If you’re a new gardener and you’re growing tomato plants in pots or in your garden, you may be wondering what the best way is to water them. In this blog from The Soil King, we’ll look at a few tips on how to water tomato plants properly and keep them strong and healthy. Let’s get started.
Water In The Early Morning
Tomatoes grow in the summer when it can be downright sweltering – so water them in the early morning when the sun is up, but it’s not yet high enough in the sky to evaporate the water quickly. This will ensure the water soaks into the soil and doesn’t simply evaporate into the air.
Plant Tomatoes In Plenty Of Soil (6-8 Inches Minimum)
Healthy, thick, and deep soil helps insulate the roots of your tomatoes and ensures water can soak in deeply to the roots. Make sure the soil in your pots or garden is deep enough to fully absorb the water you provide for your plants.
Give Them About 1 To 1.5 Inches Of Water Per Week
Not taking into account any natural rainfall, your tomatoes need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Not sure how much that is? Put an empty tuna can next to your plants before you water them. When the can is full, that’s about an inch of water! Once you’ve done this a few times, you’ll be able to intuitively know how much water to use on your tomatoes. It’s best to water your tomatoes every 4-5 days if it’s not raining.
Water The Base Of The Plant – Never The Leaves Or Fruits
If the leaves and fruits of your tomatoes are water-logged, they won’t grow to be as healthy. Pour water directly onto the base of the plant to make sure it soaks into the root structures – rather than the top of the plant.
Know How To Recognize If They’re Under-Watered
If your tomatoes are looking a little bit limp and wilted at the end of the day (particularly if it’s been very hot) that’s okay. By the end of the day, your tomatoes will have lost some moisture, but it’s nothing they can’t handle.
However, if they look wilted or droopy during the day, they probably need some more water ASAP, so adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Follow These Tips To Water Tomatoes Properly
Hopefully, these tips from The Soil King will help you grow ripe, beautiful, and delicious tomatoes this summer. Need more tips on how to water tomato plants, or to pick up some gardening supplies? Come visit us at our garden center, or shop online, to get everything you need.