Each Bonnie tomato label urges you to plant tomatoes deep, so that a full 2/3 of the plant is underground. That means that if you buy a 10-inch tall plant, all but the top three to four inches is buried. Why? Because the plant will have a better, stronger root system. Better roots mean better tomatoes.
Each Bonnie tomato label urges you to plant tomatoes deep, so that a full 2/3 of the plant is underground. That means that if you buy a 10-inch tall plant, all but the top 3 to 4 inches is buried. Why? Because the plant will have a better, stronger root system. Better roots mean better tomatoes.
We know, we know. This goes against everything youve ever heard about “dont plant too deep or youll kill the plant.” Tomatoes break that rule because they actually have the ability to sprout additional roots along the buried stem. These extra roots strengthen the plant so that it can support more fruit and is better able to survive hot weather. (This applies whether youre growing in the ground, in a raised bed, or in a container.)
Now comes the fun part. Within a couple of months or so, your plants with super roots will delight you with a bountiful harvest of lovely fruit!
Planting tomatoes in the ground may seem intimidating for beginner gardeners, but it’s actually quite straightforward with some basic knowledge With the right techniques, your homegrown tomatoes will thrive and reward you with mouthwatering fruit all summer long This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about planting tomatoes in the garden for maximum success.
When to Plant Tomatoes
The first key factor is timing. Tomato plants need warm soil and air to grow vigorously, so it’s crucial to wait until after the last expected spring frost before transplanting them outside. This is usually 4-6 weeks after the average last frost date for your area. Nighttime temperatures should be holding steady above 50°F before it’s safe to plant. Rushing to put tomatoes in too early when it’s still chilly will stunt their growth.
While you don’t want to plant too soon you also don’t want to start too late. Tomato plants need sufficient time to establish and produce fruit before summer ends. Check the “days to maturity” for the varieties you choose and count backward from your average first fall frost date. This will give you a ballpark range for latest transplant dates in your climate.
Choosing Tomato Plants
You can buy tomato transplants from garden centers and nurseries or grow your own from seed indoors. Good quality transplants should have:
- Short, stocky stems (not leggy or weak)
- Dark green leaves
- No flowers or fruit
Select disease-resistant, vigorous varieties ideal for your growing zone. Some top picks include Early Girl, Celebrity, Better Boy, Beefsteak, and cherry tomatoes.
If starting tomatoes yourself sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your target transplant date. Harden off plants for 7-10 days before planting out.
Preparing the Garden Bed
Tomatoes thrive in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. To prepare an in-ground garden:
- Loosen soil and mix in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure
- Rake smooth and create planting rows or beds
- Consider adding a balanced organic fertilizer
For container planting, use a quality potting mix and mix in extra compost.
Tomatoes also appreciate slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0-6.5. Test soil and make pH adjustments if needed several weeks prior to planting.
How to Plant Tomato Transplants
Follow these steps when transplanting tomatoes to the garden:
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Dig holes 12-18 inches deep and at least twice as wide as the root ball. Space 18-36 inches apart depending on variety.
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Fill holes halfway with water and let drain. Refill partially with planting mix.
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Carefully remove transplants from pots, disturbing roots as little as possible.
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Pinch off all lower leaves and bury plant deeply so just the top 2-3 sets of leaves show.
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Backfill holes with soil, firming gently around stems.
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Water thoroughly until soil is moist but not soggy.
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Add 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to retain moisture.
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Install cages or stakes for support right away to avoid later damage to roots and stems.
Tomato Care After Planting
Proper care once in the ground ensures strong, productive tomato plants:
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Water 1-2 inches per week, aiming for consistent moisture. Water at soil level, not over foliage.
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Apply balanced organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to nourish plants.
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Weed and re-mulch regularly to reduce competition.
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Prune lower leaves and stems for good air circulation.
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Stake, trellis or cage plants to support abundant fruit.
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Scout for pests like hornworms and treat organically if found.
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Monitor for diseases and remove affected foliage promptly.
With the right techniques and care, your tomatoes will thrive in the garden. Pay close attention in those first weeks after transplanting to help them establish quickly. Once their roots take hold, your plants will be off and growing vigorously. Before you know it, you’ll be harvesting basketfuls of juicy, delicious tomatoes to enjoy all season long!
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should you plant tomato transplants?
Bury transplants so just the top 2-4 sets of leaves remain above the soil surface. Deep planting promotes root growth.
Should you fertilize at planting time?
No, wait 2-3 weeks until plants are established before fertilizing. Mixing fertilizer directly in the planting hole can burn sensitive roots.
Is it okay to plant tomatoes in the same spot as last year?
Tomatoes should be rotated to a new area each year to prevent disease buildup in the soil. At minimum, do not plant in the same bed two years in a row.
How much space do tomatoes need between plants?
Spacing depends on variety but generally ranges from 18-36 inches between plants. Give indeterminate types more room than compact determinate varieties.
How often should you water newly planted tomatoes?
Water tomato transplants lightly every 2-3 days until roots become established, usually around 3-4 weeks after planting. Then you can switch to deeper weekly watering.
What causes tomato transplant shock?
Extreme weather shifts, overwatering, undersized holes, and planting too early or late are common causes of transplant shock that stunt tomato growth. Hardening off properly helps avoid it.
Should blossoms be removed when transplanting tomatoes?
It’s generally recommended to pinch off any flowers and fruits when planting to redirect energy into root and vegetative growth initially.
Can tomatoes go directly in the ground without transplanting?
Yes, you can direct sow tomatoes if you prefer by planting seeds 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch deep in the garden after the last spring frost. Just be sure to thin seedlings later.
Conclusion
Planting tomatoes in the garden may take a bit of preparation, but the reward of homegrown tomatoes is well worth the effort. Follow this guide to get your transplants off to the best start and you’ll be harvesting delicious tomatoes in no time. Pay close attention to timing, soil, planting depth, and care after transplanting for thriving tomato plants.
Where to Plant Tomatoes
Tomatoes require rich, well drained soil in a full sun location, which means at least 6 hours of direct sun per day, and ideally more. This is especially important in colder northern climates (zone 5 and below) with shorter growing seasons.Â
If growing tomatoes in warmer southern climates (zone 7 and up) they may benefit from some partial shade or shade protection from the hot afternoon sun. Tomatoes like warm, but not very hot, temperatures, and will often drop their blossoms and fail to set fruit when temperatures rise above 30C (86F).
Should you Start Tomatoes from Seeds or Seedlings?Â
When you start tomatoes from seedlings, someone else does the work of starting the seeds and caring for the seedlings for the first few weeks. Itâs significantly less time-consuming and you donât need seed starting supplies or a dedicated space in your home. The downside is that big box stores and garden centers generally carry a very limited number of tomato seedling varieties. However, you may be able to find a wider variety of heirloom tomato seedlings at farmers markets and small local farms.
If itâs your very first year growing tomatoes, especially if you only plan to grow a few tomato plants, I recommend starting with seedlings and focusing on learning how to plant and care for those rather than taking on the additional tasks of setting up an indoor seed starting space, learning how to start seeds and caring for indoor seedlings.