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3 things you need to know about growing tomatoes that nobody ever tells you

why haven't I heard of these things?? So good to know for my tomatoes

Tomatoes might just be my favorite thing to grow in the garden. I think that’s because the plant gets way bigger then most of the other things I plant. So when I’m gazing out my window and I see a miniature forest of tomato plants, I think “Hey! Maybe I am doing something right!” The other thing I love about tomatoes is the CRAZY amount of different kinds there are to choose from. There are purple ones, yellow ones, big ones, tiny ones, even lumpy ones, and spotted ones. Seriously the only other plant I can think of that has that many different awesome and weird options is a gourd, and they don’t taste quite as good as a tomato. But here’s the deal with tomatoes ….

They are pretty easy to grow, but there are some secrets you must know to grow them WELL.

Now I only say “secrets” because even after gardening with my dad growing up, studying permaculture for two months in Hawaii, and reading everything I could get my hands on about plants, there are still a few things about tomatoes that I ALMOST NEVER hear. And they make such a huge difference, that I want to make them not secrets anymore!

So here are the 3 things you NEED to know about growing tomatoes that nobody ever tells you.

  1. Determinate vs. Indeterminate

There are 2 different kinds of tomato plants. Determinate just means that the plant has a pre-determined size. So your tomato plant will grow, and once it gets to that certain size it will stop getting bigger and will put all of its energy into producing beautiful tomatoes. These plants usually grow 3-5 feet tall and then produce all of their fruit in a relatively short amount of time. This is good if you have less space or a shorter growing season because you can get the most out of your plants before the frost comes.

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So now can you guess what indeterminate means?? Yep, it means the plant DOESN’T have a pre-determined size. Your plant will continue to grow taller and taller until it freezes in the fall. It will produce fruit continually (but slower then determinate varieties) as the plant grows. Last year, my plants grew over 8 feet tall. See why they make me feel like I am doing something right? But it’s not me, it’s the type of tomato plant I grew. Indeterminate plants are nice if you have plenty of space to grow HUGE plants, and a longer growing season. If you have a short season, it will freeze before you have had a chance to harvest most of your tomatoes.

So how do you know if you are planting a determinate or an indeterminate? USUALLY the seed packet will say on it. However, I have been frustrated that many seed packets don’t say, and if you buy plant starts they almost never say. So the annoying truth is that you have to look up online the specific type of tomato you have chosen. Most of your beefsteak or big boy types are indeterminate, and most romas and cherry tomato types are determinate. But that’s not a constant so you need to check when you plant yours!

why havent i heard of these things? cages, watering, and different kinds of tomatoes.

2. Those tiny cages they sell at the store ….. won’t work people!

I would like to meet the person who designed the tiny, three ring, tomato cages and ask them what type of tomato they were growing because I have NEVER seen a full grown tomato plant, not even a determinate one, that would be properly held up by one of those. So, unless you’re going to a serious gardening store, and buying the bigger, sturdier, and spendier ones, you’re not helping your tomato plants out AT ALL by putting one of those around them. Let me show you what I mean ….

the difference between standard store bought tomato cages and huge sturdy homemade ones.

On the left is your basic store bought tomato cage, and on the right is my homemade tomato cage. And my big tomato cages STILL aren’t tall enough to keep the plants from flopping over towards the end of the season. You need, and I mean absolutely need, bigger tomato cages. If your tomatoes are sitting on the ground, you will be hard pressed to find one that’s not damaged in some way. If your plants are not propped up, you can’t even FIND the tomatoes, let alone eat them. And if your huge plants are just laying on the ground you will end up with smaller, broken plants, that are covered in dirt, and not very happy at all.

Check out my DIY BEEFY tomato cage video tutorial here.

Need a better look at how to weed your tomato garden? Check out my low maintenance WEED FREE video here. 

 

3. A tomato plant’s preferred watering schedule and method is different than most other garden plants.

Tomato plants HATE getting sprayed. They will pout if you water them from overhead. I use THIS SOAKER HOSE throughout most of my garden, but my tomatoes benefit more from it than any other plant. There are plenty of other options like hand watering with a hose, or using those cool clay pots that you fill with water, but whatever you decide to do, make sure you water it at the roots!!

why havent i heard of these things? cages, watering, and different kinds of tomatoes.

A few years ago a friend and I planted the same kind of tomatoes, from seed, at roughly the same time. Three months later, my plants were HUGE and producing tomatoes, while hers were about two feet tall and looking very sad. Wanna know the difference? She watered hers under a sprinkling system every night for 15 minutes, and I watered mine with a soaker hose once a week for about an hour. Tomatoes NEED deep watering about once a week, never shallow watering even if it’s often.

 

Phew! There you have it! 3 things you needed to know to be able to grow KILLER tomatoes.

 

Now one last thing… If you are serious about your tomatoes, you need to know this. Tomatofest.com has the largest and most impressive selection of organic and heirloom tomatoes I have ever seen. They have over 600 beautiful, unique, and rare varieties of all different colors, sizes, shapes, and flavors. In fact, this year I am trying out a blue tomato for the first time. Yes, blue! You can’t believe some of the stuff they have until you see it with your own eyes. CLICK HERE to visit this incredible organic and heirloom tomato seed supplier that is run by a couple who harvest their own seeds. If you aren’t buying your seeds through these guys, you are truly missing out on some great tomatoes.

 

If you liked this post then you will LOVE my free 8 day email-course The Tomato Freaks Guide to choosing, growing, and selling “high end” tomatoes.

Or check out How to guarantee you’ll have the first ripe tomatoes on the block! There is even more killer tomato advice for ya.

 

Anyone else have any “secrets” that no one tells you about tomatoes?? I am constantly on the lookout for more info!

~Farmer’s Wife

*this post contains affiliate links

 


Comments

  1. Wow! The most useful tomato information I’ve found anywhere!! I’ve been gardening for years and never heard most of this before now.

  2. I enjoy any good information on growing great tomatoes.
    I learned another tip, that helps keep my tomatoes healthy.
    I dig a deep hole and place a fish in it, then cover it with compost.
    Then I plant my plants. You are correct when you say to give them deep watering.
    My plants were great last year. I only plant for personal pleasure.
    It makes me happy to hear about others who love gardening.

    • I have read that Native Americans used that technique, of putting a fish in the hole. Well tested efficacy on that one. ??
      -Malece

    • Do you put the fish in right below where you plant the plant? Do you use an enter fish or do you gut it first? Does it matter what kind of fish? Very interesting!

  3. Hello, instead of putting a fish or egg shells I bought bone meal and oyster powder. A couple of asparine and some Epsom salt….long list but it works great. Happy planting 🙂

  4. Hi again, how do you make your cages. Can you plz provide a list of thing I need to buy in order to make them? I usually put stake (the three inch thick and 6 feet tall ones that anchor in in the soil)
    Thank you!

    • Hello again Zein! All I used was fencing material. I needed strong wire cutters to cut it to size and then bent it into shape. I have had so many questions about it that I am making a how to video next week about it. I will let you know when I post it!

      • I use the same fence material but make them in triangles. Then when needed I use plastic ties to put them together. That way they store flat and don’t take up as much space.

        • That’s a great idea for storage. We used zip ties the first time and I had issues with them lasting the whole year without breaking under the weight of my plants so we quit using them. But if it works for you then keep doing it!

  5. Another thing is calcium in the soil I us 1/4 cup of powdered milk. This prevents blossom end rot… especially if it’s a rainy summer

  6. What is deep watering as opposed to shallow watering? Sorry, I’m new to this. :/ My tomatos are in a pot because it’s small cherry tomatoes. I shower them with the hose. But I have a tendency to kill everything and I’m trying to learn because my five year old is reeeeally excited about his tomatos.

    • No problem at all Beth, I love answering questions. Deep watering just means LOTS of water, but applied slowly so it has a chance to soak way down deep. Shallow watering would be less water that only soaks down an inch or two. Watering them deep makes the roots grow down instead of out and you will have a much stronger plant. Let me know if you have any more questions, and tell your son that my 6 year old loves growing tomatoes too!

  7. I have a secret for you. When you plant your tomatoes put a little Epsom Salts the hole and mix it in the dirt in the bottom of the hole. After it is planted side dress the plant with Epsom Salts and water well. I also spray my pepper flowers with a mixture of 1 or 2 tsp. of Epsom Salts to 4 or 5 cups of water. Oh my Gosh you should see the buds I have on one of my peppers
    In fact it is good to lightly spread Epsom Salts in your garden.

  8. We have raised bed. My tomatoes are doing great. I put red worms in them. We have put some compost also. Tom ates are really giving lots of tomatos already. Also have a great crop of the hot peppers.

  9. My friend told me that tomatoes like to compete. So if you plant them next to something red (wall, flowers or other fruits/veg) your tomatoes will end up being a brighter red.

  10. A tip I learned was to put strip of old panty hose or stockings from my wife around the tomatoe cages in a couple of places .It puts a small static charge on the tomatoes when the wind blows and makes them grow like crazy. I know it sounds crazy, but it works for me.

    • Wow that does sound crazy! but sometimes the crazy things are the ones that work the most. I guess my tomato patch already looks crazy with giant cages, suran wrap, and sleeping bags at night … the neighbors shouldn’t mind too much if I tie some pantyhose up too!

  11. Any ideas for when leaves turn yellow and sad? I’ve tried Epsom salts, egg shells, and milk/water solution and nothing has worked.

    • Do you have this problem every year? And do you try those things from the beginning of the summer or after you notice the leaves turn yellow?

  12. My neighbor said to put netting over tomato plants so they get filtered sun instead of full sun all day long. Not sure about this. I’ve always heard they like lots of sun. Can tomato plants get too much sun?

    • Well personally I would disagree with that. The more sun the better for my tomatoes! But different varieties and different growing zones might be a reason to shade them. Maybe I will have to do some research.

  13. All good information. My best tomatoes ever were when I planted them along the foundation of the house. Concrete absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, needed for ripening. Also I had ground my egg shells in the coffee grinder and added some to the soil when I planted the tomatoes. Take off the lowest leaves and plant deep so they develop more roots, makes a stronger plant. We live in an area with so many tall firs it is hard to come by the 6-8 hours a day of sunshine that veggies like! But I have to have tomatoes!!

  14. Hi! I’d read somewhere that tomatoes like calcium so, I collected egg shells over a month (stored them in the freezer)……. ground them up in my kitchen blender and mixed it in with the soil when I planted them this year. I planted 6 tomato plants but, only had enough egg shells for 5 of them. I am pleasantly surprised! The 5 tomato plants with the egg shells have grown about 2 feet since I planted them about a month ago however, the 6th plant has barely grown. The 5 have tomato flowers and the single tomato looks very sad. The only variable that is different between them is the egg shell application. I’m sold!

  15. If you see the little white butterflies in your garden start putting your sevens dust on your plant’s. Because right after that you’ll start finding tomato worms

  16. What variety of tomatoes has a good acid taste. What can I do to increase acid content in my tomatoes?

    • What you put into your soil can effect the acid content. My favorite acidic variety is Celebrity Hybrid. And it should be noted that they have done studies that show the riper your tomato gets, the less acidic it will be.

  17. Hello. A tip I heard from a farmer is when the tomatoe plants starts a new “branch” at the “Y” part pull the new shoot. This will help reduce your plant size but will produce extra flowers. I have done this to all three of my plants. I do have extra blooms and more tomatoes this year. But next year I plan on planting my tomatoes topys turvey. My plants grow over 6 feet and you are correct those tomatoe cages don’t work.
    Additional tip I use pool noodles ( cut to size) around my cages to help reduce the limbs from bending over the metal.

    • Ahhh ants! I have a serious infestation too! I am working on an experiment to find out which organic approach is best and I will let you know how it goes. But in the meantime, boiling water is good if they aren’t too close to your veggies. I am trying borax today, I will keep you updated.

      • Look in to adding Diatomaceous Earth to your soil, and sprinkling the leaves. It’s like broken glass to ants, and completely safe for humans and animals to ingest (we already ingest it in our flour to keep out the grubs the previous generation fought in their stored flour). Don’t put it too deep into the soil though, it’s not great for worms ?.

      • To get rid of ants I use 2 parts Borax and 1 part sugar. Sprinkle where you see them “walking”. I have used this for all kinds of ants and it works great!! Good Luck!!

    • Ants on tomatoes successfully wrestle with coffee. Coffee even used successfully as a good fertilizer for razteniyata. But somewhere I read that is not recommended for alkaline soils such as in Texas … AFAIK in black soil is nice to be imported river sand and lime – that calcium … Otherwise I write from Bulgaria and we congratulate the new year 2017!

  19. FYI – I know I’m a bit picky about such things, but there is a difference between the words “THAN” and “THEN”.

  20. My biggest problem seems to be mildew and blight. I have a slanting roof over my tomatoes so that the rain does no fall directly onto the plants. They get watered by a low sprinkler system that comes on automatically at 8:00 in the morning. The soil always remains moist and quite dee.
    In the later part of our Summer, the older and lower leaves invariably start to get yellow. I remove whatever doesn’t look healthy but with time the mildew takes over.
    I have made up a spray using flowers of Sulfur with some dishwashing detergent but that is also not effective. There is a product on the market, called Dithane WG (wetable granules) but I don’t like to spray the edible fruit with it although the blurb does recommend it, requiring a certain time after last sprayinf to harvest.
    Do you have any good suggestions?
    I am writing from South Africa, where we live in the Johannesburg area that lies 6000 feet above sea level.

    • Hello from South Africa! I don’t have much gardening experience with your continent but hopefully I can be of some help. I would highly recommend changing the way you water your tomatoes. If you are watering them every day then they are getting too much, too frequently and you will have mildew problems forever. Part of “deep watering” is letting the top part of the soil dry out so that the roots will grow down towards the water, instead of stay near the surface. Try watering them much less often, and let me know how it goes!
      Good Luck from the USA!

    • Thanks for your advice. You are probably right about the deep watering. I will have to do that next Spring/Summer. Like the rest of the world, we had a very unusual Summer (it is fall here right now). The El Niño caused much heat and very little rain. Also I visited my family (5 grandchildren) in Texas during November,Dec. and into January. So I was not here to look after my Veg. garden apart from the Automatic watering system.
      However, a Tomato seeded itself in a flower bed fairly late in the season and I didn’t have the heart to remove it. Right now it is the most beautiful and strong plant with a lot of fruit on it and no signs of disease. Just hope the fruit will ripen before we get frost. I have a photo on my iPhone but don’t know how to get it onto this chat.

  21. OK, you may have mentioned in another comment. But I will ask anyway. How many hours of full sun does a good tomatoe need? I have mine in pots and all day sun requires me to water everyday. Wont my tomatoes taste watery?

    • Yes, growing them in pots requires a little bit of a different approach for sure. They need 6 hours of sunlight a day AT LEAST. The more sunlight the better! As long as your feeding them some kind of fertilizer or compost, they shouldn’t taste too watery.

  22. Thank you for the great information. I too made my own cages very much like yours. Last year my tomatoes were like huge tree’s in the forest. I quickly and safely as possible used rabbit fencing and zip ties to secure my plants. This year they are already in place. I have 48 plants. Hoping for a great harvest to share with family and friends.

    • Wow! 48 plants?!?! That would be a very impressive tomato forest to see! I have 13, and I wish I had room for more.
      I am sure you will have plenty of lovely tomatoes to share, that is the best part of having a large garden isn’t it?

      • I’m on 10 Acres so I do have a nice size garden. Trust me it is a lot of work. I’m trying Brussels Sprouts for the first time this year any advice?

        • Next year we are moving from our 1 acre lot to a 10 acre lot and starting over from scratch. I can’t wait to have a garden that size! Working in the dirt makes me so happy, I am sure you feel the same way. Unfortunately I tried Brussel sprouts one year and we really didn’t like them so it wasn’t worth giving up the garden space. I haven’t grown them for a few years so my advice wouldn’t be very good! But good luck!

  23. As far as the deep watering goes, I purchased some long plastic drainage pipe (about 4 inches in diameter) from my local hardware store with holes in them. I cut pieces about 18 inches long and buried these pipes vertically with about an inch sticking out of the ground. I planted my tomato plants about 6 to 8 inches away from them. When I hand water, I fill these pipes with water several times per watering day. The water seeps out from the holes and waters deep down to where the roots are. I live in SoCal where water is expensive. Did this last year for the first time and my tomato yield was fantastic!

    • Great Idea! That would help a bunch with the water conservation, and get the water exactly where it needs to go. Did the pipes fill up with soil and debris or did they stay pretty clear?

  24. we usually also put crushed up egg shells with our tomatoes too. that seems to make them grow bigger

  25. The hotter it is in your region, the deeper you plant your tomatoes. In the mountain west I plant a minimum of 12-14 inches down. This goes with your deep watering tip; roots like to keep cool, the tops of the plant like it hot.

  26. I have heard that it helps to prune indeterminate varieties when they reach a certain height. You can choose whatever height you prefer from 4 to 6 feet. They will stop growing taller and begin producing more fruit at that point. I tried it last year and did get more tomatoes and less “forest”. I also pinch suckers. If I don’t do these two things, I get a forest of green, but very few tomatoes. Suckers are the little shoots that come out of the V between the main stem and the side shoots. I always knew I should plant them deep and take off the lowest little leaves, but did not know that planting deeply is good in hot climates. We have very hot, humid summers in Missouri so I’ll plant them as deep as possible from now on.

  27. I saw an apparently high-yield way of planting tomatoes in a young couple’s garden: they built a (6′ +/-) high saw-horse type structure – a pole between two supports. (I think a bamboo tee-pee structure would work as supports also.) From the pole hung plastic buckets in which the tomatoes were planted. The leaves and fat tomato fruit trailed downward over the sides of the buckets. The buckets were deep orange (the “red” competition mentioned elsewhere above). I have not tried this, but thought tomato growers who had not heard of this method might be interested in experimenting with it. Of course the soil and additives, whatever they were, played a role in the yield.

  28. I have a dumb question. I live in the Northeast and because of where I live, I have to plant my veggies in pots on the porch so that the deer don’t destroy them (even with a fence!) How do I “deep soak” my tomato plant roots if they are in a pot?

    • Not a dumb question at all! I am sorry you have to grow everything in pots, that must be annoying! Find the biggest pot you can for your tomatoes, that way they will be able to grow deeper. Just make sure when you do water them, you give them a ton. Never just a sprinkle. If your pot is big enough you should still be able to go at least three days in between watering. Watch the leaves, they will tell you when it’s thirsty. Go out first thing in the morning before it gets hot and if they are curling then water them that day. It has to be in the morning though, if they are curling during the day it doesn’t mean it needs water, only that it’s hot and it’s cooling itself off. Good luck!

  29. I live in Florida and my tomatoes always start out great but as it gets more into summer, the plants start dying from the bottom up. By the end of July, the whole plant is dead. I don’t know if it is lack of water, to !much sun, or pests. Any ideas?

    • Hmmmm if it were pests you should be able to see some of them on the leaves or around the plant somewhere. It doesn’t sound like a water problem to me. How hot does it get where you are? Tomatoes have a hard time if it’s over 100 degrees and super sunny. Try planting them in a spot that gets a few hours of shade next time. Let me know how it goes!

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