A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Tomatoes from Plant Starts

Are you nervous about growing tomatoes from those seedlings you just picked up at the farmers market or local nursery? Well don’t fret. I will guide you through the growing process with simple steps for success! Welcome to the exciting journey of growing your own juicy, flavorful tomatoes! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-time planter, this guide will walk you through the steps to cultivate thriving tomato plants from plant starts also known as seedlings. (If you want to grow tomatoes from seeds check out this guide on THE ART OF GROWING TOMATOES FROM SEED)

Step 1: Choose the Right Variety:

Select a tomato plant variety that suits your taste and space. With choices ranging from classic beefsteak to cherry tomatoes, there’s a perfect match for every gardener. Consider factors like size, flavor, and growth habbit.

• Size: Tomatoes come in many sizes when picking a variety of tomatoes consider how you intend to eat them. Tomatoes range from the smallest being current sized to the largest called beefsteak.
• Flavor: Tomatoes have a range of flavors usually considering the amount of acid. Some tomatoes are very sweet and more fruit-like while others could have a smoky flavor. 
• Growth Habit: Tomatoes are split into 2 camps, determinate and indeterminate.
  • Determinate tomatoes will have a maximum growth height and produce fruit at a determined time.
  • Indeterminate tomatoes will continue growing as long as there are favorable weather conditions and they will produce fruit throughout the life of the tomato plant.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies for Growing Tomatoes:

Before you get your hands dirty, gather your gardening essentials:

• Tomato plant starts
• High-quality garden soil
• Garden bed, raised bed, large pots or containers
• Stakes, cages or a trellis system for support 
• Fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium or compost
• Gardening Gloves
• Gardening Shovel (called a hand trowel)

Step 3: Growing Tomatoes the Planting Process:

Container Method:

• Fill your containers with well-draining potting soil and mix in the recommended amount of fertilizer based on your brand. Or like I like to do, a hand full of compost! Then follow the next steps!

Straight to the Garden Method

After the danger of frost has passed you can plant your seedlings directly outside. (Check your frost dates here)

• Dig a hole deep enough for the tomato plant, leaving only the top leaves above the soil. 
• Add compost or the recommended amount of fertilizer based on your brand.
• Gently remove the tomato plant start from its container, being mindful of the roots.
• Place the plant in the hole, backfill it with soil, and pat it down gently. When growing tomatoes the deeper the stem is planted the more opportunity for new roots to establish which will lead to a healthier plant in the long run.
• Water thoroughly to help the roots settle.

Step 4: Location, Location, Location:

Tomatoes love sunlight! Choose a sunny spot where your growing tomatoes can bask in at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If planting in the ground, ensure good air circulation.

Step 5: Support Your Plants:

As your tomatoes grow, provide support with stakes or cages for determinate tomatoes. For indeterminate tomatoes, I prefer training them up on a single string. This helps prevent sprawling and ensures your plants stay upright, even when laden with delicious fruit. 

Check out these Creative Trellis Ideas!

Step 6: Watering Wisdom for Growing Tomatoes:

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Aim for the sweet spot, and remember – tomatoes prefer a deep drink rather than frequent shallow watering.

Pay attention to the heat and how well the soil is holding moisture. Usually 1” per week is sufficient but you might need to water more often during the hottest days in summer.

Step 7: Feed Tomatoes Right:

Fertilize your tomato plants every few weeks with a balanced, phosphorus, and potassium-rich fertilizer or fresh compost. This ensures robust growth and a bountiful harvest.

Step 8: Pruning Tomatoes for Success:

Remove suckers (extra shoots) to encourage better airflow and larger fruit. Pruning helps focus the plant’s energy on producing quality tomatoes. 

Suckers usually are the little leaves growing in the “armpit” area of a stem and leaf. 

Remove any dead leaves or leaves that touch the soil.

Step 9: Watch for Common Pests and Diseases:

Keep an eye out for unwanted guests like aphids or diseases like blight. Early detection and swift action are key to maintaining healthy plants. Check out my Guide to Organic Pest Control in the Garden for more detailed information.

Step 10: Harvest Time:

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Harvest your tomatoes when they reach their full, vibrant color. The taste of homegrown tomatoes is truly unmatched. I never cared for tomatoes until I grew them organically. The grocery store tomatoes cannot compare!

Harvesting tip:  If you are worried about pest pressure you can harvest tomatoes at the first sign of a blush. If you see a hint of color, you can harvest tomatoes and let them sit on your countertop. Tomatoes have an amazing ability to continue to ripen off the vine, but they need to have started first hence the blush.

Congratulations You Are Growing Tomatoes:

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the journey from picking up your tomato plants to a thriving harvest. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor the unbeatable flavor of homegrown tomatoes. 

Thank you for meeting me AT FORESTS EDGE.  Where I am growing food for my family and sharing my insights with you. I would love for you to join me on this journey, and subscribe to my newsletter where I share encouragement throughout the year as we GROW HOPE!

Until we meet again,

Raeanna