Tomato

Tomatoes thrive in well-drained loam with a pH of 6.0-6.8 and compost mixed in before planting. Feed moderately once fruit sets, avoiding excess nitrogen, and provide sturdy support and steady moisture to limit cracking and blossom-end rot.

Sun

Full sun

Water

1–2 in/week, deep and even

Spacing

24 in

First harvest

60–85 days

Tips

• Plant hardened transplants deeply, burying the stem up to the lowest remaining leaves once soil is warm.
• Install a cage or stake at planting and tie new growth loosely as it lengthens.
• Water the soil deeply to supply about 1-2 inches weekly, keeping foliage dry.
• Remove diseased lower leaves and rotate away from other nightshades to reduce soilborne disease.
• Pick fruit when fully colored and slightly yielding, or let mature blushing fruit finish ripening indoors.

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