Sweetie Tomatoes

5 Key Steps to Grow Tomatoes

• Seed Starting & Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or purchase young plants from a nursery. Transplant outdoors once the soil temperature is at least 60°F (15°C) and all danger of frost has passed. Choose a spot with full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day.

• Soil Preparation: Tomatoes need rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.2-6.8. Mix in compost or aged manure before planting to provide nutrients. For best results, plant tomatoes deep—bury them up to the top few leaves—so they develop a stronger root system.

• Spacing & Support: Space plants 18-24 inches apart for determinate (bush) varieties and 24-36 inches apart for indeterminate (vining) varieties. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support the plants and keep them off the ground, reducing disease risk.

• Watering & Mulching: Water tomatoes deeply at the base to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf disease. Add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent soil from splashing onto the leaves.

• Fertilizing & Pruning: Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer or tomato-specific blend, especially when the plants begin to set fruit. Prune suckers (small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches) to direct energy to fruit production and improve airflow.

Tips for Success

• Avoid Blossom-End Rot: Keep calcium levels balanced by watering consistently and using a fertilizer that contains calcium.
• Companion Planting: Plant basil or marigold nearby to help deter pests and enhance the flavor of tomatoes.
• Harvest at the Right Time: Pick tomatoes when they are firm and fully colored for the best flavor. Leave them on the vine to ripen but avoid over-ripening on the plant to reduce splitting.