Tomato plants are warm-season annuals that typically grow to a height of 1â3 meters (3â10 feet) and have a weak, woody stem that often vines and sprawls along the ground. The leaves are usually large and hairy, and the flowers are yellow or white. The fruit of the tomato plant is a fleshy, edible berry that can be red, yellow, or green when ripe. Tomatoes require full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil in order to thrive. They are also susceptible to pests and diseases, so regular monitoring and maintenance is necessary.
Planning Your Garden With Tomatoes
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Tomatoes are usually grown as annuals. |
| USDA Zone | Tomatoes are generally hardy in USDA Zones 2-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Tomatoes are a warm season crop and can usually only tolerate temperatures as low as 32. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest tomatoes is usually around 60-80 days, depending on the variety. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown tomato plant is between 3 and 6 feet tall. |
| Spacing requirements | Tomatoes need plenty of space to grow, so it is best to space them 18 to 24 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | The sun tolerance for tomatoes varies depending on the variety. Some tomatoes can tolerate full sun all day, while others may need some shade during the hottest part of the day. Generally, tomatoes need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. |
| Shade tolerance | Tomatoes are generally considered to be tolerant of partial shade, but they will produce the best yields when grown in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Tomatoes require at least 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Water deeply and evenly, making sure to saturate the soil around the roots. Avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to disease. If possible, water in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry out before evening. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing tomatoes depends on the type of fertilizer you are using, the soil type, and the size of the tomato plants. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. For a 10-foot row of tomatoes, you should use about 1/2 pound of fertilizer per 10 feet of row. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing tomatoes is 6.0 to 6.8. |
Why Tomatoes are Popular
People like to grow tomatoes because they are relatively easy to grow, they are a popular and versatile ingredient in many dishes, and they can be grown in a variety of climates. Additionally, tomatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they can be enjoyed fresh or preserved for later use.
Companion Plants For Tomatoes
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for tomatoes include:
Common Pests For Tomatoes
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow tomatoes, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- beetles
- cutworms
- tomato hornworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
