Tomato Tips for a Better Summer Harvest

Nothing beats the taste of a homegrown tomato picked fresh from the garden. Whether you’re growing beefsteak tomatoes for sandwiches, sweet cherry tomatoes for snacking, or heirloom varieties packed with flavor, proper care throughout the season can lead to healthier plants and larger harvests.

If you’re looking to get the most from your tomato plants this summer, these simple growing tips can help you enjoy a productive and successful harvest.

Stake and Support Plants Early

Tomato plants grow quickly and become heavy as fruit develops. Providing support early helps prevent broken stems, improves airflow, and keeps fruit off the ground.

Popular support options include:

• Tomato cages
• Stakes
• Trellises
• Tomato towers

Installing support systems while plants are young helps avoid damaging roots later in the season.

Prune for Better Airflow

Pruning can improve air circulation and help reduce disease problems, especially for indeterminate tomato varieties.

Consider removing:

• Suckers growing between stems
• Lower leaves touching the soil
• Yellowing or damaged foliage

Better airflow helps leaves dry more quickly after rain and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.

Water Deeply and Consistently

Tomatoes thrive when they receive deep, consistent watering.

For best results:

• Water at the base of the plant
• Water deeply rather than frequently
• Water early in the morning
• Keep soil evenly moist

Avoid dramatic swings between wet and dry soil, which can stress plants and affect fruit development.

Mulch Around Plants

Mulch is one of the easiest ways to improve tomato performance.

Benefits include:

• Conserving soil moisture
• Reducing weeds
• Regulating soil temperature
• Limiting soil splash that can spread disease

Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around plants using straw, shredded leaves, or other organic materials.

Feed Tomatoes Throughout the Season

Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization.

A balanced fertilizer at planting time followed by periodic feeding throughout the season can support healthy growth and fruit production.

When fertilizing:

• Follow label directions carefully
• Avoid excessive nitrogen
• Use products formulated for vegetables when possible

Too much nitrogen often produces lush foliage but fewer tomatoes.

Prevent Blossom-End Rot

Blossom-end rot is one of the most common tomato problems gardeners encounter.

It appears as a dark, sunken spot on the bottom of developing fruit.

While calcium availability is involved, inconsistent watering is often the primary cause.

To help prevent blossom-end rot:

• Maintain consistent soil moisture
• Apply mulch
• Avoid repeated drying and soaking cycles
• Encourage healthy root growth

Steady watering is one of the best prevention methods.

Scout for Pests Regularly

Routine inspections help identify problems before they become serious.

Watch for:

• Tomato hornworms
• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Flea beetles
• Signs of fungal disease

Checking plants every few days allows for early intervention and healthier plants throughout the growing season.

Harvest Frequently

Frequent harvesting encourages continued production and helps plants direct energy into producing more fruit.

For best flavor:

• Pick tomatoes when fully colored
• Harvest regularly
• Handle fruit gently
• Store at room temperature

Fresh-picked tomatoes are one of the greatest rewards of summer gardening.

Give Plants Plenty of Space

Proper spacing helps improve plant health and productivity.

Benefits include:

• Better airflow
• Improved sunlight exposure
• Reduced disease pressure
• Easier harvesting and maintenance

Always follow spacing recommendations for the variety you’re growing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water tomato plants?

Most tomato plants benefit from deep watering one to two times per week, depending on weather conditions and soil type.

Should I prune all tomato plants?

Indeterminate varieties generally benefit most from pruning, while determinate varieties often require less pruning.

What causes blossom-end rot?

Blossom-end rot is commonly caused by inconsistent watering that interferes with calcium uptake.

Is mulch necessary for tomatoes?

While not required, mulch provides significant benefits including moisture retention, weed suppression, and disease prevention.

How can I increase tomato production?

Proper staking, pruning, feeding, watering, mulching, and regular harvesting can all help maximize yields.

Visit Sixteen Acres Garden Center

Whether you’re growing your first tomato plant or managing a large vegetable garden, Sixteen Acres Garden Center has everything you need for a successful harvest. From tomato plants and fertilizers to mulch, garden supplies, and expert gardening advice, we’re here to help your garden thrive.

Sixteen Acres Garden Center
1359 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119

Phone: (413) 783-5883

Summer Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Visit us today and let our team help you grow your best tomato harvest yet.