goldenrod

Water needs will vary based on factors such as temperature, soil composition, pot size and plant size. For young plants, it is best to water deeply, once or twice a week. As the plants mature, their watering needs will increase. During the warmer months, when they are actively growing, they should be watered deeply 2 to 3 times a week. In hotter conditions, they may need more, up to every other day. During the cooler months, water needs are reduced and the plants can be watered less frequently, ideally around once a week. Be careful not to over-water tomatoes, as they are prone to root rot and may develop fungal diseases. During the winter you may be able to water less often. Always check the soil before watering to make sure it is dry and only water when needed.

Tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and they thrive best in direct sunlight, preferably the sunniest part of the day. However, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the afternoon as they can suffer scorch and sunburn if the sun is too harsh.

Tomato plants should be pruned when they are 12 to 18 inches tall and when their branches have 6 to 8 trusses of tomatoes. Prune out any additional shoots that are developing at the base of the tomato plant, and any suckers that are emerging in the joint between the main stem and its side branches. It is best to prune away no more than 2/3 of the above growth at any 1 time. For large indeterminate varieties, you should prune the first fruits when they reach about 3 inches. Leave some large leaves in place for the plant to have adequate shade and to keep the branches from breaking under the weight of the tomatoes. To maintain a tidy appearance, you can also prune away any yellowing leaves or stems.