Growing Tomatoes: A Complete Profile

By GardenPlanner Team · July 17, 2026

Tomatoes are the crop most people plant first, and for good reason: a single well-tended plant can produce for months, and the taste difference between a homegrown and store-bought tomato is the single biggest “why do I garden” argument there is.

What to expect

Tomatoes need staking or caging almost universally — even “bush” determinate varieties benefit from support once loaded with fruit. Plan for a stake or cage at planting time, not after the plant has flopped over. They’re heavy feeders, so a spot with real compost (not just topsoil) makes a noticeable difference.

Common problems

Blossom end rot (a dark, sunken patch on the fruit’s bottom) is almost always inconsistent watering, not a disease — keep the soil evenly moist rather than alternating between bone-dry and soaked. Cracking is the same root cause after a heavy rain following a dry spell.

Where this fits in your garden

Check our companion planting guide for tomatoes before you place one — basil and marigolds are classic, reputed pairings, while corn and cabbage are worth keeping some distance from. Use the planting calendar for exact dates in your zone, or lay it out visually in the Garden Designer.

Companion planting guide for Tomato ·Find your planting dates

Where to buy tomato seeds

• Botanical Interests
• True Leaf Market
• Burpee

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