When tomato plants are in season, you want the best fruits possible.
Hoorayspringtime means it is finally time toplant tomatoes!
You’ll thank us later.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Defer gratification now, and you’ll get lots more tomatoes later.
As an option, pinch off any flowers or fruit before planting.
Check for Insects
Keep an eye out for whiteflies in particular.
Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson,
Infested plants are basically non-salvageable.
Lightly brush the foliage of any new plant before you buy.
Leave that plant behind if you see any tiny, white triangles fly off.
Credit: Getty Images
Just Google your ZIP code and “last spring frost date.”
Note the bang out of Tomato Plant
Tomato plants are eitherdeterminate or indeterminate.
Choose this kind for growing in small spaces or containers.
Choose this kind for growing in cages where you have more room.
Just be sure to look outside the popular kinds of tomatoes and try something different, likecherry tomatoes.
When starting your tomato garden, you want plants with a good foundation.
The stem should be the thickness of a pencil.
Inspect the Stem
Ensure thetomato plantyou buy has a solid central stem that is not drooping.
The stem should be green and unblemished.
These can indicate a weak stem or that root rot has taken hold.
They may appear in garden centers early.
If you buy them late, plant them but know their production may be affected by the delay.
Don’t forget to tag us in your tomato plant photoswe love to see some thriving tomatoes!
confirm the plant is getting enough water, especially as temperatures warm.
Give the plant some shade if the leaves are brown or scorched.
Soft and mushy leaves and stems can indicate that a tomato plant is getting too much water.
Try letting the soil dry out.
If needed, replant the plant in dry soil.
Avoid corn because it attracts the same pests as tomatoes.
Cabbage and broccoli will compete with tomatoes for nutrients.
