Growing Tomato Plants

First, you must know that there are two types of tomato plants: determinate(bush) and indeterminate(vining). Both are great in their own way, but they both grow very differently. Let’s fill you in on the basic, but crucial, differences:

Determinate tomatoes reach their mature height, set all their fruit at once, and stop growing. Their growing season is usually 2-3 months. They are usually only about 4 ft. tall and very bushy. No need to trellis these, but sometimes using a cage or staking them will help with fruit production. No need to prune these, either. These work well in containers on your porch, or in your apartment window. They are also popular for canning since they set all their fruits at once.

Indeterminate tomatoes are vining plants that continue to grow longer and set fruit throughout the growing season, and with the proper soil health, that can be up until your first frost. These vines can grow up to 12 feet long and they need trellising. You can use stakes, the lean and lower method, and many more. Production of their fruit can be increased a lot by pruning the suckers and old sets from the vines. These work best in the ground due to their larger root system, but if you have a pot big enough, they will work well on your porch and climb right up the side of your house (with proper training).

Planting tomatoes is the same for both types. Always wait for your soil temperature to be warm enough to support the root system, 65-70 degrees. When you find a spot that is full of sun but well drained, prune the first set of leaves at the first node. Measure just above that and dig a hole deep enough to cover. It’s best to use fish meal or fish emulsion in the hole when you plant. That will be just the boost your seedling needs to get started and it helps prevent shock. It is best to plant them 2-3 feet apart, but we have had them as close as 1 foot apart (caring for them and pruning is more intense, but you can do it). Once planted, don’t forget to water them in!

If we didn’t answer all your questions with this basic guide or you need a more in depth guide, please don’t hesitate to contact us!