Tomato Plants

As a rite of passage for veteran and rookie gardeners alike, tomato plants are the crown jewel of any home garden. Between their colorful fruits, beautiful vines, and strong aroma, they’re always the center of attention. And for good reason, too!

Though they’re not particularly difficult to grow, there is a lot to keep in mind. Here, you’ll find a lot of essential information about growing tomato plants. 

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How to Plant Tomato Plants

Let’s start with the basics!

How To Grow Tomatoes

If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, then this post is perfect for you. It takes you through every essential step that has to do with planting and growing tomatoes.

From choosing the right types of tomato variety, to choosing between transplants and seeds, you’ll even have guidance on diagnosing common pests and diseases. 

How to Plant Tomato Seeds

If you already know that you want to grow a tomato plant through absolutely every stage of life, then starting from seed is the way to go. Learn about when you should plant the seeds, what to expect, and more.

The Best Time to Plant Tomatoes

While most people assume that tomatoes are summer crops, and thus get planted in the spring, it can get a bit more nuanced than that. Consider the important factors that determine exactly when you should get down to tomato business, including the climate, location, tomato variety, and more. 

How to Start a Tomato Garden

Say you’re a real beginner, and simply have no idea where to start. You’re not alone! This is the perfect guide for you. You’ll learn, at a high level, everything you’ll have to do to start the perfect tomato garden. 

Creative Tomato Garden Ideas

One of the reasons that tomato plants are so great is that they can be grown in a variety of different garden types. Have a lot of space? That’s great. Don’t have much space? Not a problem!

How to Harvest Tomato Seeds

Already have tomatoes, and want to collect their seeds to replant the next generation? Here’s how to do it!

Tomato Planters
Tomato Grow Bags
Upside-Down Tomato Planters

Planting your tomatoes in pots, bags, or planters? Here are the best brands I recommend.

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Tomato Plant Care

While relatively easy to care for, some tomato varieties need a little more support (quite literally) than others. Here are some comprehensive guides on tomato care to check out before (or while!) you dive into your tomato growing adventure. 

Growing Tomatoes

As you might imagine, there’s many different ways to grow tomatoes successfully. Here’s our how-to guides. 

Growing Tomatoes in Containers

Not sure what else to plant with your tomatoes? Check out what we think make for the best tomato neighbors:

Companion Plants for Tomatoes
Mixing Marigolds and Tomatoes

Soil

One of the best things you can do for your plants is to ensure rich, healthy soil. 

Pruning

Propper pruning ensures healthy plant growth and efficient fruit production. 

Pruning Indeterminate Tomatoes
How To Prune Tomato Plants

Pests and Diseases

Like other fruit and veggie plants, tomato plants are susceptible to pests and diseases.

Harvest

Here’s my favorite part about growing tomatoes. Reaping the literal fruits of my hard work!

How to Harvest Tomatoes

Support

If you’re curious to know which type of tomato plants require the most support, skip to the Determinate, Indeterminate, and Heirloom section. 

Storing

Can’t keep up with your tomato plant production? The good news is that there are many 

The Best Way to Store Tomatoes
How to Freeze Tomatoes
How to Save Tomato Seeds

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Tomatoes in the Kitchen

Tomatoes are a staple fruit (yes, a fruit!) in cuisines around the world. Take a look at a couple of great recipes, plus some tips and tricks about peeling tomatoes, and determining when they’re ripe. 

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Tomato Health Benefits

One of the best things about consuming tomatoes is that they’re actually good for your! Check out these posts to learn about exactly what’s going on beneath those brightly colored skins. 

Health Benefits of Tomato Juice
Tomato Health Benefits
Complete Tomato Nutrition Guide

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Best Tomato Products

Take a look at my product recommendations for planters and tomato cages:

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Types of Tomatoes

As you can imagine, there are many tomato types and varieties out there. Knowing exactly what type of tomato you’re dealing with will help you to determine the best care they need.

Determinate, Indeterminate, and Heirloom

Whether you’re growing determinate or indeterminate tomato will play a big factor in deciding the location, support, and pruning habits of your tomato plants. Similarly, knowing what an heirloom tomato is is important for every gardener!

Best Varieties for Specific Uses

Already have a goal in mind for your tomato harvest? Some tomato varieties are better suited to certain uses, and it’s a good thing to know this ahead of time. 

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Tomato Varieties

Take a look at the many common and unique tomato varieties out there!

Tomato Varieties: Your Complete Guide to 76 Incredible Varieties of Tomatoes

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Tomato Plant FAQs

What are those circular things they grow on? Are they important?

They are called tomato plant cages. Gardeners use them to help their tomato plants grow upwards. The plant branches are flimsy, and tomatoes are dense and bulbous. That causes plants to dip to the ground, stunting the growth of the fruit.

By keeping your plant upright with cages, they won’t tip over, and your fruit can grow to full term. Cages can be purchased online or at a gardening store.

Why are my tomatoes splitting?

The most probably cause for your tomato splitting is fluctuating water supply. That’s because is these situations, the flesh ends up growing faster than the peel, and it eventually bursts through.

Why are my tomatoes coming up green?

All tomatoes start out green before they ripen. This is due to the chlorophyll in their cells, the same chemical that turns leaves green during the summer. Once they mature, they produce ethylene gas which causes the fruit to ripen into the red color we’re familiar with.

When will I know a tomato is ready to be picked?

Timing is important for picking tomatoes. You want to pick them once they’re ripe and before they start to decay. Look for two things: color and feel. Ripe tomatoes will have a vibrant red color. As for feel, ripe tomatoes will be mostly firm but have some give to them. If you give it a light squeeze, it will get a slight imprint.

To learn more, check out our harvesting tomatoes section.

What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes?

Many important differences! Check out our determinate versus indeterminate section to learn more. 

What tomato plants stay small?

If you are living in a small space, you can still grow tomato plants and benefit from growing your own produce. Small tomato plants can be as short as eighteen inches and get no taller than four feet. Bush beefsteak, Clear Pink Early, Red Rocket, and Tumbling Toms are some of the popular small plant varieties.

Check with your local nursery if your tomato plant is right for your space.

Why are tomatoes fruit?

Tomatoes are technically classified as fruit because they contain seeds and form from a flower. However, because they contain low levels of fructose and aren’t as sweet as other fruits, we eat them with other vegetables. Zucchini is another vegetable that’s actually a fruit, too.

Do tomato plants have thorns?

There is only one variety of tomatoes that have thorns: the litchi tomato plant.

Are tomatoes toxic?

Some people believe that because tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, they can worsen arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. However, the elements that would cause this are found in the stem and leaves, not the fruit itself.

Why is my tomato plant turning yellow?

Yellow leaves on a tomato plant is not a good sign. It can mean disease, malnutrition, or dehydration in your plant. If you start to see yellow leaves, add nutrient-rich fertilizer to the soil and ensure the plant is being watered regularly.

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Grow Your Own Tomatoes!

Now that you’re well on your way to learning all there is to know about tomatoes, start looking into some of my other favorite goodies: