Tomatoes are included in probably 99% of people’s gardens.

But a lot of people don’t plant them into the ground correctly which then affects how productive they are later.

Here we discuss how to properly plant and fertilizer your tomato plants, so you have a strong, productive harvest later.

Let’s Dive In…

How to Plant Tomato Seedlings (Correctly)

Tomatoes need good root systems to get good harvests.

That’s actually why you see tomatoes that are grown in pots or buckets not get as big or productive as ones that are grown in the ground; their root systems become limited.

If you want to grow tomatoes in pots, please be sure to get DETERMINATE tomatoes. They have smaller root systems that are more adapted to container gardening.

They also need calcium. This largely helps with blossom end rot; a disease directly caused by mineral deficiencies. They don’t need a whole lot, but a good extra does when planting helps.

There are several ways to add calcium to your soil. Eggs, egg shells, ‘tums’ tablets, or simply store-bought fertilizers that have calcium added (usually ones for tomatoes).

How to Plant a Tomato:

• First you want to look at your plant and cut off any leaves, stems, flowers off the bottom until you get to the top: you want to leave the top 2-4 leaves on the plant. It should look like a tree.
• Dig a hole deep enough to where the entire stem will be buried into the ground; the top leaves and perhaps a couple inches of stem should be the only things sticking out when done. (so if you have a very tall tomato seedling, you will need to dig a large hole for it!)
• Bury your tomato seedling and water well.
• Don’t forget your calcium supplement; this can be crushed eggs placed at the base of the plant, ‘tums’ tablets sprinkled around the base, or store-bought fertilizer that has extra calcium. A little goes a long way with tomatoes.

Please note it takes a couple weeks to see any real growth after transplanting. The plant is busy making tons of roots during this time!

Example above shows tomatoes in landscape fabric; notice how the lower leaves were completely pruned away for transplanting. Although they could be buried deeper than this, keeping the leaves off the ground helps with air flow.

The next example is one in a mounded bed using dried grass as mulch. Here you can see how all the leaves were pruned away to create a tree shape and buried deeply to the top.

It’s very important to plant your tomato as deeply as possible.

This is the only way it will have a chance to make tons of roots that will later support the plant at maturity.

If you are container gardening with tomatoes, plant them into a very large container or raised bed.

Tomato Trellises:

Tomato plants are very heavy at maturity.

Don’t waste your money on those cheap tomato cages you see stacked to the ceiling at big box stores.

They cannot hold the weight of full-grown tomatoes, with the exception of determinate varieties.

Aim to get strong, sturdy trellis. It should almost look too big and too strong at first.

You can make your own or purchase online. However, DIY ones usually hold up better than any trellises bought.

You can make cattle fence arches. String trellises. Or even a fence line.

The internet is full of creative ideas and there is sure one to fit your budget.

That’s It!

Tomatoes are easy to grow but it’s even easier to take care of them if you bury them deep enough from the start so they grow proper root systems.

Don’t forget your calcium addition too to avoid blossom end rot in your fruit.

Enjoy!

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Happy Gardening!

-Chelsea, The Cottage Vegetable

Gardening & Preserving for a Practical Kitchen

The Cottage Vegetable

Use coupon code COTTAGEVEG10 for 10% off your purchase site wide at OLLE GARDENS

12-IN 1 Metal Raised bed in Barn Red, featured in my own personal garden