In-Ground Planting
In-ground growing requires healthy nutrient-rich soil. Amending the soil is a process of regeneration. The steps below will offer a path to successfully growing a bountiful harvest of heirloom tomatoes.
Step One: Selecting a Sunny Location
Tomatoes need 8 hours of sunlight to produce fruit. The plant may grow in less light but you may not grow any fruit. Keep in mind that as the days progress through the year the position of the sun can adjust such that your daylight hours can be lessened depending on the placement. Periodically, ensure that your tomato plant is receiving at least 8 hours per day. Preferably, full sun - all day long. In some areas, the heat and sun are so intense that tomatoes “burn up” due to extreme temperatures. We recommend using a 30% sunshade above the tomato, which does not inhibit the growth but reduces the area air temperature by up to 15 degrees. Note: A sunshade is only needed in sunny areas that consistently reaching 90-100 degrees daily throughout the summer.
Step Two: Soil Preparation
Loosen the soil using a broadfork or similar. It is not recommended to till the soil as it is very disruptive to the soil ecology. At a minumum, add a generous layer of compost to the top of the soil from a high quality brand such as Malibu Compost. Rake in the compost into the top layer of soil and remove any debris, leaf litter, etc. Ensure that the bed is level to prevent water run off. You can also view our video on how we amend our soil. Not sure what amendments to use? Do a soil test to see what deficits exist. They cost about $40 and you get your results quickly. I use MySoilTesting.com.
Step Three: Planting the Tomato
Prepare a hole 2 times bigger than the root mass or container. You will be planting the tomato very deeply. Do not pack the soil in tightly, the roots need space to grow. The stem should be well supported. Tomatoes have the unique ability to grow roots from any part of their main stem that is submerged in soil. This will maximize water uptake by the tomato.
Step Four: Water & Fertilizing
Tomatoes need consistent watering. Choose a time of day and stick to that 2-3 hour window daily. Ideally, put your watering on an automated timer, they are inexpensive and can offer drastically different results if you have a busy schedule! Keeping tomatoes watered regularly is 50% of the success! Fertilize bi-weekly with an organic Fish & Kelp Emulsion, this is not a synthetic fertilizer and will not “burn” plants. Apply in the mornings using a watering can. Tomatoes can absorb nutrients through their leaves. Apply the emulsion in the morning to allow leaves to dry quickly.
Step Five: Support & Trellis
There are a multitude of options for supporting your tomato through its growth. No matter what - it must be strong! You should use the heaviest gauge wire available if using cages. It should support approximately 50 lbs. You can also “trellis” your tomato by following my demo on how to use the lower and lean method.
Note: We now offer a trellis kit on our website. You will find it with the tomato varieties.
