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: A 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.

Location & Sunlight:
Plant in an open garden bed, raised bed, or large container with full sun exposure (6–8 hours daily). Cherry tomatoes thrive in direct sunlight, which improves sweetness and fruit production. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can help prevent stress, but morning sun is ideal.

Soil:
Grows best in loose, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil amended with compost or aged manure. Maintain slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. If soil is too alkaline, mix in peat moss, coffee grounds, or elemental sulfur before planting to balance pH.

Watering:
Water consistently to prevent fruit cracking. Provide 1–1.5 inches of water per week, divided into 2–3 deep waterings. This equals roughly ¾–1 gallon per plant every 2–3 days, depending on heat. Water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting leaves to reduce disease risk.

Fertilizer:
Use a balanced or tomato-specific fertilizer such as 5-10-10 (NPK) once flowering begins. Apply 1 tablespoon per plant every 2–3 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth instead of fruit.

Support:
Cherry tomatoes are often vigorous and heavy producers. Use a sturdy cage, trellis, or stake early to support long vines and heavy fruit clusters. Plants may grow 4–6 feet tall or more, depending on variety.

Harvest:
Ready to harvest in 60–70 days. Pick fruits when they are fully colored, firm, and slightly glossy. Cherry tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and ideal for fresh eating, salads, and snacking straight off the vine.

Location & Sunlight:
Plant in an open garden bed or very large container with full sun exposure (6–8+ hours daily). Better Boy tomatoes need abundant direct sunlight for high yields and strong growth. Avoid shade from trees or structures. Morning sun with good air circulation is ideal to reduce disease.

Soil:
Prefers rich, well-draining loamy soil amended with compost or aged manure. Maintain slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. For heavy or clay soils, mix in compost and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. Adjust alkaline soil with peat moss or elemental sulfur before planting.

Watering:
Water deeply and consistently to support large fruit development. Provide 1–2 inches of water per week, split into 2–3 deep soakings. This equals about 1–2 gallons per plant per watering, depending on heat. Water at the base only and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizer:
Use a tomato-specific or balanced fertilizer such as 5-10-10 (NPK) once flowering begins. Apply 1–2 tablespoons per plant every 2–3 weeks. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which causes lush foliage but fewer tomatoes.

Support:
Better Boy is an indeterminate variety and requires strong support. Use a heavy-duty cage, stake, or trellis early. Plants can grow 6–8 feet tall and produce heavy fruit clusters that need reliable support.

Harvest:
Ready to harvest in 70–75 days. Pick when fruits are fully red, firm, and smooth. Better Boy tomatoes are large, juicy, and flavorful, making them excellent for slicing, sandwiches, salads, and fresh eating.

Location & Sunlight:
Plant in an open garden bed or large container with full sun exposure (6–8+ hours daily). Big Beef tomatoes require strong, direct sunlight to produce large, high-quality fruit. Choose a location with good air circulation and avoid shade from trees or structures. Morning sun is especially beneficial.

Soil:
Grows best in rich, well-draining loamy soil heavily amended with compost or aged manure. Maintain slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. For dense or clay soil, incorporate compost and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. Adjust overly alkaline soil with peat moss or elemental sulfur before planting.

Watering:
Provide consistent, deep watering to support large fruit size and prevent cracking. Supply 1–2 inches of water per week, divided into 2–3 deep waterings. This equals approximately 1.5–2 gallons per plant per watering, depending on temperature. Always water at the base of the plant and avoid wet foliage.

Fertilizer:
Use a tomato-specific or balanced fertilizer such as 5-10-10 (NPK) once flowering begins. Apply 1–2 tablespoons per plant every 2–3 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit development.

Support:
Big Beef tomatoes are indeterminate and grow vigorously. Install a sturdy cage, stake, or trellis early to support heavy fruit clusters. Plants commonly reach 6–7 feet tall and require strong structural support throughout the season.

Harvest:
Ready to harvest in 70–75 days. Pick when fruits are large, firm, and deep red. Big Beef tomatoes are meaty, juicy, and ideal for slicing, sandwiches, burgers, and fresh use.