Want healthier, tastier tomatoes? Here’s how:
- Plant tomato stems deeply to develop stronger roots and withstand the weather.
- Remove lower leaves when plants grow tall to prevent disease.
- Pinch off side shoots so plants can focus on growing fruit.
- Add mulch to retain moisture and protect against soil diseases.
- Use copper strips to keep slugs and snails away.
- Support your tomatoes with stakes or cages to keep them upright.
- Space plants apart for better sunlight and airflow.
- Water at the base to avoid splashing leaves and prevent cracking.
- Add a little Epsom salt to the soil every few weeks for healthy growth.
- Water deeply and slowly to nourish the roots.
- Plant marigolds nearby to repel pests and protect roots.
- Grow garlic near tomatoes to boost flavor and reduce fungi.
To grow healthier, tastier tomatoes, focus on the following key areas:
1. Choose the Right Variety
- For flavor: Try heirloom varieties like Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, or Sungold (a sweet cherry tomato).
- For disease resistance: Choose hybrids like Celebrity or Early Girl.
2. Sunlight
- Tomatoes need 6–8 hours of full sun per day. More sun = better flavor and fruit development.
3. Soil Quality
- Use well-drained, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter.
- pH: Keep soil pH between 6.2 and 6.8.
- Add compost or aged manure to boost nutrients.
4. Watering
- Water deeply and consistently, about 1–1.5 inches per week.
- Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease; use drip irrigation or water at the base.
- Mulch to retain moisture and prevent soil-borne disease splash-up.
5. Fertilizing
- Start with a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10), then switch to one lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium once fruit sets (like 5-10-10).
6. Pruning and Support
- Remove suckers (small shoots between the main stem and branches) to focus energy on fruit.
- Use cages or stakes to improve air circulation and reduce disease.
7. Harvest at the Right Time
- Pick tomatoes when they’re fully ripe on the vine for maximum flavor—typically when they’re richly colored and slightly soft to the touch.
