The Beginner’s Guide to Growing Tomatoes (Step-by-Step)

The Taste of Homegrown Tomatoes

Have you ever bitten into a supermarket tomato and wondered why it tastes like… nothing? That bland, watery texture is a far cry from the rich, juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes you could be growing in your own garden. The difference isn’t just in the variety—it’s in the way they’re grown. Supermarket tomatoes are bred for long shelf life and transportability, not flavor or nutrition. When you grow your own, you control the quality, and the reward is unmatched.

The good news? Tomatoes are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow, whether in a backyard garden, greenhouse, or even a balcony container. No matter where you live, this guide will walk you through the entire process—from seed to harvest—using regenerative, organic methods that work with nature, not against it.

Choosing the Right Tomato Variety for Your Climate

Tomatoes come in hundreds of varieties, each suited to different conditions. To set yourself up for success, choose varieties best suited to your climate:

• Cool Climates (e.g., Ireland, Northern Europe, Canada): Look for short-season, cold-tolerant tomatoes like ‘Glacier,’ ‘Sub Arctic Plenty,’ or ‘Stupice.’ Cherry tomatoes also tend to ripen faster.

• Mild Climates (e.g., UK, Northern US, New Zealand): Varieties like ‘Moneymaker,’ ‘Gardeners Delight,’ and ‘Roma’ perform well with a standard growing season.

• Hot Climates (e.g., Southern US, Australia, Mediterranean): Heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Heatmaster,’ ‘Solar Fire,’ and ‘Arkansas Traveler’ will thrive.
  

If you’re growing in a greenhouse or polytunnel, your choices expand significantly, as you can create a more controlled environment.

Growing Tomatoes: Seeds vs. Seedlings

You can start tomatoes from seeds or buy seedlings from a garden center. Here’s what to consider:

• Starting from seed: Gives you access to a wider variety and is more cost-effective. Seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.

• Buying seedlings: Faster and easier for beginners. Just make sure to choose healthy, strong plants with no signs of disease or yellowing leaves.
  

For best results, start your seeds in seed trays with a high-quality, organic seed-starting mix. Keep them warm (18–22°C) and provide plenty of light.

Planting Tomatoes: In-Ground vs. Containers

In-Ground Planting

Tomatoes thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Choose a sunny spot (at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day) and plant them deeply—burying the stem up to the first set of true leaves encourages strong root development. Space plants at least 60 cm apart to allow airflow and prevent disease.

Growing in Containers

If you’re short on space, tomatoes grow well in containers. Choose a pot at least 30 cm deep, preferably terracotta or fabric for good drainage. Use a high-quality organic potting mix, and if possible, place the container near healthy soil so roots can extend beyond the pot.

Supporting Your Tomato Plants

Tomatoes need support to keep the fruit off the ground and prevent disease. Choose one of the following:

• Cages: Easy for bushy, determinate varieties.

• Stakes: Best for tall, indeterminate varieties. Tie stems loosely with soft twine.

• Trellises: Ideal for maximizing space and airflow, especially in greenhouses.
  

Watering & Feeding: Organic vs. Conventional Approaches

• Conventional growers rely on synthetic fertilizers and regular feeding schedules.

• Organic & regenerative growers focus on building healthy soil that sustains itself. If your soil is rich in compost and organic matter, your tomatoes will thrive without extra fertilizers.
  

Watering tips:

• Deep watering once or twice a week is better than shallow daily watering.

• Water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

• Mulch with straw, grass clippings, or leaf mold to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  

Common Tomato Problems & How to Fix Them

Even the healthiest plants can run into issues. Here’s how to handle the most common problems:

• Blossom End Rot: Caused by calcium deficiency and irregular watering. Keep soil moisture consistent.

• Split Fruits: Happens when tomatoes receive too much water after a dry spell. Water consistently.

• Tomato Blight: A fungal disease that spreads in wet conditions. Avoid overhead watering and space plants well.

• Aphids & Whiteflies: Introduce companion plants like basil or marigolds to deter them naturally.
  

Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Tomatoes

1. Overwatering: Leads to weak, shallow roots. Deep, infrequent watering is better.

2. Planting Too Close Together: Crowded plants encourage disease. Space them properly.

3. Ignoring Soil Health: Healthy soil = healthy plants. Compost and mulch are your best friends.

4. Skipping Support: Unsupported tomato plants will sprawl, making them prone to disease and lower yields.

5. Harvesting Too Early or Too Late: Pick when fully colored but still firm for the best flavor.
   

Can Tomatoes Be Grown in a Food Forest?

While tomatoes are typically grown in vegetable gardens, they can also fit into a young food forest. In the early years, before the canopy closes, tomatoes can be grown in the sunny gaps between young trees. They will need more attention than in a traditional garden but can thrive in the right conditions.

Conclusion

Growing your own tomatoes is one of the most rewarding gardening experiences. Whether you plant them in the ground, in containers, or even within a young food forest, they’ll repay your efforts with unbeatable flavor and nutrition. By working with nature—using organic soil, compost, and natural pest deterrents—you’ll not only grow healthier tomatoes but also support the long-term health of your garden.

For more guides on growing food the regenerative way, explore our blog at Earthling.com!