The Tomato Whisperer's Guide to Growing Juicy, Flavorful Tomatoes

I think we could all agree that when you go to the supermarket, and all you can find are tasteless, bland tomatoes from, it can be a bit sad, don't you think? Maybe it's time you take matters into your own hands and grow your own delicious tomatoes at home. I'm here to share a few tips for growing juicy, flavorful tomatoes that will have your taste buds singing.

Pick the Perfect Tomato

Variety for Your Tastes

There are countless types of tomatoes out there, from big beefsteak tomatoes (great on a sandwich) to tiny cherry tomatoes (perfect for salads). The key to growing delicious tomatoes is to choose a variety that fits your taste buds. If you're a fan of sweet and juicy tomatoes, some of my favorites are Sun Gold, Sweet 100, or Early Girl. If you prefer a more savory tomato, go for a Roma or San Marzano (these are your sauce making tomatoes!) Think of what you will eat most of and go with that variety.

Get Your Soil Ready

Tomatoes need fertile, well-draining soil to thrive. Start by testing your soil to see what nutrients it needs, and then amend it accordingly. I like to mix in some compost and a little bit of bone meal to provide my tomatoes with the nutrients they need to grow big and strong. I've even had great success burying fish parts and seaweed deep in the soil during the fall, which provides great nutrients for the following spring. Just be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to unhealthy plants. For optimal growth, it's best to give them a soil depth of at least 12" or deeper if possible.

Plant Your Tomatoes with Care

When it comes time to plant your tomatoes, make sure to give them plenty of space to grow. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and need lots of room to spread out their roots. I like to plant my tomatoes deep, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. This encourages the plant to grow a strong root system and helps it withstand strong winds. However, it's important to ensure that the leaves don't touch the soil, as this can lead to fungal issues. This is another reason why spacing is crucial.

Give Your Tomatoes the TLC They Need

Tomatoes need regular care to stay healthy and produce lots of delicious fruit. Proper watering and sunlight are key. Have you ever seen a tomato with cracks in its skin? Without consistency in soil moisture, the plant can take up more water than it requires, causing the fruit to swell rapidly and the skin to crack. To prevent this, it's essential to maintain consistent and moderate watering. It's best to water deeply but less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. It's a balancing game! Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture in the soil and regulate soil temperature, which can also reduce the risk of cracking. Also, When your tomato plants start to produce fruit, pinch off the suckers (the small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches) to encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing fruit.

Troubleshoot Common

Tomato Problems

Tomatoes are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, but don't worry – most problems can be solved with a little bit of know-how. If you're dealing with pests like aphids or whiteflies, try spraying your plants with a mixture of water and dish soap. Almost everyone will end up with a blight issue by the end of summer, it seems inevitable. You'll notice dark spots on the leaves, fruit, and stems. To prevent these diseases, it's important to maintain good hygiene practices such as removing diseased parts, rotating tomato crops, and providing good spacing between plants to promote proper airflow. Choosing disease-resistant varieties of tomato plants and using fungicides or other organic treatments are additional measures that can help prevent the spread of diseases. Regularly inspecting tomato plants for signs of disease and addressing any issues immediately can also help keep them healthy and productive.

I hope this blog post helps and inspires you to grow the best tomatoes! With a little bit of patience and a lot of love, you too can grow juicy, flavorful tomatoes that will have you wondering why you ever bothered with store-bought tomatoes in the first place. So go ahead and get your hands dirty – your taste buds will thank you! What are some of your favorite tomato varieties?