As the weather warms and the gardening season kicks off, there’s one golden rule every tomato grower—beginner or pro—should know: plant your tomatoes deep, and feed them right. Skip this, and you could be missing out on the juiciest, most abundant tomato harvest of your life.
Here’s your complete, foolproof guide to planting tomatoes outdoors the right way—featuring the #1 mistake to avoid, the must-add ingredient for disease-free fruits, and how to boost your yield naturally.
Step 1: Time It Right & Pick the Perfect Spot
Before you start digging, make sure:
- Nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C)
- You have a sunny location—tomatoes need 6–8 hours of sunlight daily
- Your seedlings are strong, with thick stems and several sets of true leaves
Step 2: Choose the Right Variety for Your Garden
From rich and meaty Oxheart, to juicy Saint Pierre, to sweet Apple Tomatoes, variety matters. Choose based on:
- Climate conditions
- Your taste preferences
- Growth space (some are compact, others need room to sprawl!)
Step 3: The Game-Changer — Deep Planting
Here’s the trick most beginners miss:
Bury your tomato seedlings deeper than the pot they came in—way deeper.
Unlike most plants, tomatoes grow roots along their buried stems (thanks to adventitious root nodes). By planting them deeper, you get:
- A stronger, more extensive root system
- Better water and nutrient uptake
- More stable plants (less wind damage)
- Increased resistance to diseases and pests
- Better protection from temperature swings
How deep should you go?
Bury at least half of the stem. In fact, some growers even plant tomatoes horizontally in trenches, then gently bend the stem upward.
Step 4: Prep the Perfect Planting Hole
Use a measuring stick to estimate how deep you’ll need to go. Adjust your rows accordingly, especially if you’re planting multiple varieties.
Don’t forget to feed the soil:
- Mix in compost or aged manure to boost fertility
- Add pelleted organic fertilizer—a great slow-release option approved for organic gardening
Step 5: Add Calcium—Your Tomatoes Need It
One of the biggest threats to your harvest is blossom end rot, caused by calcium deficiency. The solution? Eggshells.
Here’s how:
- Rinse and dry your eggshells
- Crush them into small pieces
- Drop 1–2 crushed shells directly into each planting hole
This provides a steady release of calcium throughout the season and helps maintain a healthy pH balance in the soil.
Step 6: Plant, Firm, and Water
Now you’re ready to plant like a pro:
- Place the seedling deep into the soil
- Cover and firm the soil around it to eliminate air pockets
- Water thoroughly to help the roots settle in
Ongoing Tips for a Tomato Bounty
- Support your plants early with cages or stakes
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Water consistently—about 1–2 inches per week
- Watch for pests like aphids and hornworms, and act quickly
Final Thoughts: From Seedling to Supersized Harvest
With the right prep, deep planting, and a little calcium boost, you’re setting your tomatoes up for massive success. These small changes make a huge difference in plant health and yield.
So before you plant your tomatoes this season—remember:
Go deep
Feed smart
Don’t skip the eggshells
Your garden—and your taste buds—will thank you.
Happy growing!
