You can always check the moisture levels using a soil meter, such as the Sonkir Soil pH Meter ( $9.99, Amazon (opens in new tab)). Do not water the plant directly - this only encourages disease. You should water the soil slowly and deeply around the base of the stem, leaving it moist, not soggy. Once mature, tomato plants require at least 1-2 inches of water each week, and more during the hot summer months. This isn’t surprising when you consider how quickly such a small amount of soil can dry out.

During seeding, they should be watered once, or even twice a day in warm weather. Naturally, this means they need a lot of water, especially while young and sprouting. Tomato plants are fast-growing and thrive in warm conditions. For instance, should the temperature be set to drop one night, you can move the plant indoors rather than hoping it’s established enough to survive. These are more porous, allowing for better air circulation and fast-drying soil, which discourages disease.Ĭontainers may be the better option versus planting in the ground if the conditions outside aren’t consistent. Stick to terra cotta pots rather than plastic. Should you choose to keep your tomato plants in containers, transplant them into pots which provide adequate room to grow into - 12 inches is a good size for young tomato plants. You need to get the plants used to outdoor conditions by moving them outside during the day and back indoors at night. Should you choose to grow your tomato plants in the ground, you will need to 'harden' them first. Once your plants have reached 2-4 inches in height and have sprung their first set of leaves, they’re ready for a new home. Note that you should plant 2-3 seeds per container because not all will successfully germinate.

Seedlings can be germinated in seedling trays, such as the Growneer 120 Cells Peat Pots Seed Starter Trays ( $11.99, Amazon (opens in new tab)).

And planting them in the ground at a young age puts them at risk, particularly if the temperature drops at night.įor this reason, tomatoes should be kept in containers at first. Tomato plants are vulnerable while small and developing - they require constant warmth and moisture. Unless you’re planting a mature and established tomato plant, it shouldn’t be placed directly in the ground.

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