How to Grow Tomatoes

We teach you all about how to grow tomatoes.

Grow tomatoes in an area that gets 6-8 hours of sun every day.
Improve soil nutrition and drainage by using a high-quality soil such as Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil for in-ground or raised bed planting and Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix for container planting.
Support tomatoes as they grow by adding a stake or cage.
Keep soil moist by watering when the top 1 inch of soil is dry.
Begin feeding tomato plants regularly with Shake ‘n Feed® Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable or Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food one month after planting.
Harvest when fruit reaches peak color and ripeness.

You don't need a big yard to grow tomatoes—you can raise these tasty gems in pots. Admittedly, there are a few tricks to raising a bumper crop, like knowing how to plant tomatoes properly (the secret is to plant deeply). You also have to get the timing right. Tomatoes crave heat, and they're typically planted in spring for a summer harvest. These plants are also notorious for their nutrient needs, so one of the most important parts of tomato plant care is making sure they are fed regularly.

Here are our top tips for growing tomatoes.

When and Where to Plant Tomatoes

Tomato plants need full sun, so choose a sunny spot that provides 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day. Aim for soil that is nutrient-rich and drains well. To achieve that balance of just-right drainage and nutrients, mix 3 inches of compost-enriched Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil into the top 6 inches of soil in traditional in-ground gardens. This organic soil is also light enough for raised beds, so you can fill up before planting tomatoes.

If you're using pots, fill them with potting mix which is lighter and fluffier than garden soil and specially formulated for outdoor containers. Use Moisture Control® Potting Mix or, if you want an organic option, Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix. When growing tomatoes in pots, choose a container that is at least 18 to 24 inches wide. You'll also want to make sure your container has a drainage hole to prevent overwatering and diseases.

How to Plant Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a warm-season crop that is usually planted during late spring and early summer, after all danger of frost has passed. You can either start from seeds or buy young tomato plants like the ones from Bonnie Plants. Starting out with plants that are already well on their way to maturity is a great way to shorten the time you have to wait to harvest your first juicy, delicious tomato.

While we recommend starting with young plants, especially if you're newer to growing, starting tomatoes from seed can be a rewarding process. We've got all the details in this guide on planting tomatoes from seed.

To plant young, starter tomato plants, step 1 is always to review your plant's tag for specific instructions. In general, you can follow these steps:

Prepare your garden bed or outdoor container for planting.
Tuck tomato plants deeply into soil, burying ⅔ of the stem. Roots form along the buried stem, which results in an extensive root system that will be better able to find water when summer heat arrives.
For tomatoes growing in garden beds, space plants 2 to 3 feet apart, depending on variety.
Water thoroughly after planting.

How to Take Care of Tomatoes

Now that your tomato plants are in the ground, keep them watered and fed so they can produce those delicious fruits! The best way to take care of tomato plants is with sunshine, water, and plenty of nutrition. These plants are heavy feeders, so giving them the nutrients they crave is vital to their success.

Support tomato plants. Support your tomato plants at planting time with a tall stake or strong cage. Supporting tomatoes keeps ripening fruits off the ground, where pests and diseases can be more likely to attack.

Watering tomatoes. Whether you planted in-ground or in an outdoor container, water tomato plants whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Tomatoes need more water as they increase in size and as summer heat arrives. Also keep in mind that tomato plants in containers will need water more often than their in-ground counterparts. Inconsistent watering, such as letting soil dry out severely (think wilted plants) before watering, can result in blossom end rot or cracked fruits.

Use Mulch. Mulch around plants with 3 inches of Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Natural Mulch, straw, shredded leaves, pine straw, or untreated grass clippings. Mulch helps stop weed seed from sprouting and keeps moisture in the soil longer.

Feeding Tomatoes. Tomato plants have big appetites and need a steady supply of plant food to grow their best. A month after planting, start feeding your tomato plants regularly. If you’d prefer to feed while you water, once every 7-14 days use Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food or, for an organic option, Miracle-Gro Organic™ Plant Food. Looking for an option that provides nutrients to your tomatoes longer? Try Shake ‘n Feed® Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable or Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food; both options will feed your tomatoes for up to 3 months.

When to Harvest Tomatoes

A ripe tomato should be fully colored and firm when you give it a gentle squeeze. This is typically 45 to 90 days after planting depending on your tomato variety (check the seed packet for the right color and the number of days to harvest). Tomatoes will continue to ripen after picking, so you can start gathering the harvest a little early if pests like chipmunks or birds are nibbling your crop. It's also a good idea to harvest a little early if you are expecting a lot of rain—a sudden uptake of water by the plant can crack fruit and dilute the flavor.

Store nearly-ripe tomatoes in a warm spot, such as the kitchen counter or near a bright window. Once tomatoes ripen fully, store them in a cool, humid spot with good air movement. Avoid stashing ripe tomatoes in the fridge before you slice them because temps below 55 °F break down flavor compounds.

Use Tomatoes in Your Kitchen

Tomatoes are extremely versatile in the kitchen. Eat them fresh as a side dish, sliced onto sandwiches or pizza, or in salads. Tomatoes are the key ingredient in salsa and pasta sauce, and they make a terrific soup. If you want to preserve the harvest, consider canning tomatoes, either whole or chopped, or turned into salsa or sauce.

Ready to start planting and growing your own tomatoes? They're a favorite of new and experienced growers alike, and for good reason! There's so much you can do with a bountiful harvest of tomatoes, making this a rewarding plant to grow.