There are thousands of tomato varieties to choose from. You can ask a local plant nursery or university extension about tomatoes that grow well locally, or try a popular option like Bush Steak, Celebrity, or Mountain Pride for medium to large fruits. [4] X Research source For cherry tomatoes, try Heartbreaker, Micro Tom, or Terenzo F1. [5] X Research source If you have pots at least 4 feet (1. 2 m) across, with 6–12 feet (1. 8–3. 7 m) of vertical space, you can grow vine type or “indeterminate” varieties instead. [6] X Research source These tomatoes can keep growing and fruiting for weeks longer than the bush tomatoes, as long as the weather is nice and sunny.
Starting with seedlings instead of seeds saves you several weeks of effort. The tomato plants are already growing and healthy, so in most climates, there’s no need to worry about grow lights and finicky temperature controls.
You can start with a very ripe storebought tomato by scooping out the seeds onto a coffee filter or other thick paper, then letting them dry before planting. [11] X Research source This is a fun experiment, but an unpredictable one, since the tomatoes that grow won’t usually look like the one you bought.
Vine tomato varieties can outgrow a pot this size. You can look your variety up to find out how big it will get, or just plan on transplanting it to a bigger pot if its roots start to fill up the space.
To go the extra mile and get a great potting mix, set up a frame with 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) hardware cloth over a large bucket. Pour the potting mix (with all the additions stirred in) onto the hardware cloth and shake the frame to sift the mix into the bucket. This breaks up clumps so the mix is more evenly distributed and easier for roots to grow through. [18] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source
It’s easiest on the plant if you transplant on a cool, cloudy day with low wind, and/or in the late afternoon. [20] X Research source Seedlings sold in a biodegradable starter pot are super convenient: skip this step and instead just “plant” the entire seedling pot inside the larger one. Just make sure none of the pot material is above the surface. [21] X Research source
Your tomato will grow roots out of the buried part of the stem. This makes it a healthier, stronger plant. [23] X Research source
A small wire tomato cage with two rings also works pretty well for these types of tomatoes, placed over the plant. [25] X Research source These varieties don’t need support as seedlings, so you can wait until later if you don’t have the right tools on hand today.
You can use a large tomato cage instead, placing it over the whole plant right after planting. Cage-grown tomatoes produce more tomatoes but take longer to ripen. [27] X Research source
After 2 weeks, your plant should be tough enough to stay outdoors permanently. This process is called “hardening off. " Bring the plant indoors during high wind or cold snaps.
If you’re in a cool climate, put the containers against the side of a building or garden wall, which reflects heat back onto the plants. [30] X Research source If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, put the plant on the south side of the structure for maximum sun.
The more consistent the moisture level is, the better the fruit, and the better your precious plants can defend themselves against disease. [33] X Research source
Bush variety with a stake: as each branch starts to fruit, support it by tying a piece of twine to the stake, then looping the twine loosely above (never below) the fruit cluster. Bush variety with a tomato cage: thin leaves from the center of the bush regularly. This prevents trapped moisture that can cause disease. [34] X Research source Vine variety with a trellis: attach each strong vine to a separate piece of twine hanging from the top of the trellis, using plastic greenhouse clips or just wrapping the vine around it. Prune away the weakest vines that you don’t have space for. Vine variety with a tomato cage: all you need to do for this setup is poke the vines back around the cage wires whenever they start to grow outward. [35] X Research source
Hot weather (92 °F (33 °C) and above) can mess with the tomatoes’ flavor and texture. [38] X Research source If you get a hot spell, shade the fruit and pick it a little early to ripen indoors, once the color has started to change. [39] X Research source Most tomato fruits end up best when the weather isn’t above 85 °F (29 °C). [40] X Research source Tomatoes taste best when kept at room temperature after harvesting, not in the fridge. [41] X Research source
Blossom end rot is actually caused by two things: too much change in moisture level, and too little calcium. [43] X Research source To solve the second problem with your next attempt at growing tomatoes, try adding more limestone into the potting mix. Inconsistent watering can also cause cracked fruits, with skin that splits apart either in concentric circles or long lines. These also need to be removed, but unlike rotting fruit, they’re still edible after you let them finish ripening indoors. [44] X Research source
Fungicides with chlorothalonil, maneb, or mancozeb work well on the most common tomato fungi. [46] X Research source Fungus spores can stick around in the soil over winter. If you get a bad infection this year, it’s best to start with a brand-new potting mix next year. [47] X Research source
