How to Grow Tomatoes in Texas

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How to Grow Tomatoes in Texas

Overview

Tomatoes are a staple of many Texas home vegetable gardens. Texas has a suitable climate for growing tomatoes, but in some areas the soil may be inadequate. Tomatoes are heavy feeders that need a quality soil, so sandy areas require organic matter such as compost or peat moss to help the plants thrive.

Step 1

Find a sunny location to plant your tomatoes. They need full sun--at least six hours a day. If you cannot find soil that gets at least six hours, consider planting your tomatoes in pots that can be placed in a sunny location.

Step 2

Prepare your soil for planting by adding compost or peat moss. Add 3 to 4 inches to the planting area. If you have soil of very poor quality, you can use the organic matter to create a raised bed of about 8 to 10 inches high.

Step 3

Dig a hole with a trowel or small shovel that is deep enough to accommodate your tomato plants.

Step 4

Place the tomato plant in the hole. The plant should be placed firmly but gently so the root system is not damaged.

Step 5

Fill the hole with the surrounding soil, using your hands to pack it down firmly. It's important to tamp down the soil down to ensure there are no air bubbles.

Step 6

Water the plants immediately after planting so they can begin to grow and establish their roots.

Step 7

Place cages around the plants or install stakes or trellises to support the plants as they grow. Install stakes or trellises immediately after planting, though you can wait until your plants grow for a few weeks before putting cages around them.

Things You'll Need

Tomato plants

Trowel or small shovel

Organic matter or peat moss

Water

Stakes, cages or trellises

References

Texas Cooperative Extension: Growing Tomatoes

Texas Gardener: Growing Tomatoes Organically

Who Can Help

Texas A&M: Texas Home Vegetable Gardening Guide

Keywords:
Texas tomatoes, growing tomatoes in Texas, how to grow tomatoes in Texas

About this Author

Meghan McMahon lives in the Chicago suburbs, where she spent six years as a newspaper journalist before becoming a part-time freelance writer and editor and full-time mother. She received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Eastern Illinois University in 2000 and has written for "The Daily Southtown" and "The Naperville Sun" in suburban Chicago.