How to Grow the Best Tomatoes: A Gardener’s Guide

Tomatoes are the best addition to your summer garden. From heirloom varieties to sweet grape tomatoes, the flavors you can cultivate in your own backyard are unmatched. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will walk you through how to grow the best tomatoes, including some of my favorites: heirloom, grape, Roma, and Cherokee Purple tomatoes.

Choosing Your Tomato Varieties

There are so many species of tomatoes to choose from. Make sure to do your research when picking a species in case it has special planting/growing instructions. I have included four of my top picks for growing, cooking, or eating fresh!

Beefsteak Tomatoes

Beefsteak tomatoes are large, juicy, and perfect for slicing. They are the quintessential sandwich tomato, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Varieties like ‘Big Boy’ and ‘Beefmaster’ are well-known for their size and flavor.

sliced Beefsteak tomato

Grape Tomatoes

Grape tomatoes are small, oblong, and incredibly sweet. They are perfect for snacking, salads, and roasting. Varieties like ‘Juliet’ and ‘Sweet Million’ are reliable producers.

Grape tomatoes on a vine

Roma Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes are known for their meaty texture and few seeds, making them ideal for sauces, pastes, and canning. They are also called plum tomatoes. ‘San Marzano’ and ‘Amish Paste’ are popular Roma varieties.

Roma Tomatoes

Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a type of heirloom known for their rich, smoky flavor and stunning deep purple color. They are my absolute favorite species of tomato and are a great addition to your garden.

Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Preparing the Garden

Building a Mound and Digging a Moat

1. Choose the Right Spot: Tomatoes need full sun, so pick a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.

2. Build a Mound: Form a small mound of soil about 12-18 inches high. This improves drainage and warms the soil faster in spring.

3. Dig a Moat: Create a moat or trench around the mound. This helps direct water to the roots and prevents runoff.

Building a mound around a tomato plant

Planting Tomatoes

Best Tips for Growing Tomatoes

1. Deep Planting: Dig a hole deep enough to bury the plant up to its first set of true leaves. This encourages a strong root system.

2. Spacing: Space your tomato plants 18-24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and room for growth.

Staking and Support

1. Stake Early: When your tomato plants reach about 12 inches tall, it’s time to provide support. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to keep the plants upright and off the ground.

2. Tie Gently: Use soft ties or garden twine to secure the stems to the support. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plant.

Watering Schedule

1. Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Tomatoes need about 1-2 inches of water per week.

2. Water at the Base: Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent diseases. Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

3. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Guide to Growing the Best Tomatoes

Fertilizing

1. Start with Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer when planting. As the plants grow, switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote fruiting.

2. Feed Regularly: Feed your tomatoes every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Pruning

1. Remove Suckers: Pinch off the small shoots (suckers) that develop in the leaf axils. This helps the plant focus on producing fruit.

2. Air Circulation: Prune lower leaves to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

Pruning tomato plants

Harvesting

When to Harvest

1. Color and Firmness: Harvest tomatoes when they reach their mature color and are firm but slightly yielding to the touch.

2. Flavor: The best indicator of ripeness is taste. Allow the fruit to fully ripen on the vine for the best flavor.

Harvesting Techniques

1. Use Pruning Shears: Cut the stem just above the fruit to avoid damaging the plant.

2. Handle Gently: Handle the tomatoes gently to prevent bruising.

harvesting tomato from vine

Fun Tips and Tricks

Companion Planting

Consider planting basil, marigolds, or borage alongside your tomatoes. These plants can help deter pests and improve the flavor of your tomatoes.

DIY Tomato Tonic

Make a DIY tomato tonic by mixing 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water. Use this mixture to water your tomatoes once a month to boost magnesium levels and promote healthy growth.

Keep a Journal

Keep a gardening journal to track the growth of your tomato plants, note the varieties you planted, and document any challenges or successes you encounter. This can be a fun way to learn and improve your gardening skills year after year.

Learning how to grow the best tomatoes takes a bit of effort, but the rewards are well worth it. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, home-grown tomatoes that will elevate your meals and make you the envy of your neighbors. Happy gardening!

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