How Do You Plant Tomatoes?

Growing Tomatoes: The Art of Planting for a Stunning Harvest

If you’re growing tomatoes, nothing beats the taste of one fresh off the vine. But getting to that perfect bite starts with planting them right. Let me tell you, a tomato plant is a bit like a demanding houseguest—you've got to set it up with care, or it’ll let you know.

Choosing the Right Tomato Plants

Start by figuring out what fits your space and appetite. Large, slicing varieties like Beefsteak are perfect for sandwiches. Smaller ones like Cherry or Sungold? Ideal for snacking or salads.

If you’re tight on space, go for determinate varieties. These grow to a set height and produce fruit all at once. Indeterminate varieties, or “vining tomatoes,” grow endlessly and need more attention but reward you with a longer season of fruit. Pick wisely—there’s no going back once they’re in the dirt.

Timing Is Everything

Tomatoes hate the cold. Don’t rush. Wait until the soil temperature hits 60°F. If you plant even one day too early, they’ll sulk, stunt, and take weeks to bounce back—if they recover at all.

An old gardener once told me, “Tomatoes don’t forgive impatience.” I’ve tested his words more than once, and he’s always been right.

Preparing the Soil

The foundation of growing tomatoes lies in rich, well-drained soil. They’re hungry plants. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to nourish them. Aim for a slightly acidic pH, between 6.0 and 6.8. If you’re unsure, get a soil test—guesswork never pays here.

Make the planting site deep and loose. You're planting for roots, not shoots.

Planting the Right Way

Tomatoes aren’t planted like most other vegetables. They grow roots along their stems, so plant deep. I pinch off the lower leaves and bury at least two-thirds of the stem. Yes, it feels like murder at first—but trust me, it’s worth it. A deeply planted tomato grows a stronger root system, leading to healthier plants.

If you can’t plant deep due to rocky soil, plant your tomatoes sideways. Lay the stem horizontally in a trench, bending the top gently upward. It works just as well as vertical planting.

Spacing Makes or Breaks Them

Crowded tomatoes are unhappy tomatoes. Give each plant room to breathe. For indeterminate varieties, space them at least 2 to 3 feet apart. Determinate ones can squeeze a little closer, but not by much. Airflow stops diseases in their tracks, and trust me, blight is the enemy.

Up to 50% of tomato crop issues can be traced back to poor spacing and airflow. Don’t skimp—spread them out.

Watering the Smart Way

Tomatoes are fussy when it comes to water. They want it slow and deep. Drench the soil thoroughly once or twice a week instead of shallow, frequent watering. This encourages roots to dig deep rather than staying near the surface.

Avoid getting water on the leaves—wet foliage invites disease. If you’re still using a sprinkler, toss it. Drip irrigation or a good soaker hose is the way to go.

Adding Support Early

A tomato plant without support is like a toddler unsupervised at a candy store—it’ll collapse into chaos. Place cages, stakes, or trellises as soon as you plant, so you don’t disturb roots later. I prefer sturdy metal cages for their durability. If you’re staking, tie the stems loosely with soft fabric or twine.

Feeding for Success

Once tomatoes flower, they’re hungry again. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, so they focus on fruit rather than foliage. I like to side-dress with compost every two weeks—simple, effective, and natural.

Avoid over-fertilizing early on; too much nitrogen leads to leafy giants without any fruit. Remember, restraint is key here. Less is more.

Mulch: A Gardener’s Best Friend

Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of each tomato plant. It keeps the soil moist, prevents weeds, and stabilizes temperature. I like straw or shredded leaves for an organic touch, but black plastic works, too, if you’re feeling fancy.

Keeping an Eye on Pests

Tomatoes are magnets for troublemakers like aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies. Handpicking hornworms is oddly satisfying—gross, but satisfying. Companion planting with marigolds, basil, or nasturtiums helps ward off some pests naturally.

If you spot disease, act fast. Remove infected tissues and dispose of them, but never in the compost pile. If it spreads, you’ll regret not taking action.

The Patience Game

Growing tomatoes is more chess than checkers. Watch, adjust, and learn from your plants—they tell you everything you need to know if you just pay attention. If your leaves curl, they’re thirsty. If they look pale, they need food. Get comfortable with tweaking your care as they grow. No two seasons are ever the same.

And when that first ripe tomato finds its way to your kitchen? There’s no going back. Growing tomatoes is addictive like that.

For tomato gardeners at any experience level, planting tomatoes is an enjoyable experience full of opportunities to learn and grow. the simple steps of selecting the right type of tomato for the environment, proper soil preparation, and following instructions for depth and spacing may seem daunting at first, but once you witness the future rewards of your labor, you'll be eager to hop back to the garden for more.