Tomato Planting Tips

Now that the weather has moderated and more importantly, the overnight soil temperature is consistently in the 50’’s, it’s time to plant tomatoes. In order to do their best, tomatoes need sunlight, space, rich soil and some type of staking system. Pick a spot in the garden that gets 7 to 8 hours of sunlight. Anything less will reduce the amount and quality of the fruit. Once you’ve chosen the planting site, add two to three inches of organic compost and work it in six to eight inches deep. Tomatoes are susceptible to soil-borne diseases, so if you grew tomatoes or potatoes last season, it's important to rotate your crops to avoid disease issues. If you don't have the space to rotate your tomatoes, replenish the soil by adding compost and peat moss. 

As you prepare the soil, work in a granular fertilizer such as Fertilome Tomato and Vegetable Food. Happy Frog also makes an excellent tomato fertilizer. Both of these products are certified organic. Plant your tomato starts on a cloudy day or plant late in the afternoon when the sun isn't beating down on your garden. This will reduce transplant shock and help your new tomato plants get started right. Note 1: Make sure you’ve hardened your plants off before you place them in the ground or containers. Remove the lower leaves and plant your tomatoes deep, all the way up to the top few leaves. When planted this way, tomatoes are able to develop roots all along their stems. More roots will make for a stronger plant and healthier fruit. Note2: This does not apply to grafted tomatoes. Grafted tomatoes must be planted at the graft line. 

You can either dig a deep hole for your tomato plant or a shallow trench and lay the plant sideways. It will quickly straighten itself up and grow toward the sun. Just be careful not to drive your stake or cage into the buried stem. 

After your plant is in the ground, construct a shallow moat around the base of the plant. This will make watering your tomatoes easier as you go through the season. Consistent watering produces stronger plants and better yields. Water your tomato plants well once the top few inches of soil has dried out.  It’s best to soak each plant right at the base, keeping the leaves as dry as possible. 

For greater yields, use sturdy cages or stakes to keep your plants off the ground. Pinching off suckers will also help your tomato plant produce better and bigger tomatoes.  About two weeks after your initial planting, start another crop of tomatoes. Planting a second crop will help ensure a longer harvest and more tomatoes to enjoy!