- Choose the Right Variety
- Start with Good Soil
- Plant Deep
- Water Wisely
- Prune for Success
- Feed Regularly
- Harvest at the Right Time
Do you ever gaze longingly at the big, juicy tomatoes in the grocery store, only to get them home and find they lack the flavour punch you were expecting? Or perhaps you’re tired of paying premium prices for so-called ‘gourmet’ tomatoes. Well, no more! It’s time to get down and dirty in your own backyard because today, I’m sharing seven secrets to growing incredibly juicy, flavour-packed tomatoes at home.
Choose the Right Variety
Start by choosing the right tomato variety. Not all tomatoes are created equal, and what you plant will have a huge impact on what you harvest. For delicious, juicy tomatoes, consider varieties such as Beefsteak, Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, or Sweet Million.
Start with Good Soil
Like all plants, tomatoes are only as good as the soil they’re grown in. They need rich, well-draining soil that’s been fortified with plenty of compost or organic matter. The addition of organic matter not only feeds your tomatoes but also helps the soil retain moisture while still draining well.
Plant Deep
When you’re ready to transplant your seedlings, dig deep. Tomatoes have the ability to develop roots along their stems, so the more stem you can get under the soil, the stronger the root system will be. This equals a more robust plant and ultimately, better tomatoes!
Water Wisely
Tomatoes need a lot of water, and they prefer it at their roots. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose is perfect for this, as it delivers the water right where it’s needed and keeps the foliage dry, which helps prevent disease. Try to keep the watering consistent too, as fluctuations can lead to problems like blossom end rot.
Prune for Success
Not all parts of the tomato plant are beneficial. Lower leaves that come into contact with the soil can develop diseases. The suckers that grow at the junction between two branches won’t bear fruit but will take energy away from the rest of the plant. Prune these parts away for a healthier plant.
Feed Regularly
Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular feeding. Use a high-quality, organic tomato fertilizer for the best results. The key is to feed little and often to keep your plants in top-growing condition.
Harvest at the Right Time
Last but definitely not least, make sure you harvest your tomatoes at the right time. They’re perfect for picking when they’ve reached their full colour (whether that’s red, yellow, orange, or even purple!), and they feel slightly soft when squeezed.
Final Thoughts
With these tips, you’re well on your way to a bountiful harvest of the juiciest, most flavourful tomatoes you’ve ever tasted. And remember, gardening is as much about the journey as the destination, so have fun and don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly the first time. Each season is a new opportunity to grow!