Grow the Perfect Tomato

Why grow tomatoes at home? Let’s start with the obvious answer:
Home grown tomatoes taste better!

But did you know that tomatoes are also an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that contributes to overall health and well-being? Plus, it’s easy to grow a bountiful crop with just a few easy steps. So why wait? Now is the time to join the local food movement and ensure that you are eating healthy, nutritious vegetables straight from the garden!

How do I get started? We recommend starting with 4" or gallon size tomato plants, and the best time to plant is May to early June. Then follow these easy steps:

First decide what type of tomatoes you want! There are basically 2 types of tomatoes:

Determinate varieties – shorter, bushier, well-suited for growing in a container, these varieties produce a large single crop.

Indeterminate varieties – taller growing, these varieties need extra support and produce throughout the growing season. (Most heirloom types are indeterminate.)

Next, choose an area with full sun to grow your tomatoes (minimum 6-8 hours direct sun). If possible place them near a south or west facing wall that will absorb heat all day and keep your tomatoes warmer at night. Tomatoes love heat!

Now prepare the area for your tomato plants. If you’re planting into a garden bed, amend your garden soil with Gardner & Bloome Harvest Supreme. If planting into a container, fill the container with Molbak’s Professional Mix Potting Soil mixed with a small amount of Harvest Supreme. For best results, use a container that is 10 gallons or larger.

MOLBAK’S TIP: add a couple handfuls of lime to the soil at planting time to help prevent blossom end rot.

Final step — plant your tomatoes! When planting tomatoes, we recommend that you plant them deeply so the lower sets of leaves are actually covered by soil. Roots will develop along the stem underground strengthening your plants.

Caring for your tomatoes:

Protection: Depending on the weather, you may need to cover your tomatoes at night in the beginning. Molbak’s has covers in a large variety of sizes and materials to meet your needs. Once temperatures remain above 50°F consistently, you no longer need to cover the tomato plants. 

Support: Staking is required for indeterminate varieties and helpful for others. You can use an A-frame trellis or tomato cage and supports should be installed at the time of planting for ease. For the adventurous, tomato cages are now available in many bright, fun colors.

Food: Feed your tomatoes regularly with an organic tomato and vegetable fertilizer: we recommend Dr. Earth Tomato and Vegetable organic fertilizer.

Water: Water deeply and consistently, this will prevent many of the most common tomato problems. Never water the leaves on a tomato, always water at the soil level. The best time to water is in the morning before the heat of the day. 

Enjoy the fruits of your labor! Taste the ripe, juicy tomatoes you grow in all of your favorite dishes, share them with your friends and family, and know that you are a part of the local food movement.

Click here to see a list of tomato varieties arriving daily from our plant farm just down the road.