Tomatoes are a big reason why folks get into vegetable gardening. There is just nothing that comes close to eating sun-ripened tomatoes and the thoughts of delicious tomato sandwiches with flavor-packed home-grown tomatoes is making me salivate as I type this. So you’re thinking about growing some tomatoes this year but don’t know where to start? Well, how about reading this post and then heading to Blackhawk Hardware at Park Road Shopping Center to get you some yummy sun-ripened ‘matoes later this summer!
What Do You Need to Grow Tomatoes?
First things first, you’ll need just a few things to grow tomatoes. Decide if you want to grow tomatoes in planters, a raised bed or a tilled plot of land. Our Garden Center has tons of stylish and practical planters in store and you can order this raised bed from the ACE website to ship to our store for free:
Pick up vegetable planting soil and some compost from the Garden Center and fill your container or garden bed. Once your plants are in the ground they need support to stay off the ground. Choose between a trellis, stake or tomato cage and position them after planting.
When Do You Plant Tomatoes in The Carolinas?
This time of year you’ll want to buy tomato plants instead of seeds but if you’re feeling up to it, you can start your own plants from seeds six weeks before the average last day of frost. For Charlotte, NC the first recommended day to start your tomato seeds indoors is February 19th – six weeks prior to April 2nd, our average last day for frost. Plant these or the plants you bought at Blackhawk Hardware outside from mid April to mid May after hardening them off for a week.
Where Should You Plant Tomatoes?
Most vegetables and fruits including tomatoes need abundant sun light. Tomatoes strive on 6-8 hours of sun light but here in the South you can get away with some light afternoon shade. I’ve had decent success with smaller varieties like cherry tomatoes in my small vegetable garden that just barely gets 6 hours of direct sunshine.
How Do You Grow Tomatoes in The Carolinas?
After hardening off your tomato plants, plant them into the ground so that the first leaves are just above the surface. Tomatoes can benefit from placement near certain companion plants like basil, so be sure to check out our article about companion planting when you plan your garden. Water the young plants thoroughly and generously for the first days. Continue to water the plants consistently throughout their lives – about 2in per week.
For best growth we recommend nurturing your tomatoes (and other plants!) with compost tea from Blackhawk’s Garden Center. It is also recommended to trim so-called suckers, branches that aren’t carrying any blossoms, for an increased harvest. Speaking of harvesting, weather permitting you can expect to harvest ripe tomatoes from around late June until September.
If you have any questions, as always, our experienced Garden Center staff is ready to assist you!
