The Easy Way to Grow Tomatoes

I love the earthy smell of "fresh off the vine" tomatoes. It always brings back memories of summer vacations spent at my grandparent's house. Even during those summers where they were not up to "gardening", they always had one or two tomato plants growing on their patio. Their love of gardening has been passed on to me. Even when I lived in apartments, I would have at least one plant around to baby. As a homeowner, I have the space for real garden but with two kids, I don't always have the time or energy to expend on it. Thankfully, tomatoes are easy to grow and not too high maintenance.

There are a few things to consider when planting tomatoes:

Choose a variety that will perform well in your area. The easiest way to do this is to buy baby plants (seedlings) from a local nursery or garden center. Also, you can call your local Cooperative Extension Department (usually under the county or state listings in your phone book) and speak to a horticultural expert who specializes in the local area.

Choose the right place to plant tomatoes. These plants will require at least 6 hours of full sun and rich fertile soil to grow successfully. Scout out your yard, keeping in mind how the sun moves across the sky and how shade from buildings, sheds, carports and trees moves throughout the day. Even the worst soil can be amended with compost, fertilizer and tomato plant food to provide a successful environment.

Tomatoes like plenty of room, at least a foot and a half in all directions. Keep this in mind while you are considering number of plants and location.

Planting Instructions:
Dig a trench at least 1' deep.
Amend the soil by dumping in equal amounts of compost/fertilizer and soil.
Add the recommended amount of plant food (read the directions).
Mix well.
Look at your plant. Pinch off all leaves except for the top cluster (usually 3-6 leaves).
Dig a hole in the amended soil so as much of the stem as possible under the soil. The more stem you get under the soil, the better the root system will be. Minimally, it's best to have at least half an inch of soil over the root ball.
Water slow and deep. I turn the spigot just enough to allow a dribble of water and then leave the end of the hose right on top of the root ball for a long time, allowing the water to soak in slowly.
Add a cage or stake to help support the plant, as it grows taller. It should be at least six feet tall and driven about 6" into the ground, making sure that it is well out of the area of the root ball.
Ground cover, like mulch or leaves, can be layered on top of the soil to reduce the chance of the soil drying out in between watering.

Care Instructions:
For the first week, water every other day, making sure it's a deep and slow watering. After that, water once a week, deep and slow. Whenever you water, survey your garden area. Pull any weeds and deter any pests.
As the plant grows, you may have to tie the plant to the stake or cage with a bit of yarn or twine, to help provide more support, especially when it begins to bear fruit. Add plant food as directed, making sure to water well after application. When the plant begins to produce, check every other day for ripe fruit and to make sure pests are not "snacking" on your reward.

I have been known to eat homegrown tomatoes like apples but they are tasty in pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads. If your garden is plentiful, you can be dried, canned or frozen for later use. Do not forget: the easiest way to make friends with your neighbors is to share your homegrown produce!