Tips for Growing Better Tomatoes

The tomato is probably the most commonly grown vegetable in the United States. From large plantings in farm country to flower pots on apartment balconies, the tomato is grown by people everywhere. Tomatoes even grow quite well indoors with simple equipment. There are scores of varieties of tomatoes available to meet most every desire. No matter which tomato you grow or where you grow it, these tips should help you to be more successful.

A term that often confuses people is that tomatoes are either determinate or indeterminate. The simple explanation is that the determinate tomato grows on a bush that will not need supported by a stake while the indeterminate tomato grows on a vine that will need supported on a stake. Determinate tomatoes are great for growing in small containers as well as those who don't have a lot of time to dedicate to caring for their plants.

When buying plants, a gardener should look for multiple leaves of the plant, but no flowers or fruit. All of the plants will grow but those with flowers or fruit will probably not do as well. One to two tomato plants will be needed per person for a steady supply. Plant tomatoes about 2 feet apart to give them room to grow. Plant the tomato plant deep, to the first set of leaves. Tomato stakes should be placed into the ground by the plant at the time of planting (or before). Staking a tomato plant after it starts to grow may damage the roots. Stake tomatoes with strips of cloth and not thin wire or string to avoid injuring the vine.

There are many different fertilizer and plant food products that are designed to work with tomatoes. If you have good soil they probably are not needed but may help to produce better tomatoes. Keep the area around tomatoes free of decaying material that may draw in bugs. Consider mulching around tomatoes with hay or straw to help keep the soil moist as well as keeping weeds from growing.

Pick tomatoes when they are fully ripe or very close to being ripe. Look for an even color and a firm feel. If frost threatens, remove the immature tomatoes and allow them to ripen inside in a warm environment.