Things You'll Need:
- Fertilizer 5-10-10 or 5-20-20 if needed
- Shovel
- Stakes
- Cages
- Mulch
- Newspapers
- Pruning shears
- Pesticides if needed
-
Step 1
Purchase healthy transplants. They should be upright and sturdy with at least four leaves, and with no noticeable pests. If starting from seeds follow directions on the package for your particular variety. Plan around 6 weeks before seedlings go into the ground.
-
Step 2
Choose a planting location that receives full sun or partial sun for most of the day. Fertilize the ground with 5-10-10 or 5-20-20 a couple of weeks before you plan to plant. Turn the soil over with the fertilizer. Read instructions on the bag for the amount needed according to the size of your garden. Plant after the last frost in well-drained soil. Check your planting zone for last frost dates at victoryseeds.com.
-
Step 3
Set the plants deep enough so that the bottom leaves are almost at ground level. Some tomato plants are bought in peat pots so it is alright to plant the whole pot. Make sure the pot is placed under the surface.
-
Step 4
Measure 2 feet between each plant for staked tomatoes, 3 feet un-staked and caged plants. If you are planting rows allow about 4 feet between each one. Stake or cage early. It's best to do this when first planted. When the vines grow, tie to the stake with twine.
-
Step 5
Keep mulch around the tomatoes. This hinders the weeds from growing and retains water for the plants. Newspapers work as well. Place about 10 pages thick between the rows then soak the papers with water and cover with grass clippings.
-
Step 6
Water evenly keeping the soil from drying. Be careful not to over water especially when the tomatoes are ripe. This causes splits. Early morning watering is best.
-
Step 7
Prune as needed. Remember to cut or snap away all plant growth up to about 8 inches from the ground. This helps prevent early blight and adds needed circulation.
Some gardeners prefer the main stem and one side branch, pruning the rest of the shoots. Doing this results faster maturity with larger fruit but less production overall. -
Step 8
Look for yellowing leaves that turn brown. This is blight. Possibly save the plant by clipping the leaves at first sign. Remove any tomato plants that are sickly and withering.
-
Step 9
Grow the best tomatoes by not picking too early. Vine-ripened displays the best color and juicy flavor. Watch for the birds they like them too!
