How to Grow Tomatoes for Profit

According to the Mississippi Cooperative Extension and the Kansas Cooperative Extension, tomatoes require the highest input costs of any of the vegetable crops; however, if grown correctly, these costs can be offset by very lucrative profits, providing yields are at least normal. There is tremendous market demand for quality tomatoes, and if you can grow them, you can net substantial returns.

This said, tomatoes are warm season crops and are not frost resistant. They are difficult to grow by any standard, but if one lives in the right climate and has a little knowledge, tomato production can lead to a healthy living.

Things You'll Need

• Tomato seeds
• Fertilizer
• Water
• Drip lines
• Drip tubing

Instructions

How to Grow Tomatoes For Profit

1. Count your acres. You will need approximately one ounce of seeds for every two acres planted. One ounce of tomato seeds will yield about 8000 plants; however, the Mississippi Cooperative Extensions recommends purchasing seedling from a reputable grower. Doing so lessens the chances of diseased vines.

2. Check the planting dates for your particular zone. This information varies from state to state and from county to county. It is dependent on climate and must be followed carefully.

3. Dig a sample of soil and take it to your local farm advisor or crop management specialist. He or she will help you determine the fertilizer elements necessary to maximize production.

4. Till your soil, spread the first application of fertilizer and till again.

5. Set your rows. Most commercial tomatoes are grown in rows five to six feet apart.

6. Plant your seedlings along your rows at approximately 24 inches apart from one another. Water the soil into which you are transplanting your tomatoes between an hour and two hours before you move your plants. Do not transplant in the heat of the day.

7. Lay drip lines and hook up one piece of tubing to each plant. Tomatoes respond best to a consistent water supply.

8. Stake tomatoes and put your plants in cages or tie to posts or trellises. It is important to support tomatoes so that your plants can support high yields.

9. Harvest your tomatoes early in the morning at the desired ripeness for your intended market. Fresh market tomatoes are harvested by hand. These are the tomatoes that are purchased in grocery stores. They are also the tomatoes with the highest profit margins.

Tips & Warnings

• Tomatoes require consistent watering. According to the University of Missouri, soil water density should never drop below 50%.

References

• Kansas Cooperative Extension Commercial Tomato Growing Guide
• University of Georgia Commercial Tomato Production Handbook
• National Sustainable Agriculture Production Resources

Resources

• University of Missouri Cooperative Extension
• Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension: Tomatoes
• The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Commercial Tomato Growing Handbook