The 3 Best Grow Lights for Tomatoes

Best grow lights for tomatoes

Tomatoes are the most popular home-grown crop in the world. However, they are only able to grow in a narrow temperature range. Growing tomatoes indoors solves that problem.  Why Use A Grow Light For Tomatoes? Light from windows is seldom sufficient to grow good tomatoes, whether you are starting seeds or growing the whole plant … Read more

The 5 Best Potting Soils For Tomatoes

Best Potting Soils For Tomatoes

Tomatoes grow great in containers if they have the proper soil to grow in. What do you use? Here are my thoughts on potting soil for tomatoes in containers.  Why Use Potting Soil For Tomatoes In Containers? The temptation is to just scoop some topsoil into a pot and plant your tomato in that. However, … Read more

The 5 Best Grow Bags for Tomatoes

Best grow bags for tomatoes

Tomatoes are grown in more home gardens than any other plant. What if you don’t have room to grow tomatoes? Consider using grow bags.  Are Grow Bags A Good Way To Grow Tomato Plants? Grow bags are a great way to grow tomato plants if the grow bag is large enough. Tomato plants have extensive … Read more

The Best Mulch for Tomatoes in 2024

Best Mulch for Tomatoes

Many gardeners consider tomatoes must-have plants. I mean, who doesn’t picture that juicy BLT or a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce when they think of summer? But here’s the scoop: getting those tomatoes to thrive isn’t as simple as sticking them in the ground and crossing your fingers. These plants are a bit high-maintenance. If … Read more

The 12 Best Tomato Companion Plants

tomato companion plants

When you think of home-grown veggies, tomatoes are likely the first thing to come to mind. And for good reason! Eating a juicy tomato fresh from the garden is nothing like biting into the sad excuse of a tomato you often find in the store. And this flavor difference is just one reason why tomatoes … Read more

23 Tomato Pests – How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Them

tomato pests

Not only are tomatoes the most widely consumed vegetable in the world, they are the “quintessential” crop for backyard gardeners. However, many pests find tomato fruits and plants as delectable as we do. Many different pests attack tomato plants from the time they first emerge from the soil to the time that your tomatoes are … Read more

The 13 Best Tasting Tomatoes in 2024

Best tasting tomatoes

If you’ve ever compared a tomato purchased from the grocery store in the winter with a tomato picked off the vine in the summer, you likely know there’s a wide variation in tomato flavors. And that’s why it helps to learn about the best tasting tomatoes! Tomato variety plays a big role in what a … Read more

The 6 Best Tomatoes for Sauce in 2024

Best tomatoes for sauce

While there are some great jarred and canned tomato sauces available, there’s nothing quite like cooking down fresh tomatoes to make your own sauce. Not only does homemade sauce taste delicious, but it allows you to control the ingredients and feels your kitchen with an alluring fragrance. Some people say that making sauce is a … Read more

How to Grow Beefsteak Tomatoes

Beefsteak tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow. Nothing tastes better than a tomato fresh off the vine. Growing beefsteak tomatoes for fresh eating is not hard.   Quick Growing Guide for the Beefsteak Tomato Plant Type Mostly indeterminate  Resistant to varies  USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9   Maintenance Moderate to High   Season Summer, early … Read more

How to Grow Roma Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes

Tomatoes are delicious when they are homegrown. Roma-type tomatoes are ideal for canning and making sauce. If you want to grow your own cooking ingredients, this is a good tomato to grow. Quick Growing Guide for the Roma-Type Tomato   Plant Type Mostly Determinate  Resistant to varies  USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9   Maintenance Moderate to High   Season … Read more

How to Grow San Marzano Tomatoes

San Marzano Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes are famous among cooks for their flavor.  You may be interested in trying to grow them for yourself.  This guide tells you how.  Quick Growing Guide for the San Marzano Tomato Plant Type  Indeterminate  Resistant to Fusarium Wilt, Root Knot Nematode, Tomato Mosaic Virus, Verticillium Wilt  USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9   Maintenance Moderate … Read more

How to Grow Paul Robeson Tomatoes

Paul Robeson Tomato

The Paul Robeson tomato is an heirloom variety that is as unique as it is delicious. It has dark purple skin that is almost black and a rich taste and a finish that’s reminiscent of nights spent around a campfire. While it isn’t necessarily one of the most well-known heirloom tomatoes, I think it’s worth … Read more

How to Grow Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

cherokee purple tomato

While it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite tomato variety, Cherokee Purple consistently ranks on the top of my list. With a gorgeous deep color and taste that’s rich, sweet, acidic, and a little bit smoky, it’s easy to love. There may also be a bit of nostalgia when it comes to why I love … Read more

How to Grow Arkansas Traveler Tomatoes

arkansas traveler tomato

If you’re looking for a flavorful and versatile tomato that can withstand heat and drought, check out the Arkansas Traveler. This heirloom variety was bred to tolerate the often harsh conditions present in the South. Not only are these plants tough, but their bright pink fruits are a pleasing blend of acidic and sweet. Keep … Read more

How to Grow Brandywine Tomatoes

brandywine tomato

Looking for a slicing tomato that sings with flavor and sends tomato juice dripping down your chin? Then look no further than the Brandywine tomato! This classic heirloom variety has been around for generations, yet it remains undeniably popular to this day. And all you have to do is take one bite to see why. … Read more

How to Grow Early Girl Tomatoes

early girl tomato

Tomatoes are a popular plant to grow and come in thousands of different varieties. If you are interested in growing Early Girl tomatoes, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.  Quick Growing Guide for the Early Girl Tomato   Plant Type: Indeterminate  Resistant to: Fusarium Wilt 1, Fusarium Wilt 2, Root Knot Nematode, … Read more

How to Grow Celebrity Tomatoes

celebrity tomato

Tomatoes are grown by more people worldwide than any other vegetable. For forty years, Celebrity tomatoes were the standard that all other tomato varieties were measured against. While some recent hybrids have surpassed it, this is still a great tomato to grow. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to decide if … Read more

How to Grow Heirloom Tomatoes

How to Grow Heirloom Tomatoes?

I’ve noticed that if people have only one item growing in their gardens, it’s often a tomato plant. And for good reason! The flavor, color, and texture of a freshly-picked tomato pales in comparison to a mealy and dull tomato purchased from the grocery store. This is especially true when you’re talking about heirloom tomatoes! … Read more

Berkeley Tie Dye Tomato – How to Grow Berkeley Tie Dye Tomato

Berkeley Tie Dye Tomatoes

If you’re looking for an heirloom tomato that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious, check out the Berkeley Tie Dye. This red and green striped tomato is one of my favorite varieties due to its bold yet balanced flavor and exquisite coloring. While there’s no denying this tomato is a winner, it’s often difficult … Read more

How to Grow Tomatoes – The Ultimate Guide

how to grow tomatoes

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are grown by more gardeners than any other fruit. Tomatoes are native to Central and South America. They were domesticated in Mexico and there are many wild varieties still in existence. I have grown tomatoes for many years and these are the things you need to know to get your own tasty tomatoes. … Read more

German Johnson Tomato – How to Grow German Johnson Tomatoes

German Johnson Tomato

When you realize that tomatoes include much more than mealy red slices slopped on sandwiches or bland cherry tomatoes tossed into salads, the world becomes a lot more exciting. But then you realize there are hundreds of different tomato varieties to choose from…and you only have so much room in your garden. If you’re looking … Read more

15 of My Favorite Heirloom Tomato Varieties in 2024

best heirloom tomato varieties

When it comes time to plant tomatoes, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all your options! Just grab a few seed catalogs, tally the number of tomato varieties available, and you’ll see there are hundreds of different options to choose from. Heirloom tomatoes offer astounding diversity in color, shape, size, taste, and texture—which I think … Read more

Tiny Tim Tomato – Growing Tiny Tim Tomatoes

Tiny Tim Tomato

Tomato plants typically require at least a few square feet of garden space or at least a sizable pot on a patio. However, if you’re dealing with limited space, you can still grow tomatoes! Tiny Tim tomato plants max out around a foot tall, which makes them perfect for small patios, tabletops, and window boxes. … Read more

Black Cherry Tomato – Growing Black Cherry Tomatoes

growing black cherry tomatoes

You’ve probably seen red and orange cherry tomatoes, and maybe even pink and yellow varieties. But have you heard of Black Cherry tomatoes? Black Cherry refers to the dark color of the fruits, but it is also a unique cherry tomato variety. These tomatoes are not truly black, but rather dark and dusky purplish-red. I … Read more

Sungold Tomato – How to Grow Sungold Tomatoes

growing sungold tomatoes

It seems that almost everyone loves the little orange tomatoes known as Sungolds. Give a Sungold to a toddler who has never tasted tomatoes, and they may exclaim they have a new favorite food. Hand a Sungold to a self-described tomato connoisseur and watch as they come back for more. Convince a picky adolescent to … Read more

How to Grow Cherry Tomatoes

how to grow cherry tomatoes

One of the moments I look forward to every summer is picking and eating the year’s first cherry tomato. The sweet and tart flavor, the perfectly snackable size, the juicy texture that bursts in your mouth—what’s not to love about these little tomatoes? I’ve found that I’m not the only one who finds these fruits … Read more

11 Best Cherry Tomato Varieties to Grow in 2024

best cherry tomato varieties

One of my favorite things about growing tomatoes is the diversity present within the crop. Along with large slicing tomatoes, I also like to grow a few different types of small cherry tomatoes. While all cherry tomato plants produce smaller fruits, you can find a big variation between varieties. Fruit color, growth habit, fruit size, … Read more

Determinate vs Indeterminate Tomatoes – What’s My Choice?

determinate vs indeterminate tomatoes

If you’re trying to decide what type of tomatoes you should grow, you may run across the words determinate and indeterminate. These two terms refer to a tomato plant’s growth habit. While you may think tomato size or color is the most important factor to look for when you’re choosing which tomato varieties to grow, … Read more

21 of My Favorite Indeterminate Tomato Varieties in 2024

Indeterminate tomato varieties

If you want to plant a single tomato plant and harvest fruits throughout the summer, you want to look at indeterminate tomatoes. Fortunately, there are all sorts of indeterminate tomato varieties, including heirlooms, hybrids, slicers, and cherries. Over the years, I’ve come to love many different indeterminate types. I always plant a few delicious and … Read more

How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Common Tomato Diseases – The Ultimate Guide

Common tomato diseases

Tomatoes taste better right out of the garden.  Unfortunately, a lot can grow wrong from seed to mouth.  Here is a guide to the most common tomato diseases to help you have a wonderful harvest. I’ve written an in-depth guide on how to grow tomatoes that you might want to check out! Caused by Fungal … Read more

19 of My Favorite Determinate Tomato Varieties in 2024

Determinate tomato varieties

When it comes time to choose a tomato to plant in your garden, the choices can be overwhelming. Red, pink, yellow, big, small, round, oblong, determinate, indeterminate…the list goes on! As I thumb through seed catalogs, I sometimes wonder how I’m supposed to pick what tomato varieties to grow. One way to limit your list … Read more

Can You Use Sevin on Tomato Plants? (with How to Use)

Can You Use Sevin on Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are delicious. Unfortunately, many pests like to eat tomato plants and tomatoes. These pests can make it hard to get vine-ripened tomatoes from your plants. To get rid of these pests, you may wonder, “Can you use Sevin on Tomato Plants?”  Sevin® is a pesticide with the active ingredient carbaryl. Bayer produces several forms … Read more

Why Are My Tomato Leaves Curling? – Causes, Prevention and Treatment

tomato leaves curling

While tomatoes are some of the best tasting items to come out of the garden, these plants are susceptible to their fair share of issues. One common symptom of a larger issue is curling leaves. If you’ve noticed your tomato leaves are curling, you’re not alone! I’ve seen my fair share of curled tomato leaves … Read more

Why Are My Tomato Leaves Turning Yellow? – Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Tomato plant leaves turning yellow

One of the best parts of summer is picking a ripe tomato and eating it seconds later, only a few feet away from where it was picked. When the fruit at the peak of ripeness and still warm from the sun, the flavor bursts in my mouth, and juice drips down my chin. While these … Read more

Growing Tomatoes in Pots – How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots?

How to grow tomatoes in pots?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables people grow. They are the most popular vegetable in the United States. You can grow tomatoes even if you do not have a yard to plant them in. Tomato plants grow well in containers.  Best Tomatoes To Grow In Pots Tomatoes come in two varieties. Indeterminate tomato … Read more

Overwatered Tomato Plant – What Happens and How to Fix It?

overwatered tomato plant

Tomatoes are grown by more people than any other vegetable. Millions of people put months of effort into growing juicy, flavorful tomatoes. Sometimes people love their tomato plants so much they kill them with kindness.  Can You Overwater a Tomato Plant?  Yes, you can definitely overwater a tomato plant. Tomato plants should be watered every … Read more

Blossom End Rot In Tomatoes ( Causes, Treatment, and Prevention)

blossom end rot in tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most-grown vegetables in the United States. I have found that there are lots of things that can go wrong between planting your tomato plant and eating your tomatoes. This guide explains what blossom end rot is and how to prevent it. What Is Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes?  Blossom end … Read more

Why Do My Tomato Leaves Have White Spots?

White Spots on Tomato Leaves

Finding a problem with your tomatoes can be frustrating. Some problems are easy to solve, while others mean you need to destroy the plant. This guide will help you diagnose white spots on your tomato leaves.  Top 6 Reasons for White Spots on Tomato Leaves There are several problems that cause white spots on leaves. … Read more

Why Are My Tomato Seedlings Leggy?

leggy tomato seedlings

Tomato plants are fun and easy to grow. There are some things to be careful about when growing them. This guide talks about leggy tomatoes, how to avoid them, and how to deal with them.  Leggy Tomato Seedlings Versus Normal Tomato Seedlings Tomato seedlings should be short and stocky. Seedlings should have the diameter of … Read more

Why Are My Tomato Leaves Turning Brown? 

tomato leaves turning brown

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable to grow at home. Occasionally, tomato plants have problems. This guide will talk about what causes brown leaves on tomatoes, what to do about it, and how to prevent brown leaves.  Top 9 Reasons My Tomato Leaves Turning Brown There are many reasons the leaves on a tomato plant will … Read more

How Do I Get Rid Of Aphids On My Tomato Plants?

aphids on tomato plants

Lots of people grow tomatoes because homegrown tomatoes taste better than store-bought ones. Tomatoes are easy to grow in pots or in the ground but do have some pest problems. This guide will tell you all about aphids and how to get rid of them.  How Do I Get Rid Of Aphids On My Tomato … Read more

How Much Sun Do Tomatoes Need?

how much sun do tomatoes need?

The best tomatoes are homegrown. If you are considering growing your own tomatoes, you may wonder how much sunlight to give them. This guide explains how much sun tomato plants need.  How Much Sun Do Tomato Plants Need?  Tomatoes need to be planted in full sun. They need at least six hours of sunlight a … Read more

Tomato Plant Spacing – How Far Apart to Plant Tomatoes?

How far apart to plant tomatoes?

Tomatoes are a very popular vegetable to grow. Home-grown tomatoes taste much better than store-bought tomatoes. If you are going to grow tomatoes, you need to start off right by spacing the plants properly.  Why Is Spacing Important?  If you space your tomatoes properly, it will give each tomato plant the resources to grow large … Read more

7 Best Tomato Fertilizers in 2024

best tomato fertilizer

Tomatoes are grown by more home growers than any other fruit or vegetable. I think homegrown tomatoes have a much better flavor than store-bought tomatoes. With so many people growing tomatoes, there are hundreds if not thousands of tomato fertilizers. You may be wondering, “What is the best tomato fertilizer?” Picking a tomato fertilizer doesn’t … Read more

Homemade Tomato Fertilizer – My Ingredients and Recipes for Every Growth Stage

homemade tomato fertilizer

Homegrown tomatoes taste much better than the bland store-bought version. I have found tomatoes are not hard to grow but do need lots of fertilizer to grow big, juicy tomatoes. You may wonder, “How do I make my own tomato fertilizer?”  There are lots of recipes for homemade tomato fertilizers on the internet. I have … Read more