How to Grow Tomatoes
If you want to learn how to grow tomatoes like a professional, here is the perfect guide for you. Click on each section to learn more and to enjoy your harvest in no time with or without a green thumb.
If you are looking for helpful advice on how to grow tomatoes or any other type of plant, contact us. We can also help you promote your gardening products or garden centre on our website. Talk to us today to get started.
How to Grow Tomatoes: All Your Questions Answered
1. How to Grow Tomatoes Successfully
Learn how to grow tomatoes like an expert.
Here are some great tips for growing tomatoes successfully:
Choose the Right Location:
Tomatoes are sun worshipers so choosing the right location is key for growing healthy plants. South-facing areas are ideal as they will provide you with the most sunlight. You should aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Keep Them Warm and Sheltered:
Try to find a place that is warm and sheltered from the elements. Avoid planting them in frosty pockets or where they are exposed to harsh winds.
Prepare Your Soil:
Make sure your soil is rich and well-draining. If it isn't, you can improve it by adding compost or aged manure for a nutrient boost.
Space Them Out:
Follow the recommended spacing for your chosen variety of tomato plants to ensure they receive the proper air circulation to prevent disease.
Stake Up Your Plants:
Provide support for tall, indeterminate varieties (tomatoes that grow on vines instead of bushes) with stakes or cages.
Prune Carefully:
Get pruning tips for both determinate and indeterminate tomatoes.
Remove suckers (small shoots between stem and branches) to direct energy towards fruit production. For more pruning tips, watch the above video.
Add Mulch:
Spread a layer of straw or compost around the base of plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Assist with Pollination:
One of the best-kept secrets when learning how to grow tomato plants is that you help with pollination. You can do this by gently shaking your plants daily during flowering, especially if bees are scarce.
Harvest Happiness:
Pick tomatoes when they reach their mature colour and feel slightly soft to the touch.
Monitor for Signs of Disease:
Throughout the growing process, it is important to monitor your plants for common pests and diseases and treat organically whenever possible.
With these tips and a little love, you'll be basking in the deliciousness of homegrown tomatoes all season long!
2. How to Grow Tomatoes Indoors
Watch the above video to learn how to grow tomatoes inside in winter.
You can also grow tomatoes indoors if you have the right conditions. Here is what you will need to do to be successful.
Provide enough Sunlight and the Right Temperature:
Tomatoes crave sunshine! Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. South-facing windows are ideal. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights for 16-18 hours a day. Maintain a steady temperature around 21- 24°C (70-75°F). Try to avoid putting them in locations that get cold drafts or blasts of hot air like near an air vent.
Choose a Variety That Will Thrive Indoors:
Determinate varieties, which are small, compact plants that produce fruit all at once on bushes instead of on vines, are best for indoors due to space constraints. Cherry tomatoes are also a good choice, as they require less support. Look for disease-resistant varieties for easier care.
Planting and Potting:
Start seeds in a seed-starting mix in individual pots. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger containers with drainage holes. Choose pots at least 5 gallons for determinate tomatoes and 10 gallons for indeterminate varieties
Watering and Fertilizing:
Water your indoor tomatoes regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Let the top inch of soil dry before watering again. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Support and Pollination:
As your tomato plants grow taller, provide support with stakes or cages. Gently shake the plants daily to help with pollination, especially if you don't have bees buzzing around indoors.
Harvesting and Enjoying!
Once your tomatoes reach their mature colour, it's time to harvest! Gently clip them from the vine and savour the taste of homegrown goodness.
Bonus Tips:
Here are a few additional helpful tips to remember:
Prune suckers (small shoots growing between the stem and branches) to encourage fruit production.
Mulch the soil with straw or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat them organically if needed.
With a little care and attention, you can be enjoying fresh, juicy tomatoes year-round, right from your own indoor garden!
3. What Is the Best Month to Plant Tomatoes?
Unfortunately, there's no single "best" month to plant tomatoes everywhere! It depends on several factors, particularly your climate and preferred planting method:
Outdoor Planting
The month for outdoor planting will vary depending on your climate and your planting method.
Climate:
Warm climates (frost-free year-round): Plant any time! Choose heat-tolerant varieties for summer planting.
Temperate climates (mild winters): Plant after the last frost date, typically late May to mid-June in southern Ontario.
Cool climates (harsh winters): Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors when nighttime temperatures stay above 10°C (50°F).
Planting method:
Direct sow: Plant seeds after the last frost date.
Transplant: Start seeds indoors earlier (see above) for a longer growing season.
Indoor Planting
You can plant tomatoes indoors year-round with proper lighting and temperature control, however, there are some additional factors that could affect which month you choose.
Additional factors:
Variety: Some varieties mature faster than others, so consider this when choosing planting dates.
Personal preference: If you enjoy tending to seedlings, start them indoors earlier. On the other hand, if you prefer direct sowing, adjust your schedule based on the last frost date.
Overall, the best month to plant tomatoes in southern Ontario would be late May to mid-June for direct sowing outdoors, or 6-8 weeks before the last frost (around mid-April) for starting seeds indoors for transplanting later. Consider checking your local frost date calculator for the most accurate timing.
4. How Long Does It Take for Tomatoes to Grow?
The wait for ripe, juicy tomatoes varies depending on several factors, including:
Variety: Early, mid-season and late-season varieties mature at different rates.
Planting methods: Sowing seeds directly outdoors takes longer than starting seedlings indoors and transplanting.
Climate: Warmer climates accelerate growth compared to cooler ones.
However, here's a general timeline with some popular varieties as examples.
How Many Days to Harvest - Popular Tomato Varieties
| Tomato Variety | Planting to Harvest |
|---|---|
| Cherry Cascade (Determinate) | 50-60 days |
| Sweet Million (Indeterminate) | 70-80 days |
| Early Girl (Determinate) | 55-60 days |
| Brandywine (Indeterminate) | 83-90 days |
| Sungold Cherry (Indeterminate) | 55-60 days |
| Black Krim (Indeterminate) | 83-90 days |
Sources: Gardener's Supply Company, Burpee, and Bonnie Plants
If you don't like waiting, here are some great tips for enjoying your tomato harvest sooner:
Choose early-maturing varieties.
Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
Transplant seedlings when the soil temperature reaches at least 16° C (60°F).
Provide plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures.
Water deeply and regularly, but avoid soggy soil.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a week after the first flowers appear.
Remember, these are just estimates, and your actual harvest time may vary. But with proper care and attention, you'll be enjoying the fruits (or rather, vegetables) of your labour in no time!
5. How to Grow Tomatoes at Home Without Seeds
Growing tomatoes at home without seeds is indeed possible, although it's not the most common method. Here are two ways you can achieve this:
Using Suckers
Watch the above video to learn how to grow tomatoes by rooting suckers.
What Are Suckers? Suckers are small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches of tomato plants. While they won't produce fruit on their own, they can be used to grow new plants.
How to Do It:
Here are the steps to follow to grow tomatoes from suckers:
Choose healthy suckers from vigorous tomato plants.
Gently remove them with sterile clippers, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.
Root the suckers in a glass of water or damp potting mix until roots emerge (around 5-7 days).
Transplant the rooted suckers into individual pots with well-draining soil.
Provide plenty of sunlight, warmth, and moisture.
Care for them like regular tomato plants, including staking, watering, and fertilization. They should start flowering and producing fruit in about 4-6 weeks.
Using Tomato Wedges
Watch how easy it is to grown tomatoes from wedges.
This method is less reliable than using suckers, but it's worth a try if you have extra tomatoes.
How to Do It:
Here’s how to grow tomatoes using tomato wedges:
Choose ripe, disease-free tomatoes.
Cut them into wedges, ensuring each wedge has a section of the stem and surrounding flesh.
Gently press the wedges into moist potting mix with the cut side facing down or leave them facing up and cover with a thin layer of potting mix.
Cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse.
Place it in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil slightly moist.
With luck, small roots and leaves will begin to grow from the cut stem within a few weeks. Once they're established, remove the plastic wrap and care for the seedlings like regular tomato plants. However, be aware that success rates can be lower with this method, and the resulting plants may take longer to mature and produce fruit.
Things to Remember:
Both methods require patience and may not always guarantee success.
Using established and healthy tomato plants is key for both methods.
Start with smaller pots and eventually transplant to larger ones as the plants grow.
Provide optimal growing conditions for best results.
While growing tomatoes without seeds is an interesting experiment, starting from seeds usually offers better reliability and control over the variety and characteristics of your tomato plants. However, if you're looking for a creative and potentially rewarding challenge, these methods can be a fun way to try your hand at tomato propagation.
6. How Often Should You Water and Fertilize Tomatoes?
Follow watering guides for the variety of tomato you are growing. Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Watering and fertilizing frequency for tomatoes depends on several factors:
a) Planting Method
Outdoors:
Water more frequently, about every 1-2 days, especially in hot weather or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Indoors:
Water less frequently, around once a week or when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry.
Growth stage:
Seedlings:
Water gently and consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Mature plants:
Water deeply to encourage strong root growth. Avoid shallow watering, which promotes surface roots that dry out quickly.
Variety:
Determinate:
Cherry tomato plants require less water. Image by Etienne GONTIER from Pixabay
Determinate varieties, such as grape and cherry tomato plants, typically require less water than indeterminate varieties.
Indeterminate:
Indeterminate varieties like Beefsteak tomatoes, on the other hand, may need more frequent watering due to their larger size and higher fruit production.
Climate:
Hot and dry climates:
If you live in hot or dry climates, water more frequently to prevent stress and wilting.
Cooler and humid climates:
Water less frequently to avoid overwatering and fungal diseases.
Soil:
Well-draining soil:
Allows water to drain freely, reducing the risk of overwatering.
Sandy soil:
Dries out faster and needs more frequent watering.
Clay soil:
Holds water well and may need less frequent watering.
Fertilizing:
Outdoors:
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing once fruits start ripening.
Indoors:
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
General guidelines:
It's better to water deeply less often than frequently and shallowly. Look for signs of wilting or leaves becoming dull to determine if your plants need water.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Follow the instructions on your chosen fertilizer for specific application rates and frequency.
Additional Tips:
Mulch around the base of your tomato plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Use a rain gauge to monitor how much water your plants are receiving.
Pay attention to your specific soil and climate conditions to adjust watering and fertilizing schedules accordingly.
By observing your plants and adapting your watering and fertilizing practices based on their needs, you can ensure healthy and productive tomato plants throughout the season.
7. Are Tomatoes Better Grown in Pots or in the Ground?
There are advantages and disadvantages to growing tomatoes in the garden and in pots. Image by Anh Ngô Hoàng from Pixabay
Whether tomatoes are better grown in pots or in the ground depends on several factors, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different situations and preferences. Here's a breakdown:
Growing in Pots:
Advantages:
Space-saving: Pots are ideal for balconies, patios, or limited garden space.
Control over soil and environment: You can choose a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix and provide optimal sun exposure and protection from wind.
Easier to move: Pots can be relocated to follow the sun or avoid harsh weather.
Reduced risk of certain diseases: Fresh potting mix minimizes soil-borne diseases compared to established garden soil.
Disadvantages:
Greater maintenance: Using pots to grow your tomatoes requires more frequent watering and fertilizing due to limited soil volume.
Susceptible to heat stress and drying out: Pots heat up and dry out faster than ground soil, especially in hot climates.
Limited size for larger varieties: Indeterminate tomato varieties, which grow tall and need extensive root space, may struggle in containers.
Higher cost: Buying potting mix and containers can be more expensive than using garden soil.
Growing in the Ground:
Advantages:
Less maintenance: Growing tomatoes in the ground means that you have more natural water-holding capacity and access to nutrients in the soil which reduces watering and fertilizing needs.
Unlimited space for root growth: Indeterminate varieties and larger plants thrive with unrestricted root space in the ground.
Generally lower cost: If you grow your tomatoes in the ground you don’t have to buy potting mix or containers.
Potential for higher yields: Established gardens with good soil can support larger plants and potentially higher fruit production.
Disadvantages:
Less control over environment: When you grow plants in your garden you are dependent on your existing soil quality, sunlight exposure, and wind protection.
Risk of soil-borne diseases: Established garden soil might harbour diseases that affect tomatoes.
Less mobile: Plants cannot be easily moved to adapt to changing conditions.
Competition from other plants: Weeds and existing vegetation may compete for resources with your tomatoes.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific situation and preferences. Consider factors like available space, sunlight, climate, maintenance effort, and desired tomato variety.
Here are some additional tips:
If you choose pots, opt for larger containers (at least 5 gallons) with good drainage holes and use high-quality potting mix.
In the ground, prepare the soil by adding compost and manure for better drainage and nutrients.
Choose suitable tomato varieties based on your chosen growing method and desired plant size.
Regardless of where you grow them, provide essential care like watering, fertilizing, and sun exposure.
With proper care and attention, you can enjoy delicious homegrown tomatoes whether you choose pots or the ground!
8. How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots
If you are short on space, you can grow your tomatoes outside in pots. Learn how from the above video.
Growing delicious tomatoes in pots outdoors instead of directly into your garden is an achievable and rewarding experience! It’s a great choice if your outdoor space is limited or if you have non-friendly trees, such as black walnut or butternut trees, with roots that can poison your plants. Here's a guide to get you started:
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil:
Pot size: Opt for containers at least 5 gallons for determinate varieties and 10 gallons or more for indeterminate ones. Ensure good drainage holes.
Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for tomatoes or vegetables. It should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Selecting Your Tomato Variety:
Consider the space: Choose compact or determinate varieties for limited balcony space. Cherry tomatoes are also a good option due to their smaller size and prolific fruiting.
Match your climate: Opt for heat-tolerant varieties if your summers are hot, or disease-resistant ones if prone to fungal issues.
Planting and Care:
Start seeds indoors:
If starting from seeds, sow them 6-8 weeks before the last frost in individual pots. Once seedlings have two true leaves, transplant them into the larger containers.
Sunlight: Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. South-facing balconies or patios are ideal.
Watering: Water deeply and regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. Avoid soggy soil.
Fertilizing: Feed your tomatoes every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Support: Provide support for tall, indeterminate varieties with stakes or cages.
Pollination: Gently shake the plants daily during flowering to aid pollination, especially indoors.
Prune with purpose: Remove suckers (small shoots between stem and branches) to direct energy towards fruit production.
Mulch: Apply a layer of straw or compost around the base of plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting and Enjoying:
Pick tomatoes when they reach their mature colour and feel slightly soft to the touch. You can enjoy the fruits of your labor in salads, and sauces, or simply eat them fresh!
Bonus tips:
Monitor for pests and diseases and treat them organically whenever possible.
Harvest regularly to encourage continued fruit production.
Clean up fallen leaves and debris to prevent disease.
Growing tomatoes in pots can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With these tips and a little love, you'll be reaping the delicious rewards of homegrown tomatoes all season long!
9. Should You Trim Yellow Leaves from a Tomato Plant?
Watch the above video to learn 5 tricks for turning your yellow leaves green.
Whether or not you should trim yellow leaves from a tomato plant depends on the cause of the yellowing:
When to Trim It:
Nutritional deficiency: If the yellowing starts at the lower leaves and moves upwards, it could be a sign of magnesium or nitrogen deficiency. Trimming the affected leaves can help the plant direct its energy towards healthy leaves and fruit production.
Fungal disease: Early blight or fusarium wilt often causes yellowing leaves accompanied by brown spots or wilting. Removing and disposing of infected leaves (not in your compost pile) can help prevent the disease from spreading.
Excessive foliage: In dense plants, especially late in the season, lower leaves might not receive enough sunlight, leading to yellowing. Trimming some leaves can improve air circulation and light penetration.
When to Leave It:
Natural aging: Older leaves at the bottom of the plant are naturally yellow and fall off as the season progresses. This is normal and doesn't require intervention.
Environmental stress: Sudden weather changes, like frost or intense heat, can cause temporary yellowing. Leave the leaves on as they may recover once the stress factor subsides.
Minor insect damage: If only a few leaves have minor yellowing or insect damage, leaving them won't significantly impact the plant's overall health.
General Tips:
Here are some general tips to follow:
Identify the cause of yellowing before trimming.
Use clean, sharp shears or pruners for trimming.
Remove affected leaves early to prevent further spread of disease.
Don't over-trim; leave enough healthy foliage for photosynthesis.
Observe the plant and adjust your approach based on its response.
By properly assessing the cause of yellowing, you can decide whether trimming the leaves will benefit your tomato plant. Remember, sometimes leaving them on is the best course of action.
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