Tomatoes are easy to grow and provide an abundance of tasty, juicy, healthy fruit. Nothing beats a homegrown tomato – especially one you’ve grown yourself!
Beefsteak Tomato
Plum Tomato
Here are our 7 tips for a successful tomato harvest:
1. Choose a Full Sun Location.
To be productive, tomato plants need full sun for 6 to 8 hours per day in an open area away from shade producing trees or structures. Therefore a southern exposure is best. The soil must be well-draining and easy to work.
2. Wait to Plant Until After the Last Frost.
Plant after all danger of frost has passed, and the soil has warmed to above 55°F. On Long Island this is typically around May 15th. In fact, seedlings planted too early can be stunted by cold and killed by frost.
3. Use Proper Planting Techniques.
Plant seedlings with the top of the roots just below the surface of the soil; they can be planted deeper to increase stability, but no deeper than the first set of leaves. If your seedlings are in peat pots, remove the upper edges of the peat so that the pot will not act as a wick and pull water away from the roots.
Black Krim Tomato
Cherry Tomato
Support Cage
Maintain Soil Moisture
4. Water Wisely:
Keep soil evenly moist. Check daily, especially during hot, humid days and water only if needed. Overwatering will wash away nutrients and lead to poor productivity as well as yellowing leaves and blossom end rot. For more information about how to water, read Watering the Right Way.
5. Use Organic Fertilizers:
You are what you eat. We suggest using organic fertilizers, as they are not made with chemicals or other toxic ingredients.
6. Provide Support:
Most varieties of tomato plants will need to be staked. Tomato cages, sturdy wood, bamboo or metal stakes work well. Providing support early on is crucial, not only to fortify the plants against wind and bad weather but also to prevent the fruits from growing on the ground.”
7. Use natural fiber twine,
plastic stretch ribbon or plastic-coated wire (twist-tie). Loosely tie up branches as needed.
8. Harvest Regularly:
Pick fruit as soon as it ripens. Green (unripe) fruit can also be picked for pickling or frying any time. Remove and discard spotted, rotting, or blemished fruit to encourage new fruit to form.
Rich in nutrients and high in antioxidants, tomatoes are an easy and delicious way to enhance your overall health and well-being and save money at the grocery store! Use the tips above to grow your own tomato garden and you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor all summer long.
Additional Information: