Tomatoes

Location & Sunlight: Best planted in an open garden bed with full sun exposure (6–8 hours minimum daily). Avoid planting near trees or tall shrubs that cast shade, since tomatoes need direct light for strong growth. Morning sun is especially beneficial.

Soil: Prefers well-draining loamy soil enriched with compost or aged manure. Keep soil slightly acidic (pH 6.0–6.8). To acidify alkaline soil, mix in peat moss, coffee grounds, or elemental sulfur before planting.

Watering: Give 1–1.5 inches of water per week, split into deep soakings 2–3 times weekly. Aim for about 1–1.5 gallons per plant per watering, applied at the base. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf disease.

Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer such as 5-10-10 (NPK) or a tomato-specific fertilizer. Apply 1–2 tablespoons around the base every 2–3 weeks once flowering starts. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers (they make leaves grow at the expense of fruit).

Support: Use a sturdy tomato cage or stake. Begin support early, as plants can reach 4–6 feet tall.

Harvest: 75–80 days; pick when fruits are firm and bright red. Romas are meaty, low in juice, and excellent for sauces and pastes.

Location & Sunlight: Needs full sun (6–8+ hours daily) in an open space. Not recommended for containers unless very large (20+ gallons). Place in a spot with free air circulation to prevent disease.

Soil: Rich, fertile soil with added compost. Keep pH between 6.0–6.8. For heavy clay soil, mix in compost + coarse sand or perlite for better drainage.

Watering: Water 1–2 gallons per plant, twice weekly. In hot weather, water every other day to keep soil evenly moist. Mulching with straw or wood chips helps retain moisture.

Fertilizer: Use tomato fertilizer high in phosphorus (like 5-10-10) at transplanting, then switch to balanced feed (10-10-10 or organic equivalent) every 2–3 weeks. Side-dress with compost tea or fish emulsion for extra growth.

Support: Heavy fruits require tall cages or strong stakes. Use soft ties to avoid damaging stems.

Harvest: 78–85 days; large, meaty tomatoes (often 1 lb+) that are excellent for slicing and sandwiches.

Location & Sunlight: Loves full sun (6–8 hours) but tolerates partial afternoon shade in very hot climates. Great for raised beds, large containers (at least 5 gallons), or garden rows.

Soil: Loose, nutrient-rich soil with compost added. Ideal pH 6.0–6.8. Acidify with peat moss or sulfur if too alkaline.

Watering: Provide ¾–1 gallon per plant every 2–3 days. Keep soil consistently moist since cherries crack easily if watered irregularly. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for best results.

Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or tomato food) at transplanting. Once flowering begins, feed every 2–3 weeks with liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion or seaweed extract to encourage fruiting.

Support: Stake or cage to keep vines upright. Cherries grow in clusters and can weigh down branches.

Harvest: 65–70 days; pick clusters when fruits are firm, glossy, and deep red. Best for snacking, salads, or skewers.