Tomatoes are one of the most popular homegrown crops—and for good reason! They’re versatile, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to grow. Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing your own delicious tomatoes.
Planting Your Tomatoes - When planting, dig a deep hole or trench and bury the plant deeper than the root ball, covering the stem up to the bottom leaves. The buried stem will sprout roots, leading to stronger plants and more fruit.
Watering and Fertilizing - Keep soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Water at the base of the plant to prevent wet leaves, which can lead to disease. Use compost or a tomato fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium to encourage flowering and fruit growth.
Providing Support - Heavy tomato plants need support. Use cages, stakes, or trellises to keep them upright, prevent fruit from rotting, and improve airflow to reduce disease.
Pruning for Better Harvests - Pruning helps plants focus energy on producing fruit. Remove “suckers”—small shoots between the main stem and branches. While pruning isn’t essential, it can result in larger, healthier tomatoes.
Nothing beats the taste of homegrown tomatoes—fresher, sweeter, and more flavorful than store-bought. Start growing your own today and enjoy the rewards!