Tips for Growing Tomatoes

Having a small garden has come back into vogue, even among city dwellers. Tomatoes are among the garden options that many people immediately consider, especially if space is somewhat limited. The fact is that growing tomatoes can be a lot of fun, with only a few vines yielding an ample supply all through the summer. Try these simple tips to get your garden going, and prepare for the harvest.

Make sure the soil is right. If you are planning a garden in the back yard, have the soil tested to make sure it will support tomatoes. Treat the soil to increase the nutrient content. Your plants will be hardier and provide a larger crop if they have more nutrients to work with.

Use your space to best advantage. Tomato seedlings don't like to be crowded, so space them out a bit. It doesn't matter if you are using clay pots or planting a row in the back yard. Close proximity will inhibit growth and defeat the whole purpose. If you are starting off with small plants, make sure to space them so there is plenty of room for growth.

Bury those seeds a little deeper. Tomato seedlings are typically planted an inch or so deeper than some other types of seeds. Assuming the soil is nice and warm, you'll begin to see results in a short period of time. If you are using starter plants, bury them down to the first line of leaves for best effect.

Think lots of natural light. Tomato vines love sunlight. Position your pots or plant your garden in an area where the vines get direct sunlight for most of the day. The combination of sun on the vines and the warm temperatire of the soil will do a lot to keep the plants strong and ready to produce.

Water regularly and deeply. There's no need to saturate the soil, but you do want to keep it moist. As the vines mature, you can decrease the watering somewhat, as this will help encourage the plants to concentrate sugars in the tomatoes as they form. Above all, avoid watering on an irregular basis, as this can increase the chances of end rot on the tomato blossoms.

Pinch off the suckers. These are the small growths that develop in the joint between two branches. They don't bear any type of fruit, but they do divert nutrients that can be used to better advantage out on the branches.

Use cages. For most varieties of tomatoes, the weight of the fruit will place tremendous strain on the branches. A combination of wire cages and stakes will help minimize the stress, and keep the vines ready to produce all summer long. Cages are cheap and can be reused for several years running with no problem.

Treat the vines for insects and other pests. Various types of pests can wreak havoc with your tomato plants, frustrating all your hard work. Use natural or chemical insecticides to keep them at bay, and protect your tomatoes as they grow and ripen.

Finally, check the vines for tomatoes daily. This will allow you to pull the tomatoes at just the right time, and get the most enjoyment for your labors. Be aware that the vines may produce more than you can use. Use the surplus to make diced tomatoes that you can freeze and use in soups during winter, or give them to neighbors and friends. Either way, you'll have all you need and be happy with the results of your labors.