Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, but they can also be frustrating. Between pests, diseases, and unpredictable weather, a successful harvest isn’t always guaranteed.
Luckily, there are plenty of tricks to help you grow the biggest, juiciest, and most flavorful tomatoes possible.
Here are 15 tomato growth hacks that can take your garden to the next level.
15 Tomato Growth Hacks
1. Bury the Stem for a Stronger Root System
Most plants struggle if you plant them too deep, but tomatoes thrive on it! When transplanting, bury two-thirds of the stem underground.
The buried stem will sprout roots, leading to a stronger, more drought-resistant plant.
2. Use Epsom Salt for Healthier Plants
Epsom salt provides magnesium, which is essential for photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. A tablespoon per plant at planting time and occasional foliar sprays can reduce yellowing leaves and boost fruit production.
3. Prune for Maximum Airflow
Crowded plants are a magnet for disease. Regularly prune lower leaves and suckers (the small shoots between the main stem and branches) to promote good air circulation and reduce fungal infections.
4. Mulch Like a Pro
Mulch is a game-changer for tomato plants. A layer of straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings retains moisture, prevents soil splashing (which spreads disease), and keeps weeds at bay.
5. Pick the Right Companion Plants
Tomatoes thrive next to basil, marigolds, and onions. These plants help repel pests, improve flavor, and even boost yield.
Avoid planting tomatoes near potatoes or brassicas, as they can compete for nutrients.
6. Train Your Plants Vertically
Staking or caging your tomatoes keeps them off the ground, prevents rot, and improves air circulation.
If space is limited, try trellising indeterminate (vining) varieties to grow upwards instead of sprawling out.
7. Stop Watering at the Right Time
Consistent watering is crucial, but cutting back when tomatoes start to ripen can increase sweetness and reduce cracking. However, be careful not to stress the plant too much.
8. Use Aspirin to Boost Disease Resistance
Dissolve one aspirin (325 mg) per gallon of water and spray your plants every few weeks.
Salicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin) triggers plant defenses and makes tomatoes more resistant to diseases like blight.
9. Give Your Plants a Calcium Boost
Blossom end rot is a common tomato problem caused by calcium deficiency.
Prevent it by adding crushed eggshells, bone meal, or agricultural lime to the soil at planting time.
10. Hand Pollinate for More Fruit
If your plants flower but don’t set fruit, shake them gently or use an electric toothbrush to vibrate the blossoms.
This helps distribute pollen and ensures a better fruit set, especially in still air conditions.
11. Harvest at the Right Time for Best Flavor
Tomatoes should be picked when they are fully colored but still firm.
If cold nights are coming, you can harvest green tomatoes and let them ripen indoors in a paper bag with a banana.
12. Use Compost Tea for a Nutrient Boost
Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water. It feeds beneficial microbes, enriches the soil, and strengthens plant immunity.
Use it as a soil drench or foliar spray for best results.
13. Rotate Crops to Avoid Soil Depletion
Never plant tomatoes in the same spot two years in a row.
Rotate them with beans, carrots, or lettuce to prevent soil depletion and minimize disease risks.
14. Use Reflective Mulch to Improve Growth
Red or silver reflective mulch bounces light back up to the plant, increasing photosynthesis and boosting yield.
It also helps deter aphids and other pests.
15. Ferment Tomato Seeds for Better Germination
To save seeds from your best tomatoes, let them ferment in water for 2-3 days before drying.
This process removes the gel coating that inhibits germination and kills seed-borne diseases.
Tomato Growing 101: Everything You Need to Know
Now that you have the hacks, let’s cover everything you need to know to grow tomatoes successfully from start to finish.
Choosing the Right Tomato Variety
Tomatoes come in two main types:
- Determinate (Bush) – Grows to a fixed size and produces all its fruit at once. Great for small spaces or containers.
- Indeterminate (Vining) – Keeps growing and producing until frost. Needs staking or trellising.
Also, consider factors like disease resistance, days to maturity, and flavor when choosing varieties.
Starting Seeds vs. Buying Transplants
- Starting from Seeds: Cheaper, more variety, but requires a 6-8 week head start indoors.
- Buying Transplants: Faster and easier, but selection may be limited.
Soil Preparation
Tomatoes love rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-6.8. Mix in compost, aged manure, or organic fertilizer before planting.
Planting
- Timing: Plant after the last frost when soil temperatures are at least 60°F.
- Spacing: Leave 18-24 inches between plants for airflow and growth.
- Deep Planting: As mentioned earlier, bury two-thirds of the stem for better roots.
Watering
- Water deeply and consistently (about 1-2 inches per week).
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep leaves dry.
Fertilizing
- Start with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting.
- Once flowers appear, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote fruiting.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which leads to too much leafy growth and fewer tomatoes.
Pest and Disease Management
- Aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies are common pests. Hand-pick, use neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.
- Use resistant varieties and remove infected plants promptly.
Supporting Your Plants
- Cages, stakes, or trellises prevent plants from sprawling.
- Tie plants loosely with soft ties or cloth strips to avoid damage.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Remove lower leaves to prevent soil-borne disease.
- Regularly prune suckers to focus energy on fruit production.
- Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves and remove them.
Harvesting and Storing Tomatoes
- Pick tomatoes when fully colored but still firm.
- Store at room temperature for best flavor (never in the fridge!).
- Use ripe tomatoes quickly or freeze, can, or dry them for later.
Final Thoughts
Growing tomatoes can be a challenge, but with these 15 growth hacks and solid basic care knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to a bumper crop. Keep experimenting, try different varieties, and adjust your methods based on what works best in your garden.
Happy growing!
Last update on 2025-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API