8 Expert Tips for Growing Tomatoes Successfully

Growing tomatoes takes more than just planting seeds and waiting for fruit. These plants need the right conditions, consistent care, and a few strategic techniques to thrive.

Without proper watering, fertilization, support, and pruning, you may struggle with weak stems, poor fruit production, or disease-prone plants.

Whether you’re growing tomatoes in feed bags, in the ground, containers, or indoors, following the right approach can make all the difference.

In this article, you’ll learn eight essential tips to help you boost your tomato yield, prevent common problems, and enjoy a season full of delicious homegrown tomatoes.

By the way, if you are just starting out, you can check our guide on how to plant tomatoes to ensure you have all the tips and steps you need for a successful harvest.

Tip #1: Provide Strong, Direct Light for Indoor Seedlings

Starting tomatoes from seed indoors gives you a head start on the growing season, but without enough light, seedlings grow tall and spindly.

This happens when they stretch toward a weak light source, resulting in fragile stems.

To prevent this, use grow lights for 14 to 18 hours a day, positioning them just one to two inches above the seedlings.

If the lights are placed too far away, the plants will stretch excessively, making them weak and prone to breakage.

If you're relying on natural light, a south-facing window provides the best exposure. However, windowsill-grown seedlings often lean toward the light.

Rotating the pots daily ensures even growth and prevents them from becoming lopsided.

Strengthening Stems with Air Circulation

In addition to light, seedlings need airflow to develop sturdy stems. Without movement, they remain delicate and struggle to adapt to outdoor conditions after transplanting.

A simple way to toughen them up is by using a small fan for five to ten minutes twice a day. The gentle air movement mimics natural wind, encouraging thicker, stronger stems.

If a fan isn't available, running your hand lightly across the tops of the seedlings a few times a day can have a similar effect.

These small actions help prepare young plants for life outdoors, making them more resilient against wind and weather.

With strong lighting and proper air circulation, tomato seedlings will develop into healthy, robust plants ready for transplanting.

Tip #2: Give Your Plants the Right Soil Conditions

Tomatoes are heavy feeders and need nutrient-rich, well-draining soil to grow strong and produce plenty of fruit.

If the soil lacks nutrients, is too compacted, or has an imbalanced pH, plants may suffer from slow growth, weak stems, and poor fruit production.

The ideal soil for tomatoes should be loose, airy, and slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. A soil test before planting can help determine if adjustments are needed.

If the pH is too low, adding lime can help bring it into balance. If it’s too high, incorporating sulfur or peat moss can lower it to the optimal range.

Improving Drainage and Fertility

Soil texture plays a key role in tomato growth. If the soil is heavy and compacted, roots may struggle to absorb oxygen and nutrients.

Mixing in compost or aged manure helps loosen the texture, allowing better airflow and drainage while also enriching the soil with essential nutrients.

Sandy soil, on the other hand, drains too quickly, making it difficult for plants to retain enough moisture.

Adding organic matter like compost, coconut coir, or well-rotted manure improves water retention while keeping the soil light and airy.

For container-grown tomatoes, a high-quality potting mix works best. Unlike garden soil, potting mixes are designed to retain moisture while preventing excess water from pooling, reducing the risk of root rot.

Tip #3: Support Your Tomatoes for Strong Growth

As your tomato plants grow, their branches get heavier with leaves and fruit.

Without proper support, they can bend, break, or sprawl on the ground, making them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and rotting fruit.

Giving them a sturdy structure early on helps keep them upright, improves airflow, and makes harvesting easier.

Choosing the Right Support System

The type of support you need depends on the kind of tomatoes you're growing.

If you're growing determinate tomatoes, which grow to a set height and produce fruit all at once, a simple cage or short stake will do the job. These plants don’t need much training since they stop growing after a certain point.

If you're growing indeterminate tomatoes, which keep growing and producing fruit throughout the season, you’ll need something stronger.

Tall stakes, trellises, or string systems work best. These methods help train the vines upward, saving space and keeping plants healthier.

Fore more ideas on trellises, feel free to check our guide on 10 Best Trellis Ideas for Raised Beds.

When and How to Set Up Supports

It’s best to install supports when your plants are still young, around 10 to 12 inches tall. Setting them up early prevents you from disturbing the roots later.

For staking, place a 5- to 6-foot wooden or metal stake next to each plant and loosely tie the main stem to the stake using soft twine or garden tape. Avoid tying too tightly—your plant needs room to grow.

If you prefer a sturdier option, check out our guide on how to build tomato cages for better support.

For trellises, secure the vines by gently weaving them through the structure as they grow. If you're using cages, place them around the plant early so the stems can naturally grow into the support.

By keeping your tomato plants upright, you're not only protecting them from damage but also improving air circulation, reducing disease risk, and setting them up for a more productive season.

Tip #4: Know How to Water Properly

Watering your tomatoes the right way is key to healthy growth and a great harvest. If you water too much, the roots can rot, and diseases can spread.

If you water too little, your plants may struggle to produce fruit or develop problems like blossom end rot and cracked tomatoes.

Keeping the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) will help your plants grow strong and produce flavorful fruit.

The Best Way to Water Your Tomatoes

Instead of watering lightly every day, focus on deep watering a few times a week. This encourages your plants to develop deep, sturdy roots that can access moisture even during hot weather.

A good rule of thumb is to give your tomatoes about one inch of water per week, but you may need to adjust based on temperature and soil conditions.

Check the moisture level by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, hold off to avoid overwatering.

Avoiding Common Watering Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is watering from above. When leaves get wet, it increases the risk of fungal diseases like blight and powdery mildew.

Instead, always water at the base of the plant so the roots get the moisture they need without soaking the leaves.

The best time to water is early in the morning before the sun gets too strong. This allows your plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day causes it to evaporate.

Watering in the evening isn’t ideal because it leaves the soil damp overnight, which can encourage disease.

Using Mulch to Keep Soil Moist

Adding a layer of mulch around your tomato plants helps regulate soil moisture and keeps the roots from drying out too quickly.

Straw, shredded leaves, or compost work well. Mulch also prevents soil from splashing onto the leaves, which can reduce the spread of diseases.

By mastering watering techniques and keeping the soil moisture steady, you’ll give your tomato plants the best chance to stay healthy, grow strong, and produce an abundance of delicious fruit.

Tip #5: Prune and Train Your Tomato Plants

Pruning isn’t just about keeping your tomato plants looking neat—it helps them grow better, produce more fruit, and stay healthy.

When your plant has too many leaves, air can’t flow properly, and moisture gets trapped, creating the perfect conditions for fungal diseases like blight.

Plus, without pruning, your plant wastes energy growing unnecessary foliage instead of focusing on fruit production.

Regular pruning allows sunlight to reach all parts of the plant, encourages bigger, better-tasting tomatoes, and reduces the risk of disease.

How to Prune Your Tomato Plants Correctly

If you’re growing indeterminate tomatoes (the kind that keeps growing and producing fruit all season), pruning is essential.

The most important thing to remove is suckers—those small shoots that grow in the joints between the main stem and side branches.

Suckers don’t produce fruit, but they take up nutrients and energy that could go toward growing bigger tomatoes.

To prune properly:

• Remove suckers when they’re about 2–3 inches long. If they get too big, they can stress the plant when removed.
• Cut off lower leaves from the bottom foot of the plant once it reaches 2–3 feet tall. These leaves are more likely to develop diseases since they touch the soil.
• Always use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant or spreading disease.

If you’re growing determinate tomatoes, pruning is minimal—just remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy.

Training Your Tomatoes for Better Growth

Tomato plants need support as they grow, and training them properly makes sure they get enough sunlight and air circulation.

If you’re using stakes, tie the main stem loosely to the stake with soft twine, leaving room for natural movement. If you're using a trellis, gently weave the vines through the support as they grow.

For indeterminate tomatoes, once the plant reaches the top of its support system or has set several fruit clusters, pinching off the growing tip helps redirect energy into ripening fruit instead of producing more leaves.

Tip #6: Feed Your Plants at the Right Time

Tomatoes are heavy feeders, meaning they need plenty of nutrients to grow strong roots, healthy leaves, and lots of fruit.

If your plants don’t get enough food, you’ll notice slow growth, pale leaves, and fewer tomatoes.

But feeding them too much (especially with the wrong type of fertilizer) can cause problems, like excessive leafy growth with little fruit.

When and How to Fertilize Your Tomatoes

You should fertilize your tomatoes at key growth stages to keep them thriving.

• At planting – Mix compost or a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) into the soil to give young plants a strong start.
  
• When the first flowers appear – Switch to a fertilizer that’s lower in nitrogen but higher in phosphorus and potassium (such as 5-10-10). This helps the plant focus on fruit production rather than just growing more leaves.
  
• Every few weeks during fruiting – Continue feeding your plants every two to three weeks with compost tea, fish emulsion, or an organic tomato fertilizer to keep them producing well.

If you're growing tomatoes in containers, they’ll need fertilizer more often since nutrients wash out faster when you water. Feeding them every two weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer helps maintain steady growth.

Avoiding Over-Fertilization

It’s tempting to give your plants extra fertilizer, thinking it will lead to bigger, faster growth.

But too much nitrogen can make your plants grow huge, lush leaves at the expense of fruit.

If your tomato plants look big and healthy but aren’t producing flowers or fruit, they might be getting too much nitrogen.

To fix this, cut back on nitrogen-rich fertilizers and switch to a phosphorus-heavy one to encourage fruiting.

Also, avoid fertilizing stressed plants—wait until they’ve recovered from drought, transplant shock, or extreme heat before feeding them.

For a balanced, hands-off approach, consider using a slow-release fertilizer that delivers nutrients steadily over time without the risk of overfeeding.

Tip #7: Protect Plants from Environmental Stress

Tomatoes love warm weather, and cold temperatures can seriously slow their growth or even kill young plants.

If you’re planting early in the season, be prepared for sudden cold snaps. A late frost can damage your tomatoes overnight, leaving them weak or stunted.

To protect your plants, cover them with row covers, blankets, or cardboard boxes at night when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

If you're using plastic covers, make sure they don’t touch the leaves, as this can cause damage. Always remove covers in the morning so your plants can get sunlight and fresh air.

If you live in a short growing season area, starting your tomatoes indoors and gradually hardening them off before transplanting can prevent transplant shock.

Hardening off means slowly exposing your plants to outdoor conditions for a week or two before planting them in the garden.

Preventing Heat Damage

While tomatoes thrive in warm weather, extreme heat—especially temperatures over 85°F (29°C) during the day or 70°F (21°C) at night—can cause flower drop, sunscald, and poor fruit set.

If your area experiences heat waves, providing afternoon shade using a lightweight cloth or planting taller companion plants nearby can keep your tomatoes from overheating.

Mulching also helps regulate soil temperature. A 2- to 4-inch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or compost keeps the roots cool and reduces moisture loss on hot days.

If you’re growing tomatoes in containers, move them to a shaded spot during the hottest part of the day. Containers heat up faster than garden beds, which can stress your plants if they dry out too quickly.

Boosting Air Circulation for Healthier Plants

Good airflow is essential for preventing fungal diseases like blight and powdery mildew. If your plants are too close together, moisture gets trapped, making it easier for diseases to spread.

To improve air circulation:

• Space your plants properly so they’re not overcrowded.
• Prune lower leaves to allow air to flow around the base.
• Stake or cage your tomato plants to keep them off the ground and reduce humidity buildup.

Tip #8: Prevent Common Tomato Problems Before They Start

Tomatoes are tough, but they can still face problems like nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and pest infestations. The good news? Most issues can be prevented if you spot them early and take action.

Here are some of the most common problems and how to fix them:

Problem	Cause	Solution
Leggy Seedlings	Not enough light	Use grow lights for 14–18 hours daily, positioned 1–2 inches above seedlings.
Yellowing Leaves	Nutrient deficiency	Feed plants with a balanced fertilizer and check soil pH.
Blossom End Rot	Calcium deficiency or irregular watering	Keep soil moisture consistent and add calcium if needed.
Cracking Fruit	Inconsistent watering	Water regularly and deeply to prevent sudden fluctuations.
Slow Growth / No Fruit	Too much nitrogen	Use a phosphorus-rich fertilizer once flowering begins.
Fungal Diseases	Excess moisture	Water at the base, prune lower leaves, and improve air circulation.

Using Companion Planting to Deter Pests

Certain plants naturally help keep pests away from your tomatoes.

Basil, marigolds, and onions repel common pests like aphids and hornworms, while nasturtiums attract pests away from your tomatoes, acting as a trap crop.

Rotating your crops each season also prevents soil-borne diseases from building up, keeping your plants healthier year after year.

Set Your Tomatoes Up for Success

Growing tomatoes isn’t complicated, but it does take some planning and care.

By giving your plants the right light, soil, water, and support, you’ll set them up for strong growth and a bountiful harvest. Regular pruning, feeding, and pest prevention will keep them healthy all season long.

No matter where you’re growing—in the ground, in containers, or even indoors—these tips will help you avoid common problems and get the best results.

With the right approach, you’ll enjoy a steady supply of delicious, homegrown tomatoes that taste better than anything from the store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I grow tomatoes indoors year-round?

Yes, but they’ll need strong artificial lighting, good air circulation, and hand-pollination to thrive. Since natural sunlight is often too weak indoors, use full-spectrum grow lights for at least 14–18 hours a day. Keep temperatures between 65–75°F (18–24°C) and run a small fan nearby to strengthen the stems.

Why are my tomato flowers falling off before fruit forms?

Flower drop is usually caused by temperature stress, lack of pollination, or improper watering. If daytime temperatures go above 85°F (29°C) or drop below 55°F (13°C) at night, flowers may fail to set fruit. Keep watering consistent, and if you're growing indoors or in a greenhouse, gently shake the flowers to help with pollination.

Can I grow new tomato plants from cuttings instead of seeds?

Absolutely! Tomato suckers or side shoots can be rooted in water or soil to grow new plants. Just take a 4–6 inch cutting, place it in a cup of water, and in about a week, you’ll see roots. Once they develop, transplant them into soil. It’s an easy way to grow more tomatoes without starting from seed.

Why do my tomatoes taste bland?

Bland tomatoes usually happen when plants get too much water, not enough sun, or poor soil nutrients. To boost flavor, make sure your plants get at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, water deeply but not excessively, and use a potassium-rich fertilizer to enhance natural sugars.

Can I plant tomatoes in the same spot every year?

It’s best to rotate your crops and avoid planting tomatoes in the same soil each year. Repeated planting can lead to soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion. If space is limited, refresh the soil with compost and organic matter to help replenish nutrients.