Vegetable Planting:

A Beginner's Guide to Choosing and Caring for Healthy Tomato Plants

By Trace Barnett

Growing your own tomatoes can be a rewarding experience, but it all starts with selecting healthy plants. Whether you’re purchasing them from a nursery or a chain store, knowing what to look for can make all the difference in the success of your tomato garden. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing healthy tomato plants, planting them correctly, providing proper care, and protecting them from adverse weather conditions.

How Do You Care for Your Tomato Plants?

Step 1: Assessing Plant Health

When selecting tomato plants, look for ones with vibrant green leaves and sturdy stems. Avoid plants with yellowing or wilted leaves, as these may indicate nutrient deficiencies or disease. Inspect the stems for any signs of damage or discoloration, as healthy tomato plants should have strong, upright stems.

Step 2: Pruning and Grooming

Before planting, clip off any lower leaves that may come into contact with the soil, as these can increase the risk of disease. Leave a few sets of leaves at the top of the plant to encourage healthy growth. Additionally, remove any flowers or fruit that may be present on the plant at the time of purchase, as these can divert energy away from root development.

Step 3: Planting

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting your tomatoes. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the tomato plant and add a handful of compost or aged manure to the bottom of the hole. Gently remove the tomato plant from its container and place it in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Step 4: Staking and Support

Tomato plants benefit from staking or support to keep them upright and off the ground. Place a sturdy stake or cage next to each tomato plant at the time of planting and gently secure the stem to the support with soft ties or twine. As the tomato plant grows, continue to tie it to the stake or cage to prevent it from falling over under the weight of fruit.

Step 5: Providing Care

Water tomato plants deeply and evenly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Tomatoes require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to thrive, so choose a location with ample sunlight for optimal growth. Fertilize tomato plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer formulated for vegetables, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6: Protecting from Adverse Weather

In the event of adverse weather conditions such as strong winds or heavy rain, provide additional support for tomato plants by reinforcing stakes or cages and securing them firmly in the ground. Consider using row covers or cloches to protect young plants from frost or cold temperatures in early spring or late fall.

Step 7: Harvesting

Tomatoes are ready for harvest when they are firm, fully colored, and easily detach from the vine with a gentle twist. Avoid pulling or yanking on the fruit, as this can damage the plant. Harvest tomatoes regularly to encourage continuous production throughout the growing season.

How Do You Plant Tomato Plants?

Planting tomato plants is the first step toward a bountiful harvest of juicy, flavorful tomatoes. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, following these step-by-step instructions will ensure your tomato plants get off to a healthy start and thrive throughout the growing season.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Select a sunny spot in your garden with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Avoid planting tomatoes in areas that are prone to flooding or have poor drainage.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve fertility and soil structure. Work the amendments into the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches, breaking up any clumps and removing rocks or debris.

Step 3: Dig Planting Holes

Dig planting holes that are deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the tomato plant. Space the holes 2-3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. If planting multiple rows, space the rows 3-4 feet apart.

Step 4: Add Amendments

Add a handful of organic fertilizer or compost to each planting hole to provide essential nutrients for the tomato plants. Mix the amendments thoroughly with the soil at the bottom of the planting holes.

Step 5: Plant the Tomato Plants

Gently remove the tomato plants from their containers, taking care not to disturb the roots. Place each plant in a planting hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the holes with soil and pat down gently to remove air pockets.

Step 6: Water Thoroughly

Water the newly planted tomato plants thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and provide hydration. Use a watering can or garden hose with a gentle spray nozzle to avoid damaging the plants.

Step 7: Provide Support

Tomato plants benefit from support to keep them upright and off the ground. Place a sturdy stake or cage next to each plant and gently secure the stem to the support with soft ties or twine. This will help prevent the plants from falling over under the weight of fruit.

Step 8: Mulch Around Plants

Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the tomato plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Leave a small gap between the mulch and the stems of the plants to prevent rotting.

Step 9: Monitor and Maintain

Keep an eye on your tomato plants and monitor soil moisture regularly. Water deeply and evenly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

Step 10: Enjoy the Harvest

As your tomato plants grow and mature, be sure to provide adequate support and prune as needed to maintain airflow and prevent disease. With proper care and attention, you’ll soon be rewarded with a plentiful harvest of delicious homegrown tomatoes to enjoy all season long.

Planting tomato plants is a straightforward process that yields delicious rewards for gardeners of all skill levels. By following these step-by-step guidelines and providing proper care, you’ll be well on your way to a successful tomato harvest and a season filled with fresh, flavorful tomatoes straight from your garden.

When you’re ready to harvest your deliciously plump tomatoes, try one of my favorite Southern comfort recipes, tomato pie.