A Slice Above: Better Tomatoes at Home

Who doesn’t love a fresh, sun-ripened tomato from the garden? Whether you’re planting in raised beds, pots, or straight in the ground, here are a few easy tips for growing your best tomatoes yet:

1. Pick a Sunny Spot

Tomatoes love heat and light. Choose a location with 6–8 hours of direct sun each day for the best yield.

2. Start with Healthy Soil

Mix in compost or organic matter before planting. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and thrive in rich, well-draining soil.

3. Give Them Room

Space plants about 2 feet apart to allow for airflow and prevent disease. Sturdy cages or stakes keep vines upright and easy to harvest. Plant 1/3 of the tomato start in your hole—the leaves you plant will root and create a stronger base to hold up all of your juicy fruit.

4. Water Smart

Skip the daily sprinkle — go for deep, consistent watering at the base of the plant. This encourages strong root growth and reduces splitting.

5. Pinch and Prune

Remove suckers (the little shoots that grow in leaf joints) to keep energy focused on producing fruit instead of excess foliage.

6. Harvest at Just the Right Time

Pick when tomatoes are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. For the best flavor, let them ripen on the vine.

Pro Tip: Add crushed up egg shells in your hole when you plant for added calcium to avoid blossom-rot.

With a little care, you’ll enjoy baskets of sweet, juicy tomatoes all summer long — perfect for salads, sandwiches, or snacking right off the vine.