How to Start a Vegetable Garden in 9 Easy Steps - The Spruce
How to Start a Vegetable Garden in 9 Easy Steps · Pick a Spot Your Vegetable Garden · Choose What to Grow · Start From Seeds or Buy Seedling ...
tomatoes
When vegetable types come in a wide variety, such as <anchor>tomatoes</anchor>, do some research to determine the best bet for your garden plan. For example, if you'd like to harvest a little bit at a time, cherry tomatoes are a better option than large heirloom or beefsteak varieties.
13 Best Tips for Planting and Growing Great Tomatoes
13 Best Tips for Planting and Growing Great Tomatoes

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Your Go-To Guide to Growing Tomatoes

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- [Do You Actually Need to Prune Tomatoes?](https://www.thespruce.com/should-you-prune-tomato-plants-8628212)
- [How Often Should You Water Tomatoes?](https://www.thespruce.com/how-often-to-water-tomato-plants-7152127)
- [9 Tomato Fertilizers to Make Plants Thrive](https://www.thespruce.com/best-fertilizers-for-tomatoes-7501347)
- [Watch Out for These Tomato Plant Pests](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-pests-8628643)
- [17 Tomato Diseases and How to Fix Them](https://www.thespruce.com/identify-treat-prevent-tomato-diseases-7153094)
- [What to Do If Tomato Leaves Turn Yellow](https://www.thespruce.com/yellow-leaves-on-tomatoes-5211055)
- [How to Save Overwatered Tomato Plants](https://www.thespruce.com/over-watered-tomato-plant-7253443)
- [When Should You Harvest Tomatoes?](https://www.thespruce.com/when-to-pick-tomatoes-8628117)
- [How to Ripen Green Tomatoes](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-ripen-green-tomatoes-1402584)
- [How to Save Tomato Seeds for Next Year](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-save-tomato-seeds-1403292)
- [Will Tomatoes Survive the Cold Weather?](https://www.thespruce.com/how-cold-can-tomatoes-tolerate-8349184)
- [6 Tomato Growing Tricks from Gardeners](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-growing-tips-from-gardeners-8628736)
- [Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes](https://www.thespruce.com/indeterminate-tomato-variety-1403423)
- [This Hack Is Key for Strong Tomato Plants](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-growing-hack-7496631)
- [7 Stages of Tomato Plant Growth](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-plant-growth-timeline-7255375)
- [Your Complete Tomato Care Guide](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-plant-7488122)
- [8 Types of Tomatoes Gardeners Love](https://www.thespruce.com/best-tomato-varieties-gardeners-love-8628172)
- [The Right Time to Transplant Seedlings](https://www.thespruce.com/when-to-transplant-tomato-seedlings-8600879)
- [9 Tomato Cages to Support Your Plants](https://www.thespruce.com/best-tomato-cages-5324239)
- [These Tips Ensure Healthy Tomatoes](https://www.thespruce.com/top-tomato-growing-tips-1402587)

Your Go-To Guide to Growing Tomatoes

Close Journey Navigation

Your Go-To Guide to Growing Tomatoes

[Introduction](https://www.thespruce.com/your-go-to-guide-to-growing-tomatoes-8629159)

- Start Strong Seeds




- [6 Tomato Growing Tricks from Gardeners](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-growing-tips-from-gardeners-8628736)
- [Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes](https://www.thespruce.com/indeterminate-tomato-variety-1403423)
- [This Hack Is Key for Strong Tomato Plants](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-growing-hack-7496631)
- [7 Stages of Tomato Plant Growth](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-plant-growth-timeline-7255375)

- Get Ready to Grow




- [Your Complete Tomato Care Guide](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-plant-7488122)
- [8 Types of Tomatoes Gardeners Love](https://www.thespruce.com/best-tomato-varieties-gardeners-love-8628172)
- [The Right Time to Transplant Seedlings](https://www.thespruce.com/when-to-transplant-tomato-seedlings-8600879)
- [9 Tomato Cages to Support Your Plants](https://www.thespruce.com/best-tomato-cages-5324239)

- Tips for Award-Winning Plants




- [These Tips Ensure Healthy Tomatoes](https://www.thespruce.com/top-tomato-growing-tips-1402587)
- [Do You Actually Need to Prune Tomatoes?](https://www.thespruce.com/should-you-prune-tomato-plants-8628212)
- [How Often Should You Water Tomatoes?](https://www.thespruce.com/how-often-to-water-tomato-plants-7152127)
- [9 Tomato Fertilizers to Make Plants Thrive](https://www.thespruce.com/best-fertilizers-for-tomatoes-7501347)

- Tomato Troubleshooting




- [Watch Out for These Tomato Plant Pests](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-pests-8628643)
- [17 Tomato Diseases and How to Fix Them](https://www.thespruce.com/identify-treat-prevent-tomato-diseases-7153094)
- [What to Do If Tomato Leaves Turn Yellow](https://www.thespruce.com/yellow-leaves-on-tomatoes-5211055)
- [How to Save Overwatered Tomato Plants](https://www.thespruce.com/over-watered-tomato-plant-7253443)

- Joy of the Harvest




- [When Should You Harvest Tomatoes?](https://www.thespruce.com/when-to-pick-tomatoes-8628117)
- [How to Ripen Green Tomatoes](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-ripen-green-tomatoes-1402584)
- [How to Save Tomato Seeds for Next Year](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-save-tomato-seeds-1403292)
- [Will Tomatoes Survive the Cold Weather?](https://www.thespruce.com/how-cold-can-tomatoes-tolerate-8349184)

 [Go to Journey Navigation](#journey-nav__menu-toggle_1-0)

[Gardening](https://www.thespruce.com/gardening-4127780) [Plants & Flowers](https://www.thespruce.com/plants-and-flowers-5092674) [Vegetables](https://www.thespruce.com/growing-vegetables-4127744)

# 13 Best Tips for Planting and Growing Great Tomatoes

From planting your first seedlings to ripening fruit

By

[Alexandra Jones](https://www.thespruce.com/alexandra-jones-7093384)

[Alexandra Jones](https://www.thespruce.com/alexandra-jones-7093384)

Alexandra Jones is an avid urban grower and Master Gardener writing about houseplants, gardening, and sustainability from her home in Philadelphia. She has 10 years of gardening experience and five years of professional writing expertise.

Learn more about The Spruce's [Editorial Process](/about-us-4776800#toc-editorial-guidelines)

and

[Marie Iannotti](https://www.thespruce.com/marie-iannotti-1401769)

[Marie Iannotti](https://www.thespruce.com/marie-iannotti-1401769)

- [Visit Marie Iannotti's Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/PracticallyGardening)

Marie Iannotti is a life-long gardener and a veteran Master Gardener with nearly three decades of experience. She's also an author of three gardening books, a plant photographer, public speaker, and a former Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator. Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles.

Learn more about The Spruce's [Editorial Process](/about-us-4776800#toc-editorial-guidelines)

Updated on 03/21/24

Reviewed by

[Julie Thompson-Adolf](https://www.thespruce.com/julie-thompson-adolf-4777057)

Reviewed by [Julie Thompson-Adolf](https://www.thespruce.com/julie-thompson-adolf-4777057)

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Julie Thompson-Adolf is a Master Gardener and author with over 30 years of experience in year-round organic gardening; seed starting, growing heirlooms, and sustainable farming.

Learn more about The Spruce's [Review Board](/the-spruce-gardening-and-plant-care-review-board-4777222)

Fact checked by

[Sarah Scott](https://www.thespruce.com/sarah-scott-5188127)

Fact checked by [Sarah Scott](https://www.thespruce.com/sarah-scott-5188127)

Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.

Learn more about The Spruce's [Editorial Process](/about-us-4776800#toc-fact-checking)

[Tomatoes](https://www.thespruce.com/best-tomato-varieties-gardeners-love-8628172) are among the most popular plants to grow in the vegetable garden. With the right care and a few [helpful tips](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-growing-tips-from-gardeners-8628736), your tomato plants can produce delicious, ripe fruit. The trick to growing great-tasting tomatoes is to [choose the best varieties](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-varieties-7505096), start the plants off right, and control problems before they happen. Start here with these time-tested tips for planting tomatoes to [harvest a juicy, bountiful crop](https://www.thespruce.com/when-to-pick-tomatoes-8628117) this year.

**Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free [gardening newsletter](https://www.thespruce.com/the-spruce-gardens-newsletter-opt-in-8621114) for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!**

- 01 of 13







## Choose the Right Tomato Variety





![full frame of colorful heirloom tomatoes with green, yellow, orange, red, and pink varieties](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/9VcgwOIoKDI-3NKKZ4sQg4A-mcY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tomato-growing-tips-varieties-8eb69704e85c4d0483cbadf9481b3c73.jpg)





RubyRascal / Getty Images



The two main categories of tomatoes are [indeterminate and determinate](https://www.thespruce.com/indeterminate-tomato-variety-1403423). Indeterminate tomatoes fruit continuously throughout the season, while determinate tomatoes ripen nearly all at once.




Indeterminate tomatoes, which include many heirloom varieties, are better for continuous harvests all summer long. Determinate tomatoes are great for making sauces and they are better for container planting because they reach a smaller size at maturity,




Consider the type of tomato you want to grow and how long it will take to ripen. Tomatoes are divided into early-season, midseason, and late-season categories. When [growing tomatoes in colder climates](https://www.thespruce.com/how-cold-can-tomatoes-tolerate-8349184), look for [early-season varieties](https://www.thespruce.com/early-season-tomatoes-tips-recommendations-2539816) bred to grow well in cooler weather.

- 02 of 13







## Choose a Big Pot



A tomato plant can grow large and needs a [big pot to fit its extensive root system](https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-growing-tomatoes-in-containers-848216). A 5-gallon bucket with drainage holes drilled at the bottom would be an ideal container. Avoid black containers because they will become too warm for the plant, which leads to stunted growth problems. Also, avoid clay pots because they dry out quickly; stick to plastic or fiberglass posts for tomatoes.

- 03 of 13







## Grow in Direct Sunlight











The Spruce / K. Dave



Tomato seedlings need strong, direct light. Use [artificial plant lights](https://www.thespruce.com/best-grow-lights-4158720) for 14 to 18 hours every day when the seedlings are indoors but keep the lights a couple of inches away to prevent plants from getting leggy.




When planting in the garden, choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of full sun. Tomatoes need plenty of sun to grow well and produce fruit.

- 04 of 13







## Create Air Circulation











s0ulsurfing/Jason Swain/Getty Images



Tomato plants need to move and sway in the breeze to develop strong stems. That happens naturally outdoors, but if you start your seedlings inside, provide some type of air circulation. Do this by turning a fan on them for five to 10 minutes twice a day. Or, ruffle the tomato plants by gently rubbing your hands back and forth across their tops for a few minutes several times a day.










Continue to 5 of 13 below

- 05 of 13







## Provide Healthy Soil











DonNichols / Getty Images



Make sure your soil provides the proper conditions for tomatoes before you plant. Tomatoes prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. [Check your soil's pH](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-test-soil-acidity-alkalinity-without-a-test-kit-1388584) with a soil test from your local extension agency. A soil test also diagnoses nutrient deficiencies.




Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require a steady source of nutrients. Here are a few ways to do this:




- Work compost into the soil before planting tomatoes.
- Side-dress plantings with compost midseason to add nutrients.
- [Apply a fertilizer](https://www.thespruce.com/guide-to-fertilizing-tomatoes-7151680) specifically designed for tomatoes every two weeks during the growing season, starting with planting time.

- 06 of 13







## Plant at the Right Time











Guido Mieth / Getty Images



[Plant tomatoes](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-plant-7488122) outdoors once any danger of frost in your growing zone has passed and soil temperatures are at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It's best to wait to plant tomatoes outdoors until nighttime temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.




[Harden off](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-harden-off-plants-1402554) tomato seedlings that were grown indoors to help them adjust before planting.

- 07 of 13







## Plant Stems Deep











The Spruce / K. Dave



Plant your tomato plants deeper by burying them up to the top few leaves. It's a [hack used by many gardeners](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-growing-hack-7496631) that helps tomatoes develop roots all along their stems for a stronger plant.




Dig a deep hole or simply dig 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 [tomato stake](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-stake-tomatoes-4688635) or cage into the buried stem.

- 08 of 13







## Water Deeply











The Spruce / K. Dave



[Water tomato plants deeply and regularly](https://www.thespruce.com/watering-deeply-1402418) while the fruits are developing. Here are more watering tips for tomatoes:




- Make sure your plants get 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. Give plants an inch of supplemental water each week if there has been little rainfall.
- Give wilting tomatoes more water during hot, dry spells.
- Supplement your tomato plants with an extra inch of water each week if there has been little rainfall.
- Water at the base of the plant or use a soaker hose.
- Avoid splashing water on the leaves, which can lead to disease.
- After the fruit begins to ripen, ease up on watering so the plant concentrates its sugars for a better-tasting fruit.
- Don’t withhold too much water or the plants will continually wilt and become stressed causing them to drop their blossoms and possibly their fruit.

### Tip

Irregular watering can lead to [blossom end rot](https://www.thespruce.com/tomatoes-turning-black-on-the-bottoms-848186) (a calcium deficiency), cracking, and splitting.

Continue to 9 of 13 below

- 09 of 13







## Mulch Tomatoes











The Spruce / K. Dave



Once air and soil temperatures have warmed up, add a [layer of mulch](https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-mulch-1402413) to your tomato plants to retain moisture. Mulching also prevents soil and [soil-borne diseases](https://www.thespruce.com/identify-treat-prevent-tomato-diseases-7153094) from splashing up on the plants and shades and cools the soil.

- 10 of 13







## Don't Crowd Seedlings











The Spruce / K. Dave



Give tomato seedlings plenty of room to branch out by thinning the seedlings and putting one strong plant per small pot. Crowded conditions inhibit growth, which stresses plants and can lead to disease.



[Transplant tomato seedlings](https://www.thespruce.com/when-to-transplant-tomato-seedlings-8600879) into 4-inch pots shortly after they get their first set of [true leaves](https://www.thespruce.com/calibrachoa-great-container-plants-4125238). Harden off seedlings before planting in the garden.

- 11 of 13







## Provide Support











Joe\_Potato/Getty



Give your tomato plants support when they reach 10 to 12 inches tall. Use [tomato cages](https://www.thespruce.com/best-tomato-cages-5324239), string trellises, wooden or metal stakes with ties, or other strong supports to keep plants upright.




Indeterminate tomatoes typically need stronger supports than determinate varieties. Use stakes or cages to help determinate tomatoes stand up straight once they bear fruit.

- 12 of 13







## Remove the Bottom Leaves











The Spruce / K. Dave



After your tomato plants reach 2 to 3 feet tall, remove the leaves from the bottom foot of the stem. These old leaves sit close to the ground and are usually the first to develop [fungus problems](https://www.thespruce.com/identify-treat-prevent-tomato-diseases-7153094) as they come into contact with soil-borne pathogens.



Make sure to disinfect your clippers between snipping plants to avoid spreading disease.










Continue to 13 of 13 below

- 13 of 13







## Prune Suckers











The Spruce / Marie Iannotti



[Remove suckers](https://www.thespruce.com/should-you-prune-out-tomato-suckers-1403290) that develop in the crotch joint of two branches. Pinch or [prune them](https://www.thespruce.com/should-you-prune-tomato-plants-8628212) off when they're 3 inches long or smaller. They won’t bear fruit and can take energy away from the rest of the plant.



You can root tomato suckers in water to grow additional plants.


## How to Harvest and Store Tomatoes

The best time to harvest tomatoes depends on whether you planted early-, mid-, or late-season varieties. Early-season tomatoes mature in 40 to 70 days, midseason in 60 to 70 days, and late-season tomatoes in 80 to 100 days from planting. Here are tips on how to harvest and store tomatoes:

- Harvest fruits when they are good-sized, fully colored, and have smooth, shiny, supple, yet firm skin.
- Ripe tomatoes should come off the plant easily. If you have to pull hard, the fruit isn't quite ready.
- Ripen a partially ripe fruit by placing it in a paper bag and leaving it on the counter at room temperature. Refrigeration prevents fruit from ripening.
- Don't leave partially ripened fruit on the stem too long or it will [attract pests](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-pests-8628643).
- Chill fully ripe tomatoes in the refrigerator for two to three days, but they'll taste best when brought back to room temperature before eating.


### Tip

Fully green tomatoes will never ripen properly after harvesting but you can use them in recipes as green tomatoes.

The Spruce / K. Dave

FAQ

- Should you put Epsom salt on tomatoes?







[Put Epsom salt on tomatoes](https://www.thespruce.com/epsom-salt-for-tomatoes-8655651) only if a soil test indicates your garden has a magnesium deficiency. However, the additional magnesium in Epsom salt can contribute to blossom end rot by preventing plants from absorbing calcium.

- What does hydrogen peroxide do for tomato plants?







Studies show that hydrogen peroxide does not control disease in tomato plants and can damage and burn leaves if used in high concentrations.

- Are coffee grounds good for tomatoes?







Coffee grounds contain elements like carbon and nitrogen that may benefit plants. However, it's better to feed tomato plants a quality fertilizer that contains more nutrients than coffee grounds provide.


[Tomato Plant Growth Timeline: 7 Stages (With Pictures)](https://www.thespruce.com/tomato-plant-growth-timeline-7255375)

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](/about-us-4776800#toc-editorial-guidelines) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. [_Blossom End Rot_](https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/blossom-end-rot ). Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Horticulture.

2. [_Conserving Water Through the Use of Mulch in Our Landscapes_](https://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/homehort/archives-of-weekly-articles-davids-plant-of-the-week/conserving-water-through-the-use-of-mulch-in-our-landscapes/). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

3. [_Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum)_](https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucmgnevada/files/183442.pdf). University of California, Davis, Vegetable Research and Information Center.

4. [_Steps to Prevent and Manage Tomato Leaf Spot Disease_](https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/2017/07/21/steps-to-prevent-and-manage-tomato-leaf-spot-diseases/ ). Home and Garden Information Center, University of Maryland Extension.

5. _[Using and Storing Tomatoes.](https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/using-storing-tomatoes/)_ Clemson Cooperative Extension.

6. [_The Epsom Salt Myth._](https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/yardandgardenreport/2016-06-08/the-epsom-salt-myth) North Dakota State University.

7. [_VegNet Vol. 13, No. 17._](https://vegnet.osu.edu/sites/vegnet/files/imce/VegNet%20Vol.%2013%2C%20No.%2017.%20August%2024%2C%202006.pdf) Ohio State University Extension.

8. [_Coffee grounds, eggshells and Epsom salts in the home garden_.](https://extension.umn.edu/manage-soil-nutrients/coffee-grounds-eggshells-epsom-salts) University of Minnesota Extension.


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