Tomato care guide
Solanum lycopersicum
Also known as: Cherry tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Ripe fruit is not the concern: the leaves, stems, and green fruit hold tomatine; dogs and cats that chew them may vomit, drool, or become lethargic, so keep pets away from the plant and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if any is eaten.
How often to water Tomato
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; go a little easy right after planting, and check potted plants every morning in midsummer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- As it cools the soil dries more slowly; as a guide, water about a day after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- Generally out of season outdoors; for a plant kept indoors, water sparingly about two to three days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Tomato
At least half a day of direct sun in an airy spot is about right; rain encourages disease and split fruit, so a balcony or a spot under the eaves, out of the rain, usually suits it.
Overwintering Tomato
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
It is generally grown as an annual and finished by the first frost; a plant can be kept at a bright window above about 10°C, but low winter light means little fruit.
Fertilizing and repotting Tomato
Fertilizer
Keep the base fertilizer light and start feeding once the first truss has coin-sized fruit, as a guide: slow-release about monthly or liquid feed every two weeks; excess nitrogen gives leaves, not fruit.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Tomato
- Uneven watering or a calcium shortage causes blossom-end rot, a black patch on the fruit's base.
- Rain or a sudden heavy watering splits the fruit.
- Too much fertilizer or water gives lush leaves, dropped flowers, and no fruit.
Tips for growing Tomato
- Pinch out side shoots while small and train to a single stem for easier care.
- Gently shaking the first flower cluster helps pollination and fruit set.
- Stake the plant and tie the stem loosely so the weight of the fruit does not topple it.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
