How To Grow the Best Tomatoes: Gardening Tips and Tricks

If I could only grow one plant in my garden, it would be the tomato.  My family goes through a lot of tomatoes; we use them to make fresh salsa, marinara sauce, Caprese salads, and chop them up to add to just about anything. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different planting and growing techniques and also read a billion blog posts and articles related to growing tomatoes in hopes that the yield would skyrocket and my tomatoes would be bigger and tastier. And guess, what? All of those things have happened! If you want to know how to grow the best tomatoes, here are my gardening tips and tricks:

Plant Tomatoes Deep for Stronger Roots

Tomatoes can develop roots along their stems, so planting them deeper than usual will encourage a more extensive root system.  Deeper roots will allow for the following:

• More Stability: Deep roots anchor the plant firmly, reducing the risk of it falling over.​
• Improved Nutrient Uptake: A larger root network accesses water and nutrients more efficiently.​
• Increased Yields: Healthy root support allows for more fruits to grow.​

How Deep Should You Plant Tomatoes?

You should bury at least two-thirds of the tomato seedling. If you’re planting a taller plant, like one you’d pick up from the garden center, remove the lower leaves and plant deeply.

​Tomatoes and Companion Planting

If you aren’t planning your garden based on companion planting, you’re missing out. Companion planting can enhance growth, deter pests, and sometimes even make the fruit or vegetable taste better. But not all plants grow well together. Let’s take a look at what plants to plant near tomatoes:

Beneficial Companion Plants for Tomatoes

• Basil: Repels pests like aphids and enhances the flavor of tomatoes. ​
• Marigolds: Keep tons of harmful insects away – I love planting marigolds in just about all of my garden beds!​
• Garlic and Onions: Naturally repel aphids and other pests.​
• Lettuce and Spinach: Provide ground cover and retain moisture so you won’t have to water as often.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Tomatoes:

• Corn: Attracts similar pests, such as the tomato fruit worm.​
• Broccoli: Competes for nutrients and can stunt tomato growth.​
• Fennel: Can inhibit tomato growth.

More Tips To Grow The Best Tomatoes

• Choose the Right Variety: There are so many types of tomatoes and each has slightly different needs – some related to climate. So, make sure to plant tomatoes compatible with your local area.
• Consistent Watering: Tomatoes need regular, deep watering to prevent stress and diseases like blossom-end rot.​
• Mulching: Add organic mulch to your garden soil to help retain moisture, regulate temperature, and keep weeds away.​
• Pruning: Remove suckers (the shoots that develop between the main stem and branches) to direct energy toward fruit production.​
• Keep Tomatoes Off The Ground: Use cages or stakes to support plants as they grow.  This will also keep the fruit off the ground and reduce disease risk.​
• Don’t Plant Tomatoes Too Early: Knowing when to plant tomatoes is super important.  Look at your area’s growing zone to see when the best time to plant tomatoes in your area is.

Let’s Grow Some Tomatoes This Summer

Get ready to enjoy a ton of fresh, flavorful tomatoes this summer! With consistent watering, deep planting, and some companion plants to protect them, your tomato garden will thrive! Whether you’re making salsa and sauces or enjoying them straight from the vine, a little extra effort now will lead to a delicious and productive harvest. 🍅🌿