Growing Tomatoes

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At a Glance

Quick Reference

Before You Plant…

Growing tomatoes successfully comes down to three things:

1. Bury the stem deep. Tomatoes root readily along buried stems, building a stronger root system.
2. Water consistently, not overhead. Wet foliage invites fungal disease.
3. Feed for fruit, not leaves. Too much nitrogen produces lush foliage at the expense of tomatoes.

Growing Timeline

Timing for growing tomatoes varies by variety, weather, and whether you begin with seeds or transplants.

How to Plant Tomatoes

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors once nighttime temperatures stay reliably above 50°F. Space plants 18-24 inches apart, and bury stems deeper than they grew in their pots, since tomatoes root readily along buried stems, encouraging a stronger, more resilient root system.

Best Planting Time

Growing tomatoes successfully starts with picking the right window for your zone:

Local frost dates and nighttime temperatures matter more than zone alone. Aim for nights consistently above 50°F before transplanting.

How to Care for Tomatoes

Growing tomatoes well starts with full sun, ideally 6-8+ hours daily, and warm temperatures, thriving between roughly 65-85°F. Rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8 works best, enriched with compost to support the heavy feeding these plants do throughout a long growing season.

For a deeper dive into variety selection and soil prep, see Colorado State University Extension’s tomato growing guide.

Watering and Feeding

Water deeply and consistently, about 1-2 inches per week, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal disease. Feed with a fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium once flowering begins, since too much nitrogen produces lush leaves at the expense of fruit.

Companion Planting

Basil, marigolds, and carrots are classic companions when growing tomatoes, with basil said to improve flavor and marigolds helping repel certain pests. Avoid planting tomatoes near corn or potatoes, which share pests and diseases.

Can You Grow Tomatoes in Containers?

Yes, growing tomatoes in containers works well. Use a container that holds at least 5-10 gallons, especially for compact or determinate varieties bred for container growing. Stake or cage container-grown tomatoes early, since they still need support despite the confined space.

Harvesting

Pick tomatoes when fully colored but still firm, typically 60-85 days after transplanting depending on the variety. Harvesting regularly encourages the plant to keep setting new fruit rather than slowing down.

Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature, not the fridge, which dulls both flavor and texture over time. Use within a week for best quality, or process into sauce, salsa, or canned tomatoes for long-term storage that captures the summer harvest.

Why Grow Tomatoes?

Growing tomatoes is worth it for the flavor alone; homegrown fruit tastes dramatically better than store-bought, sun-ripened on the vine rather than picked green and gassed for shipping. Tomatoes are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and folate, and are one of the best dietary sources of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health.

Common Problems

Leaves curling  | 
Hornworms and blossom end rot  | 
Should tomatoes be refrigerated?

Hornworms and Blossom End Rot: Look out for hornworms, aphids, and blossom end rot, often caused by inconsistent watering or a calcium deficiency in the soil. Stake or cage plants for support and better airflow, which also makes pests easier to spot early.

Leaves Curling: This is often caused by heat stress or inconsistent watering rather than disease, though it’s worth monitoring closely for signs of pests or viral disease if it persists.

Should Tomatoes Be Refrigerated? No, cold temperatures degrade both flavor and texture. Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature instead.

Common Beginner Mistakes

These mistakes come up again and again when growing tomatoes for the first time:

• Planting too shallow instead of burying the stem for stronger roots.
• Watering overhead, which invites fungal disease.
• Over-fertilizing with nitrogen, producing leaves instead of fruit.
• Skipping stakes or cages until the plant is already sprawling.

FAQs

Q: Should tomatoes be refrigerated?
A: No, cold temperatures degrade both flavor and texture; store ripe tomatoes at room temperature instead.

Q: Why are my tomato leaves curling?
A: This is often caused by heat stress or inconsistent watering rather than disease, though it’s worth monitoring closely.

Q: How many tomato plants do I need per person?
A: A general rule of thumb is 2-4 plants per person for fresh eating, and more if you plan to can or freeze extra.

Q: Can tomatoes be grown in containers?
A: Yes, growing tomatoes in a container of at least 5-10 gallons works well, especially for compact or determinate varieties.

Q: Should I pinch off suckers?
A: On indeterminate varieties, pinching suckers directs the plant’s energy into fruit production rather than excess foliage.

Best Varieties for Beginners

Choosing the right variety makes growing tomatoes even easier:

Best beginner variety: Beefsteak, prized for large, meaty slices perfect for sandwiches.
Best for snacking: Sun Gold, a cherry variety with bite-sized sweetness and heavy yields.
Best for sauces: Roma or San Marzano, favored for dense flesh and fewer seeds.
Best heirloom: Brandywine, bringing unique color and old-fashioned flavor.

Related Vegetables

Rounding out your garden? Check out our guides to growing potatoes and growing onions.