Tomato Growing Tips in 9 Easy Steps
Joe’s Gardens has been growing tomatoes and tomato plants at our roadside farm for over 75 years. Each spring season, we have customers ask how can they grow tomatoes that taste as good as ours. This is what we tell them...
01
When to Plant
Plant tomatoes in late April when daytime temps reach the 60s and frost risk is low.
02
Choose a Variety
- Full sun: Most tomato varieties will thrive
- Partial sun / cooler areas: Choose cherry tomatoes or short-season types like Early Girl or Oregon Spring
- Starter plants give you a 6-week head start over seeds
- No garden space?
Use a pot with at least 5 gallons of soil
03
Prepare the Soil
- Loosen soil 8–12 inches deep and about 12 inches wide
- Place a 6-foot stake in the center for support
04
Plant Deep for Strong Roots
- Tomatoes grow roots along their stems
- Dig a deep hole and bury the plant up to its lowest branches
- Gently remove from the pot, plant, and fill in soil
- Tie loosely to the stake as it grows
05
Water & Feed Properly
- Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy)
- Water the soil, not the leaves
- Use a quality vegetable fertilizer
06
Prune for Better Growth
- When plants reach about 2 feet tall, remove “suckers”
- Suckers grow between the main stem and branches
- Removing them helps the plant focus on producing fruit
07
Help with Pollination
- Gently tap flower clusters to release pollen
- (Optional) Use vibration, like an electric toothbrush
08
Protect from Late-Season Blight
- Cool, damp air can cause plants to quickly fail
- At night, cover plants with a large plastic bag
- Remove in the morning to prevent moisture buildup
09
Harvest Before Frost
- Before the first frost (late September), cut the vine
- Hang plants upside down in a garage
- Tomatoes will continue ripening for weeks
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Joe’s Gardens has been growing tomatoes and tomato plants at our roadside farm for over 75 years. Each spring season, we have customers ask how can they grow tomatoes that taste as good as ours. This is what we tell them...
