Planting TomatoesHow To And WhenPlanting tomatoes shouldn't be backbreaking work.... in fact, quite the opposite! They are easy to plant, thrive if the conditions are right, and once ripe, they taste nothing like the their distant relations at the supermarket! There's a reason growing tomatoes is so popular; they're the perfect plant for the new gardener, and there is lots of room to experiment for the veteran. The first step in planting tomatoes is picking the perfect spot. Tomato plants adore sunlight, and will need about fourteen hours of it per day. If you are unable to find a spot with full sun for your plants in the yard, consider purchasing a small florescent light to give them artificial sunlight, and growing them indoors ! Gardening is about flexibility, and if you can't bring your plant to the elements, bring the elements to your plant! When To Plant TomatoesYou know that tomato plants are not frost hardy, so obviously they cannot be planted out until after the last frost. If you are growing your own plants from seed, growing to transplant size takes about 6 weeks. So, plant those seeds indoors, in your greenhouse or cold frame six weeks before the last expected frost date for your area.But, frost alone does not dictate the time for planting tomatoes. They are a subtropical species that will not thrive and grow vigorously until the soil temperature has climbed to about 50 degrees or so. Planted in cold soil, even after frost, most tomatoes will just sit and wait. This will permanently stunt your plants and will not result in an earlier harvest. For best results, check your soil temperature and delay planting out until your soil warms. If you must jump the gun, choose a tomato variety that will grow and bloom in cooler temperatures. There are several, so check the online seed catalogs. 
How To Plant Tomato PlantsWhen your tomato plants are ready to be planted out, repeat the phrase "deep planting" over and over, so you don't forget. Most plants rebel if transplanted deeper than they have been growing. Not so with tomatoes – the stem will thrive if it's buried in soil up to the first leaf, allowing new roots to sprout and grow from the newly buried portion of the stalk.In about three weeks those new roots will cause the plant to explode into new top growth as well. Remember that the stronger its base, the higher your tomato plant can soar! Use a natural compost to fertilize your plant. If you don't currently make compost at your home, you can head to a local garden center and buy organic compost by the bag. They also need a good tomato fertilizer with enough phosphorous to assure that your plants will blossom heavily and set plenty of fruit. Avoid applying harmful pesticides to your tomato plant, and let nature do its job! I'm a firm believer in organic gardening , and over the past fifty years or so I've seen major changes made to gardens...it's all, chemicals, chemicals, chemicals! Gnomes aren’t big on chemicals. Visit the organic pest control area of our site. When planting tomatoes, treat them right and you won't need to go that route. Watering Your TomatoesWhen planting tomatoes, proper watering is crucial. Water regularly and deeply, but not too often once the plants are established. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deep where they will have access to a smorgasbord of minerals to feast upon.Watering during the early morning will allow your plants to soak in more water without it evaporating in summer's heat. Nighttime watering interferes with the plants' need to take in oxygen through their roots after the day (and photosynthesis) is done. Water at the base of your plants, rather than overhead. Getting the leaves wet encourages disease in tomatoes, as well as other vegetables. Drip systems are ideal. How often you water will depend not only on your climate, but also on your soil type . If you are going to be away for more than a couple of days, and there's no rain on the forecast, have someone come tend to your plants. Irregular watering can do serious damage, and your tomato plants will not bear fruit. When Platning Tomatoes, Support And Prune ThemInstall a stake, cage or some trellising device once your plant has adjusted to living in the ground; tomato plants like to grow up up up, and the best way is to have a stake for them to "climb..." Read the article on pruning tomatoes , so that you get more fruit, not just leaf and branch.When you see your plant beginning to flower, pick fruit at it's ripest; don’t let it hang on the vine. Keeping your plants picked will encourage more fruit to grow. Remember, tomato plants are easy to grow, and with a little love and tender care they will provide you with delicious fruits that taste better than any tomato you can buy at the market all summer long and into the fall. That's all there is to planting tomatoes. Happy gardening, Geefrank
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