Tomatoes

How to Transplant Tomato Starts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tomatoes are among the most popular vegetables grown in gardens, and for good reason. Knowing how to transplant tomato starts properly is key to growing healthy plants that produce abundant, flavorful fruit. This guide will walk you through selecting the right transplants, preparing your soil, planting deeply, and ensuring your tomato plants thrive.

Choosing the Right Tomato Starts

When selecting tomato starts, look for these qualities to ensure strong growth:

1. Healthy plants: Choose starts with vibrant green leaves and no signs of yellowing, disease, or pests.
2. Strong stems: A sturdy stem indicates a well-developed plant.
3. No flowers or fruit: Avoid transplants that are already flowering or fruiting, as these may not establish as well.

If growing from seed, ensure your seedlings are properly hardened off before transplanting to help them adjust to outdoor conditions.

Preparing to Transplant Tomato Starts

Tomatoes are unique in that they benefit from being planted deeply. Their stems have tiny hairs that will develop into roots when buried, creating a robust root system. Follow these steps for optimal planting:

1. Amend the soil: Tomatoes prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with plenty of organic material. Add compost and a balanced fertilizer, such as 5-5-5, to the planting hole.
2. Prune the plant: Remove the lower leaves on the stem, leaving only the top few sets of leaves.
3. Add rock phosphate: Sprinkle rock phosphate into the bottom of the planting hole to promote strong root growth and fruit development.

Deep planting allows your tomato plants to develop a healthy root system, which supports vigorous growth and higher yields.

Planting and Spacing Tomato Starts

Once your soil is readOnce your planting holeProper planting and spacing are critical for healthy tomato plants. Here’s how to do it:

• Plant deeply: Bury the stem up to the top set of leaves to encourage root development.
• Spacing: Space determinate varieties 2–3 feet apart, while indeterminate varieties can be planted 12–18 inches apart if pruned into cordons.
• Water thoroughly: After planting, water deeply to help settle the soil and hydrate the roots.

Supporting indeterminate varieties with cages, stakes, or trellises will keep the plants upright and reduce the risk of disease.

Caring for Tomato Plants

Once transplanted, consistent care will keep your tomato plants healthy:

1. Watering: Maintain evenly moist soil. Avoid watering the leaves, as wet foliage can lead to disease. Drip irrigation systems are ideal for tomatoes.
2. Pruning: Remove suckers (small shoots in the leaf axils) to direct the plant’s energy toward fruit production. Prune indeterminate varieties regularly for better airflow and reduced disease risk.
3. Fertilizing: Use a tomato-specific fertilizer with a high middle number (phosphorus) to support flowering and fruiting. Add calcium to prevent blossom end rot.
4. Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and prevent soil pathogens from splashing onto the leaves.

Regular care ensures a healthy plant that produces delicious, high-quality tomatoes.

Harvesting Tomatoes

Tomatoes ripen from the inside out, and knowing when to harvest ensures the best flavor:

1. For red varieties: Wait for a deep, vibrant red color.
2. For non-red varieties: Check for uniform color and perform a gentle squeeze test to ensure ripeness.
3. Avoid refrigerating unripe tomatoes: Keep them at room temperature for the best flavor. If harvesting early due to weather or pests, they will continue ripening indoors.

To maximize flavor, stop watering a few days before harvest to concentrate sugars in the fruit.

Bonus Tip: Boost Tomato Plant Health

For healthier plants and better fruit, try spraying a solution of uncoated aspirin (600 mg per gallon of water) on your tomato plants. This triggers the plant’s immune system, making it more resistant to pests and disease while improving fruit quality.

Conclusion

Transplanting tomato starts correctly sets the foundation for a thriving tomato garden. With proper planting, consistent care, and smart harvesting techniques, you can enjoy an abundant supply of delicious tomatoes all season long. Explore our Grow Wise Video Library for more tips and tutorials on growing your own organic fruits and vegetables.