The growing season is in full swing! Here’s how to ensure your tomatoes thrive:

Water Wisely: Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to apply water directly to the soil, minimizing leaf wetness and reducing the risk of disease. Aim for an inch of water twice a week, increasing during peak heat.

Maintain Consistent Moisture: Consistency is key. Inconsistent watering can lead to blossom end rot and stressed plants.

Mulch Matters: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Mulching also helps reduce fungus by minimizing water splashing on the leaves.

Fertilize for Success: Use Espoma Tomato Tone or Jack’s Blue fertilizer once a month to provide essential nutrients.

Full Sun is a Must: Ensure your plants receive at least 7 hours of direct sunlight daily. If garden space is limited, consider large planters in sunny spots.

Pruning Practices: For indeterminate varieties, regularly remove suckers to optimize fruit production. Determinate varieties require less pruning. Removing suckers helps direct the plant’s energy towards producing more and larger tomatoes.

Support Your Plants: Use tomato cages or stakes to support the growing plants. This helps keep the vines upright, promotes better air circulation, and makes harvesting easier.

Monitor for Pests and Disease: Watch for common issues like tomato hornworms and signs of fungal diseases. Early intervention is crucial.

Late Planting? No Problem! If you haven’t planted your tomato plants yet, you still can! Even leggy tomato plants are perfectly fine to plant. Just remove the lower leaves and plant them deeper in the pot or ground.

Share Your Success: Capture your care techniques and growing successes with #TomatoFestCare. Inspire others with your green thumb!

Special Offer: Stop by and pick up your FREE sample of GardenGlow (while supplies last) or order directly from the app and save 20%. Use it when you plant, or three weeks after.

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a bountiful tomato harvest.

Happy gardening from Nunan’s Garden Center!