plants
Tomatoes thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Before you plant, mix in some compost or crushed eggshells to provide nutrients and help maintain the soil’s acidity levels. This will make sure your tomatoes grow strong and healthy. I absolutely love using my Lomi to create compost for my garden.
Pro tip: Trim the lower leaves of your starter plants, then plant them deeply into the soil. Burying part of the stem helps tomatoes grow healthy, robust roots.
Step 4. Watering Like a Pro
Consistent watering is key to growing amazing tomatoes! Keep the soil moist but not soggy. A good rule of thumb is making sure the top inch of soil stays damp (you can check this by sticking your finger in).
On extra hot days, you might need to water daily or even twice a day. Water early in the morning or in the evening to avoid quick evaporation. Better yet, consider setting up a self-watering irrigation system to make it easier. Check out this simple DIY guide to set it up for cheap!
Step 5. Prevent Common Tomato Problems
Tomatoes can sometimes get over-enthusiastic with leaves, leaving the actual fruit starved of sunlight. Prune the “suckers” (the tiny shoots growing between the main stem and branches) so the plant can focus its energy on producing bigger, better fruit.
Mulching with straw or compost around the base of your plants will help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Also, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen-heavy products, as this can lead to more leaves than fruit.
If extreme summer heat causes ripening to stop, don’t panic! Harvest any fruits that start turning red (or even orange) and ripen them indoors.
Step 6. Support Your Tomatoes
Give your tomatoes the support they need by using cages, stakes, or trellises. This not only keeps the plants upright and away from pests but also allows for better airflow, reducing the risk of diseases like powdery mildew.
Step 7. Harvesting and Enjoying
The best part! Your tomatoes are ready to pick when they’ve turned deep red (or the color of the variety you chose) and feel slightly firm but ripe. Gently twist and pull them off the vine, and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite.
When in Doubt, Keep It Simple
Whether you’re starting small with container gardening or going all out in your backyard, growing tomatoes is about enjoying the process. Be patient, observe how your plants grow, and don’t hesitate to try new tips or methods to keep your tomatoes thriving.
For an easier summer in the garden, visit The Good Wrench DIY Blog for step-by-step instructions on creating a self-watering irrigation system. Your tomatoes (and your schedule) will thank you!
Happy gardening! 🌱🍅
