Tomatoes are the crop community gardeners get most excited about — and the one food pantries love to receive. They're not hard to grow well once you know a few key moves. Here's how to get a heavy, healthy harvest.
Plant deep and give them sun
Tomatoes root along their stems, so plant seedlings deep — bury two-thirds of the stem — for a stronger root system. Give them full sun (6–8+ hours) and rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost.
Support and prune
Stake or cage every plant from the start; sprawling tomatoes get diseased and hard to harvest. For indeterminate (vining) types, pinch out the small "suckers" between the main stem and branches to focus energy on fruit and airflow.
Water consistently
Uneven watering causes cracking and blossom-end rot. Water deeply and consistently at the base (not the leaves), and mulch to keep moisture steady — see our watering guide.
Feed and companion-plant
Tomatoes are heavy feeders — work in compost and feed through the season. Basil and marigolds make good neighbors; see companion planting.
Head off common problems
- ›Blossom-end rot: consistent watering and adequate calcium.
- ›Cracking: avoid feast-or-famine watering.
- ›Blight and leaf spot: space for airflow, water at the base, remove affected leaves.
Grow a bumper tomato crop and track every pound you donate with WeAllGarden's free harvest tracker. Get started.