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Tomatoes are fairly easy to grow. However, there are several elements that can affect its size and sweetness. Pests, insufficient sunlight, sunscald, and inadequate
Here are the essential tips that will guarantee that your tomatoes grow bigger and tastier.
1. Choose the Best Varieties
When it comes to growing big and juicy tomatoes, heirloom and hybrid varieties are the best choices. Heirloom tomatoes have been grown for at least fifty years, meaning their seeds have been preserved and replanted the following years to produce the same variety.
On the other hand, hybrid tomatoes are fresh tomatoes obtained from crossing different species to get their best qualities. The bottom line is that both varieties have been tried, tested, and trusted to give you the best results every time you plant.
2. Balance Watering
Tomatoes are sensitive to inconsistent watering. Water your plant in small streams to prevent the soil from dislodging. Also, water your tomatoes from the soil level to prevent water from touching the leaves. It’s best to water your plant in the morning. Always check the soil to see if it is too dry or wet.
3. Plant in Well-Drained Soil
Tomato plants require a lot of water, so it’s important to plant them in well-drained soil to prevent waterlogged roots. Diseased roots can cause tomatoes to be unhealthy.
4. Space Seedlings
Crowding your tomato seeds while planting can cause diseases, which can eventually disrupt the yield. Make sure to space tomato seedlings at least 2-3 feet apart when planting.
5. Choose Between Determinate and Indeterminate
Determinate and Indeterminate are two terms referring to the growth habits of tomatoes. Determinate tomatoes stop growing and producing fruits when they reach their maximum height. In that short period of growth, they produce more tasty, marketable tomatoes.
On the other hand, indeterminate tomatoes keep growing and producing fruits and flowers till they die. They’re also more prone to issues like fruit cracking and fungal diseases, potentially affecting the quality.
6. Mulch Tomatoes
Mulching helps retain soil moisture. It also prevents the growth of early tomato blight, one of the most common diseases that affect the quality of the produce. You can choose between artificial and organic mulching, such as sheet mulch.
7. Prioritize Pollination
Prioritizing pollination ensures bigger and sweeter tomatoes. Pollinators like bees can aid in fertilizing flowers, which can, in turn, result in bigger and richer fruits. You can tap a flower with your finger to cause your tomato plant to release pollen.
8. Ensure Proper Air Circulation
Proper air circulation reduces the risk of fungal diseases, improves photosynthesis, and aids in the absorption of nutrients. To improve air circulation, space your tomato leaves and prune the lower leaves.
9. Plant Early
Planting early is another way to ensure great tomatoes, especially if you’re planting from seeds. Begin by growing your tomato seeds indoors and then transfer them outside when the growing conditions are right.
The earlier you start planting, the earlier your tomatoes develop a strong root system to withstand several weather conditions, especially frost.
10. Companion Planting
Companion planting is another way to easily grow healthy and bigger tomatoes. Companion plants can attract pollinators and help attract beneficial insects to feed on pests that would otherwise harm tomato plants.
11. Provide Support
Providing support for your plants doesn’t directly cause tomatoes to grow bigger and sweeter. However, when you provide support, the tomato plant grows healthier, guaranteeing that the fruits it produces remain healthy.
12. Plant with Compost
Planting with compost directly enriches the soil with nutrients needed for increased yield. Compost improves the soil’s structure and drainage, making tomatoes bigger and juicier.
13. Cut Lower Leaves
Cutting the lower leaves of tomato plants reduces the risk of tomato diseases, especially those caused by water touching the leaves.
Also, when you remove the lower leaves, the plant will direct more nutrients to the tomatoes themselves rather than the leaves, resulting in bigger and riper tomatoes.
14. Prune Tomato Plants
Pruning your tomato plant can increase its size, make the tomatoes ripen faster, and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. However, pruning may also reduce the yield from your garden.
15. Plant in Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight is required for photosynthesis, which produces larger fruits. It also increases the plant’s strength and reduces its susceptibility to diseases.
16. Prevent Sunscald
Sunscald or sunburn usually appears as pale blisters on tomato fruits. This phenomenon reduces the size of the fruit and even causes unripe tomatoes.
It’s important to prevent sunscald by avoiding heavy pruning, especially from the top of the plant. Also, efficient pest control should be employed, and essential nutrients should be provided.
17. Control Pests
Pest control is required to grow big tomatoes. The common tomato pests are stink bugs, whiteflies, and nematodes. They damage plant tissue and compete with plants for nutrients. Pests can also cause diseases such as tomato spotted wilt.
To control pests, ensure you plant a pest-resistant variety of tomatoes. Also, practice crop rotations and use
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Sandra Enuma
Sandra Enuma is a writer who's as comfortable with a trowel as she is with a keyboard. She’s passionate about sharing simple, down-to-earth tips to help you start and manage your own home garden, no matter your experience.
