Tomato Plant Care

Planting

Plant tomatoes deep. Bury the stem up to the first strong set of leaves. Tomatoes grow extra roots along the buried stem, which helps make a stronger plant.

• Choose a spot with full sun.
• Use rich, well-drained soil.
• Wait until nights are reliably warm before planting outside.
• Protect young plants from wind and cold.

Spacing

Give each plant enough room for air to move around the leaves. Crowded plants are more likely to get disease.

• Most tomatoes: 18 to 24 inches apart.
• Large indeterminate tomatoes: 24 to 36 inches apart.
• Cherry tomatoes: 24 to 36 inches apart.

Watering

Water deeply and evenly. Try to water at the base of the plant instead of splashing the leaves.

• Keep soil evenly moist.
• Avoid letting plants dry out completely and then soaking them.
• Uneven watering can cause cracking and blossom end rot.

Feeding

Tomatoes are heavy feeders. Mix compost or a balanced vegetable fertilizer into the planting area.

• Feed every couple weeks once plants begin flowering.
• Use a tomato or vegetable fertilizer.
• Avoid too much nitrogen, which can make big leafy plants with fewer tomatoes.

Support

Most tomatoes need support. Add cages, stakes, or trellis systems early before the plants get large.

• Tomato cages work well for many home gardens.
• Stakes and twine work well for taller plants.
• Cherry tomatoes can get very large and need strong support.

Pruning

You do not have to prune tomatoes, but simple pruning can improve airflow and make plants easier to manage.

• Remove lower leaves that touch the soil.
• Remove yellowing or diseased leaves.
• Thin crowded growth if the plant becomes too dense.

Mulching

Mulch helps keep soil moisture steady, reduces weeds, and limits soil splash on the leaves.

• Straw
• Grass clippings
• Leaves
• Compost
• Black plastic or landscape fabric

Common Problems

• Yellow leaves: Often caused by too much water, too little water, cold stress, or low fertility.
• Blossom end rot: Usually linked to uneven watering and calcium movement issues.
• Cracked fruit: Usually caused by uneven watering.
• Leaf spots: Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove diseased leaves.

Harvesting

Pick tomatoes when they are fully colored and slightly soft. You can also pick them when they first start to color and let them finish ripening indoors.