Growing tomatoes in your garden is fun and can give you fresh, tasty food all summer. It’s also a great way to connect with nature and feel proud of something you’ve grown yourself.
To start, choose easy-to-grow tomato varieties. Some great options for beginners are Cherry Tomatoes, Roma Tomatoes, and Celebrity Tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes grow quickly and give lots of fruit. Roma tomatoes are great for sauces, and Celebrity tomatoes are strong and resist disease.
You can grow from seeds or buy young plants from a garden store. If using seeds, start them indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. If using small plants, wait until the weather is warm and there’s no chance of frost.
Find a sunny spot in your garden—tomatoes need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. Use rich, loose soil mixed with compost. Plant the tomatoes deep, up to their first leaves. This helps the roots grow strong.
Water your plants regularly—about 1 inch per week. Always water at the base, not on the leaves, to keep them healthy. Add support like cages or stakes so the plants don’t fall over.
As your plants grow, remove yellow leaves and watch for bugs. Once the tomatoes change color and feel slightly soft, they’re ready to pick!
Growing tomatoes is simple with the right care and variety.