Most people who like growing tomatoes prefer to grow them from the seeds rather

than from the tomato plants from the nursery. Although there are many varieties
of tomato plants which are good for first-timers like Better Boy, Creole and Bra
ndywine, many seasoned gardeners prefer growing tomatoes from seeds as they feel
that this helps prevent any soil or plant contamination that may have been brou
ght to the greenhouse and nurseries from outside environments.
A good tomato garden needs a very sunny place. Lighting is of utmost importance
to tomatoes and the seedlings might end up being very leggy looking for light if
the ambience isnâ t very bright.
Whether you decide to use seedlings from your local nursery or grow your own fro
m seeds, tomato plants require good, compost rich, slightly acidic, nutrient ric
h soil. As organic content in the soil is extremely good for the growing tomato
plants, spreading the compost well over the top layer of 2-3 inches will be good
to provide them the nutrients they need. The ideal compost percentage is around
25-40 kilograms per every square meter of soil. If you intend to apply fertiliz
ers to your soil mixture, make special note of the N-P-K distinction on the labe
ls. N stands for the amount of nitrogen, P for potassium, and K for phospherous.
Nitrogen is a growth nutrient and is the least required. Your plants will grow
naturally. The other two, potassium and phosperous are very helpful for the colo
r of the tomatoes and the strength of the vines.
If you start your seedlings indoors, then caution must be taken in making the tr
ansition to the outdoor garden environment. Moving the tomato seedlings to the t
omato garden should be done carefully. It consists of 3 main steps which will en
sure that the plants live after being transplanted to the garden.
The first and most important step is called hardening, or conditioning of the yo
ung seedlings to the outdoors. While still in the starter pots the plants should
be placed outdoors in the shade to introduce them to the sunlight but with enou
gh protection that the leaves are not burned. Many times a light mesh cloth or s
creen is used to provide necessary protection. Three to four days should be suff
icient.
Once your plants are ready to plant in the garden it is important that the soil
around the plant receive sufficient water right after transplanting. Three to fo
ur liters of water is necessary to assist in reducing the shock of the transplan
t.
And a final step is to insure that you place your plants deep in the soil. With
your finger hold the position of where the current soil and the stem of the plan
t meet. You will want to bury the plant in the new garden soil at least one to t
wo inches deeper! If there are small branches within this distance simple break
them off. The additional portion of the stem/vine that you are planting deeper i
n the soil will produce many additional roots to help support the plant. The mor
e roots you have, the healthier plant and fruit you will receive. Don't worry ab
out how short it looks, it'll grow quickly!
As your plants grow you will need to pinch off dead branches and small suckers
that grow in the joints between branches. Plucking the dead leaves usually at th
e bottom will also spark better growth. These bottom leaves usually have fungal
infection and attrack ground pests. Pinching leaves will help sunlight reach the
tomatoes which are ripening as well. However, as we know, leaves are required
for photosynthesis and hence too much pruning will weaken the plants, don't beco
me too over zealous.
And here is the hard part. As your blossums turn to small maturing tomatoes you
may need to thin the clusters. This is always difficult to pinch off a perfectly
good young tomato but it is necessary to allow growth for others. Select the sm
aller, possibly deformed or pest damaged and carefully remove. While the plants
are young and tomatoes are just beginning to grow, pinching off the tips of the
branches will force the growth of the tomato fruit verses the vine.
An finally, always insure that your tomato plants get plenty of water. Tomato pl
ants need a lot of sunlight and ample water to flourish. Water should be supplie
d at regular intervals.
Treat your tomato plants as if they were children! Lots of attention, everything
in moderation, and be consistent (watering).
Happy gardening.

Adam Bradley just wanted some great tasting tomatoes! His family had so much fun
"tomato farming" it got out of hand. When people began asking for advice, he us
ed first hand knowledge and research to offer tips on growing great tomatoes. Re
ad more here: http://tomatogardencenter.com/tomato-gardens-need-sunlight. He inv
ites anyone who would like some great tips, to his free Mini-Course on growing t
omatoes: http://www.tomatogardencenter.com.