Grow Delicious Backyard Tomatoes: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Nothing beats a sun-warmed, homegrown tomato. From sandwiches to salsa, the uses are endless—and so are the varieties. Here's how to get your best harvest.

Soil & Sun

Tomatoes thrive in light, fertile soil rich in organic matter but moderate in nitrogen. Loosen soil 10 inches deep, blend in 2–3 inches of compost, and give them maximum sun and consistent water.

Choosing Varieties

No single variety offers early harvest, large fruit, great flavor, and long season. If space allows, grow several types:

• Determinate (bush): 3 ft tall, short branches, concentrated 3-week harvest.
• Indeterminate (vining): Continuous growth, fruiting all season; needs staking.
• Semi-determinate: 3–4 ft, traits of both.

Also consider season length: early (60 days), mid (75 days), late (75+ days).

Planting Tips

• Buy young, stocky plants (6–8 weeks old)—avoid tall, leggy ones or those already flowering.
• Plant after last frost when soil ≥55°F and nights ≥45°F.
• Space caged/trellised plants 15 in. apart in a 30-in. bed; allow 2 ft for determinate, 3 ft for indeterminate.
• Plant deep—remove lower leaves and bury stem to encourage rooting.

Tomatoes are native to South America's long, warm seasons. In cooler climates, we "trick" them with early starts and season extenders. Stay tuned for care, harvest, and storage tips.