Tomato Planting and Growing Tips

I also sprinkle in some special fertilizer for starting plants.

Handle the tomatoe plant by the leaves or the pot. Avoid touching the stem too much so you won't bruise it.

Leave the plant in the biodegradable peat pot--just peel off the bottom of the container. It will help protect the root system when you are planting. If the plant is not in a peat pot like this one, carefully remove the tomato plant before you put it in the ground.

That gives the roots a way out.

After trimming the plant and preparing the peat pot, sprinkle in a booster fertilizer and plant deep! Only the top of the seedling should be visible. The light brown granules are organic fertilizer.

Notice that I have put the stakes in even though the plants are not high. Putting them in early keeps you from damaging any roots.

I used a cracker box to make a circle. For a pattern I used the saucer from a pot.

Cut a hole in the center of the circle and cut from the edge of the cardboard circle to the notch. You have to be able to slip the circle around the plant.

Space equals less disease and problems for your tomato crop!

My bamboo tomato stakes are nice, though. Cages built around your plants are great for helping the plants stay in their own space.