Tomato Planting 101: Tips for a Juicy Summer Harvest

If your garden is ready and the weather’s finally cooperating (no more surprise frosts, please!), it's time to plant tomatoes! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, planting your tomato plants the right way can make a big difference in your harvest.

Here are my favorite tips for getting those tomato babies off to a strong start:

🌞 1. Pick a Sunny Spot

Tomatoes love the sun — the more, the better. Choose a location that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Morning sun is especially helpful in drying off dew and reducing disease risk.

🌱 2. Prep the Soil

Tomatoes thrive in loose, rich soil with good drainage. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure before planting to give them a nutrient boost. If you’re working with clay or sandy soil, adding organic matter helps improve structure.

🌼 3. Give Them Space

Good airflow helps prevent diseases like blight. Space plants at least 18–24 inches apart, depending on the variety. More room = happier tomatoes.

🌿 4. Plant Deep!

Here’s a tip that surprises many new gardeners: plant your tomatoes deep — burying about half the stem after removing the lower leaves. Tomato stems grow roots anywhere they touch soil, so burying a good portion of the stem helps the plant develop a strong, deep root system. That means a sturdier, healthier plant that can handle summer heat and produce like a champ. It also means you don't have to water as often.

You can even plant them at an angle (a little sideways) if your soil is shallow or you want to encourage horizontal rooting.

🌾 5. Mulch for Moisture and Weed Control

After planting, add a layer of mulch — straw, shredded leaves, or even grass clippings. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature stable. Your tomatoes will thank you.

🪴 6. Stake at Planting Time

Put in a stake next to your tomato plant when you plant. This avoids root disturbance and keeps the tomato from getting blown over in the wind. Also, add your tomato cages at or shortly after planting — it's surprising how quickly tomatoes can grow once they get established.

Even compact varieties benefit from a little support to keep fruit off the ground and reduce the risk of rot. Remember, determinate tomatoes generally don’t grow as tall and may not need as much support as indeterminate varieties. For indeterminate types, the taller the cage or stakes, the better. See my blog: "Indeterminate vs. Determinate Tomatoes: Which One Is Right for You?"

🐟 7. Fertilize with Fish Emulsion

For healthy growth and steady production, I recommend fertilizing with fish emulsion. Apply every two to three weeks, or dilute it more heavily and apply weekly for a gentler, steady feed. It’s a great organic option that tomato plants respond well to.

💧 8. Water Deeply, Not Lightly

Tomatoes prefer deep, consistent watering rather than frequent light sprinkles. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can lead to disease. Tomatoes need about one inch of moisture per week to thrive. If Mother Nature takes care of that for you, no extra watering needed!

🧑‍🌾 Ready to Get Planting?

If you haven’t picked up your tomato plants yet — you’re in luck! I’ve got 40+ beautiful, greenhouse-grown tomato varieties ready for your garden. Come browse and find your new favorites here: 👉 jerrys-garden.com/plant-sale

Here’s to a delicious, sun-ripened summer!— Jerry 🌿