Tomatoes

How to Grow Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and easiest vegetables to grow at home. With plenty of sunlight, warm temperatures and proper care, tomato plants can produce an abundant harvest all season long.

Understanding Tomato Plant Types

Tomatoes grow in three main plant styles.

Determinate tomatoes grow into compact, bushy plants and produce most of their fruit over a short period. These are great for canning or preserving because the harvest happens all at once.

Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow, flower and produce fruit throughout the entire growing season. These plants need staking or cages for support and benefit from pruning to help produce larger fruit.

Semi-determinate tomatoes fall somewhere in between. They grow like bush plants but produce fruit over a longer period. These plants usually grow best with cages and little to no pruning.

Starting Tomatoes from Seed

Tomato seeds are typically started indoors 6–12 weeks before the last frost. Seeds germinate best in warm soil around 70–75°F and usually sprout within one to two weeks. Once seedlings appear, place them in bright sunlight or under grow lights and keep the soil lightly moist.

Planting and Transplanting

Tomatoes grow best in full sun and warm soil. Before moving plants outdoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions for several days to help them adjust.

When planting, bury part of the stem below the soil surface. Tomatoes form roots along buried stems, helping plants develop strong root systems. Water regularly after planting and continue providing about one inch of water per week while plants are growing and producing fruit.

Fertilizing Tomatoes

Tomatoes benefit from balanced nutrients but should not be over-fertilized. Too much fertilizer can cause leafy growth with fewer fruits. Choose a fertilizer higher in phosphorus, which encourages flowering and fruit production and always follow label directions.

Growing Tomatoes in Containers

Tomatoes grow well in large containers with drainage holes. Choose compact or bush varieties for best results. Use quality potting soil, keep plants evenly watered and provide plenty of sunlight. Container plants often need more frequent watering and feeding than garden plants.

Harvesting Tomatoes

For the best flavor, allow tomatoes to fully ripen on the vine. Gently twist fruit from the plant when harvesting. Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. If frost threatens at the end of the season, pick green tomatoes and allow them to ripen indoors.

With warmth, sunshine and consistent care, tomato plants can provide a steady supply of fresh, flavorful fruit throughout the growing season.