Grow Bigger Tomatoes with These 7 Hassle-Free Gardening Tips
Can’t seem to grow plump and juicy tomatoes to matter how much time you spend gardening?
The berries of the Solanum lycopersicum plant, tomatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of culinary dishes.
Of course, large tomatoes are preferable over small tomatoes. If you’re tired of harvesting cherry-sized tomatoes, you should check out the five following tips to grow bigger tomatoes in your garden.
Growing Bigger Tomatoes and Their Challenges
Growing bigger tomatoes is not just about size; it’s about enhancing the flavor and boosting your garden’s overall yield. A larger tomato often means juicier, more flavorful bites, which can make all the difference in your homemade sauces, salads, and salsas. Bigger tomatoes also mean more food from each plant, maximizing the space in your garden and making your efforts more rewarding.
However, many gardeners face common challenges when trying to grow the biggest, most flavorful tomatoes. Issues like inconsistent watering, poor soil quality, and lack of proper nutrients can all stand in the way of optimal growth. Pests and diseases are other hurdles that can stifle your tomato plants before they even get a chance to thrive.
To tackle these challenges, understanding the right techniques and tools can be the key. From proper pruning methods to choosing the right tomato variety, there are several steps you can take to set yourself up for tomato-growing success.
| Common Challenges | How They Affect Growth |
| Inconsistent watering | Causes split or small fruits |
| Poor soil quality | Leads to weak plants |
| Pest infestations | Reduces plant health |
1. Choose the Right Tomato Variety
Choosing the right tomato variety is the first step toward growing larger, more flavorful fruits. Some varieties are specifically bred for their impressive size, such as Beefsteak or Big Boy tomatoes, which can yield massive, juicy produce perfect for sandwiches and sauces. Starting with the right seeds or plants sets the foundation for a successful harvest.
Your local climate plays a significant role in how well your tomatoes grow. If you live in a cooler region, opt for early-maturing varieties like Early Girl, while warmer climates can support heartier options like Brandywine. Matching your plant to your environment ensures optimal growth and helps you avoid frustration down the line.
Disease resistance is another crucial factor when selecting tomato varieties. Choosing strains that resist common issues like blight or mosaic virus can save you time and effort, ensuring your plants stay healthy throughout the growing season.
| Variety | Best For | Climate | Disease Resistance |
| Beefsteak | Large fruits, rich flavor | Warm climates | Moderate |
| Early Girl | Quick growth | Cooler regions | High |
| Brandywine | Hearty and flavorful | Warm to moderate areas | Low |
2. Space at Least 2 Feet Apart
Don’t make the mistake of overcrowding your tomato plants.
Without an adequate amount of space, they won’t be able to develop plump and juicy tomatoes.
So, how far apart should you space your tomato plants?
While some varieties need more space than others, a good rule of thumb is to space tomato plants at least 2 feet apart from each other.
3. Increase Sun Exposure
The amount of sunlight to which your tomato plants are exposed will affect their size.
As you may have guessed, tomato plants that are exposed to more sunlight produce bigger tomatoes than those exposed to less sunlight.
Sunlight triggers photosynthesis, thereby fueling the plants with more energy to produce bigger tomatoes.
By planting your tomatoes in an area or your garden or landscape that receives a substantial amount of sunlight, you’ll be rewarded with bigger tomatoes.
4. Use a Trellis
Another simple tip to grow bigger tomatoes is to use a trellis.
Featuring interwoven boards, trellises are designed to accommodate “climbing” plants, including tomatoes.
As a tomato plant grows, it will develop vines that spider outwards. With help from trellis, the tomato plant will latch onto the structure, allowing it to grow vertically rather than horizontally.
5. Add Mulch
Consider adding mulch around the base of your tomato plants.
Mulch is beneficial for all plants – and tomatoes are no exception. It helps to retain moisture, protects the soil from erosion and discourages the intrusion of weeds.
Just remember to use a sufficient amount of mulch so that it covers all the soil surrounding your tomato plants.
6. Prune the Bottom
Pruning the bottom of your tomato plants can have a positive impact on their harvest size.
When you prune the bottom leaves of a tomato plant, you’ll encourage it to grow new leaves at the top.
This is important because the bottom leaves are susceptible to decay and disease. If you don’t remove a decaying or diseased leaf, it may spread to other parts of the plant.
7. Protect Against Pests and Diseases
Protecting your tomato plants from pests and diseases is essential to ensuring healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Common pests like aphids and hornworms can wreak havoc on your plants if not dealt with quickly. Regularly inspecting your garden for these invaders allows you to respond before they cause significant damage.
Natural pest control methods are often the most effective and environmentally friendly. Companion planting, such as growing basil or marigolds alongside your tomatoes, can help repel harmful insects. For a more direct approach, insecticidal soap or neem oil can provide a non-toxic solution to keep your plants pest-free.
Diseases like blight or wilt can be just as devastating as pests. Checking your plants frequently for discoloration, wilting, or unusual spots allows you to act swiftly. Removing affected leaves or using disease-resistant varieties can help mitigate the spread of these issues.
| Pest/Disease | Signs to Watch For | Prevention Method |
| Aphids | Yellowing leaves, sticky residue | Companion planting |
| Hornworms | Chewed leaves, caterpillars | Insecticidal soap |
| Blight | Dark spots on leaves, wilting | Disease-resistant strains |
