How to Grow Tomatoes in Utah

Utah is perhaps one of the more ideal places for growing tomatoes. With summer temperatures hot, but not extreme, there are relatively few hurdles to jump when gardening there. Have a prolific tomato garden by adding a few steps to the typical gardening routine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tomato starts
• Organic mulch
• Fertilizer
• Shovel

1. Plant the garden in an area that receives plenty of sun and drains well. Make a raised garden bed if the sunny areas do not drain.

2. Sew seeds indoors or purchase tomato starts. Use tomato starts that have at least five to seven mature leaves as well as a well developed root system.

3. Turn the soil using a roto-tiller. Add approximately four inches of rich, organic mulch to the entire garden.

4. Plant tomato starts outside after the danger of frost is past. In Utah, this is late April to late May.

5. Dig a hole just larger than the root ball for each plant. Place the plant in the hole, and fill with soil covering the first row of leaves.

6. Fertilize the plants immediately after planting. Continue to fertilize every four to eight weeks using an all purpose vegetable garden or tomato fertilizer.

7. Water tomato plants using a soaker hose for deep root watering. Water every other day throughout the growing season.

Tips & Warnings

• Use plastic or organic mulch to help control weeds and retain soil moisture.
• Treat garden pests with an organic pesticide.
• Plant disease resistant varieties for the best results.
• Support tomato plants with wire cages or by tying them to stakes.
• Over-fertilizing will result in a lot of greenery and fewer tomatoes.

Resources

• Garden hardiness zones
• Utah gardening tips