Now that it is summer, home gardeners have begun planting one of the season’s most popular edible crops: tomatoes. Whether planting in a large backyard plot or a single patio container, growing a successful harvest relies on choosing the right variety, proper soil preparation and consistent care.
“Growing tomatoes is something nearly everyone can do, and it’s a fantastic activity for the whole family,” said Jennifer Schadegg, director of merchandising for Ace Retail Group, parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware. “With a little planning and the right supplies, you’ll be picking vine-ripened tomatoes from your own backyard all summer long.”
To help growers make the most of their yield and avoid common pitfalls, horticulture experts offer the following guidance for the summer growing season.
Choosing the right variety
Classic and regular-sized: Varieties like Better Boy, Beefsteak and Early Girl are garden staples. They are meaty, ideal for slicing and intended for fresh consumption.
Cherry and grape: Varieties such as Red Grape, Sugar Rush, Supersweet 100 and Sunsugar are highly prolific and easy to grow. These smaller tomatoes are suited for snacking and salads, but require plenty of room to spread.
Patio and container: Compact options like Tumbling Tom, Patio and Bush Early Girl are bred specifically for smaller spaces, making them ideal for raised beds, balconies and decks.
Planting and soil preparation
Tomatoes thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily. Increased sunlight directly correlates to higher fruit production.
Before planting, experts recommend mixing compost or high-quality garden soil into the top 12 inches of the garden bed. Tomatoes perform best in slightly acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
When planting, strip the lower leaves and bury up to two-thirds of the stem. Roots will form along the buried portion, creating a stronger, more drought-tolerant plant. Full-sized plants should be spaced 24 to 36 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation and reduce disease risk.
Containers and staking
For patio growing, use at least a 5-gallon container with drainage holes, and plan to water more frequently, as containers dry out faster than traditional beds. Raised beds are another popular option, as they drain well and allow for complete control over soil quality.
The bag planter hack: Growers can lay a bag of fertilizer-enriched potting soil flat, cut drainage holes in the bottom, flip it over and cut planting holes in the top for an instant, nutrient-rich planter.
Caging vs. staking: Heavy-gauge cages set over young plants early in the season are the easiest support method. For vining varieties, secure stems with 5- to 6-foot wooden or metal stakes at planting time, tying the stems loosely as the plant grows.
Watering, feeding and pruning
Consistent watering is crucial. Aim for 1 to 2 inches of water per week applied directly to the base of the plant. Irregular watering is a primary cause of blossom end rot and cracked fruit.
Fertilize at planting with a balanced tomato fertilizer. Once flowers appear, switch to a lower-nitrogen, higher-potassium blend to direct energy into fruit production rather than foliage. Container plants should be fed every two weeks.
To further improve the harvest, pinch off "suckers"—the small shoots that sprout in the "V" between the main stem and a branch. Stripping leaves from the bottom 12 inches of the mature plant can also improve airflow.
Pest control and harvesting
Blight is the most common disease affecting tomatoes. Keep foliage dry, remove affected leaves immediately and apply a copper-based fungicide during stretches of wet weather. For insects, hand-pick hornworms and use a strong blast of water to remove aphids. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can treat more persistent pests.
To protect the crop from squirrels, install bird netting or hardware cloth before the fruit begins to change color. A cayenne-based spray applied directly to the tomatoes can also act as a deterrent.
Most varieties are ready to harvest 60 to 80 days after transplanting. For optimal results, pick tomatoes at the "breaker" stage — when color is just starting to develop — and allow them to finish ripening indoors at room temperature, safe from pests.
