Grow a Bumper Crop of Tomatoes This Summer

For many home gardeners, tomatoes are the crown jewel of the backyard garden—but also one of the trickiest to grow well. If your tomato plants have ever failed to ripen, rotted on the vine, or produced only a few sad fruits, you’re not alone. With the right care and planning, though, you can turn your tomato troubles into a thriving harvest.

Here’s how to grow a bumper crop of juicy, flavorful tomatoes in your own backyard.

Start With the Right Growing Conditions

Tomatoes love the sun. They need at least six to eight hours of full sunlight each day to grow properly. They also prefer well-draining soil that’s slightly acidic and rich in organic matter, such as compost. If your yard doesn’t offer ideal conditions, try using raised beds or large containers. These give you better control over soil quality and drainage.

Choose the Right Plants for Your Area

Not all tomato varieties grow well in every climate. According to the University of New Hampshire, your best bet is to pick types that are known to succeed in your region. Local garden centers and community gardening groups can be great sources of advice. They’ll help you find varieties that resist common pests and thrive in your weather.

Water Wisely—and Often

Tomatoes are thirsty. After planting, water your tomatoes about once a day to help them settle in. Once they’re established, in-ground plants should get a deep watering at least twice a week, while those in raised beds or containers may need watering more often, especially in hot weather. If it’s a scorcher outside, daily watering may be needed to keep the soil moist.

Feed Your Plants the Right Nutrients

Tomatoes need more than just water. Start with a balanced fertilizer—something like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20—during the early growing stage. Once the plant starts to flower, switch to a fertilizer with less nitrogen and more phosphorus, such as 5-10-10. This encourages more blooms and a better fruit set.

As the fruit begins to develop, use a fertilizer that includes potassium, like a 5-10-20 blend. Potassium helps boost flavor and sweetness. Be careful not to use too much nitrogen, or you’ll end up with big, leafy plants that produce bland or puffy tomatoes.

Don’t Forget Calcium and Magnesium

If your tomatoes start turning black and leathery on the bottom, you may be dealing with blossom end rot caused by a lack of calcium. Magnesium is just as important—it helps keep leaves green and fruit growing steadily.

Some fertilizers already contain calcium and magnesium, but others don’t. If yours doesn’t, you can add a liquid CalMag supplement or use natural options. Bone meal adds calcium slowly over time, while Epsom salt provides magnesium.

With a little attention and care, you’ll be well on your way to growing tomatoes you can be proud of—bright red, bursting with flavor, and perfect for slicing, saucing, or snacking straight off the vine.