by datta Nighut 
Looking to grow the juiciest, most flavorful tomatoes? Our expert tips will help you cultivate a thriving tomato garden. From selecting the perfect variety to Five Top Tomato Tips for , we’ve got you covered.
It’s that time of year when those of us who live in colder climates develop serious spring fever. (Some of us have known to be in the greenhouse at watering time just to smell damp earth!) I really love tomatoes, but with Jay they are a true passion. He has grown many varieties over the years and also has some excellent advice. So if you’re dreaming of warm, succulent tomatoes straight from the garden like I am, here are some of his growing tips you might want to consider:
Choosing the Right Tomato Variety
1. Plant deep.
If you have a nice sturdy plant put it in the soil deeper than it is in it’s container. Plant it so that only the top half is above soil level. This encourages more roots to grow out of the stem, and makes for a healthier plant. Tomatoes like a steady diet of water, so more roots makes for more efficient water intake.
2. Plant in a hollow.
If your plant is a bit spindly, planting deep will only cause it to rot. (ah the sad and rueful look on Jay’s face when he shared this…. a man who knows from experience, I thought) What he does is make a well like hollow and plants in that. The sides of the hollow help support the floppy plant, and as it gets sturdier, the well can be filled in. ( and as in # 1 roots will then form out of the stem )
3. Use the right fertilizer.
Tomatoes are heavy feeders, no doubt about it. I had heard that epsom salts could be used to feed them, which is technically true. However, a balanced fertilizer which is heavier on phosphorous is good. It encourages blossom and fruit growth rather than leaves.
4. Ask other people what they grow.
The experience of other gardeners is a well of information. I found out ‘Mortgage Lifter’ (my favorite red tomato, shown at right) is very similar to the highly prized ‘Jetstar’. From Jay I learned about a super scrumptious yellow cherry tomato called ‘Sungold’ (shown at the top of this page). If you don’t grow any other cherry tomato grow this one. I had always avoided cherry tomatoes because they seemed so squishy and watery. I’d bite into one and it was just icky. ‘Sungold’ is sweet and firm, with very little of that watery squish.
5. Mulch and water.
While tomatoes like good drainage they also want a steady amount of water. If your tomatoes crack they’ve been going through a feast and famine cycle of watering. First there’s not enough water, then when they do get water it’s soaked up so quickly the fruits expand and pop- there goes their skin. Nice steady watering will really cut down on that problem. Mulching lightly will also help when the weather gets broiling hot.
Before you know it, all of us tomato lovers will be out in our gardens, happily planting and serving BLTs for lunch. I’ve already told you my favorite tomatoes—what are yours?
