How to Grow Larger Tomato Plants: Tips and Techniques for Tomatoes

Tomato plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, and many gardeners are interested in growing larger and more bountiful tomatoes. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, there are several techniques and strategies you can use to help your tomato plants grow larger.

Choose the Right Tomato Variety

Not all tomato varieties grow to the same size. Some, like the Beefmaster Mortgage Lifter and Beefsteak dinner plate, can grow quite large, but they require a lot of time to develop. If you have the time between frost in spring and fall, you can plant these varieties and hope for large tomatoes. However, smaller varieties like Cherry tomatoes and San Marzano produce more than Beefsteak tomatoes, and success also depends on the quality of the soil, fertilizers, and seeds.

Provide Ideal Growing Conditions

To grow large tomatoes, you need to provide them with the ideal growing conditions. Here’s what you need to do:

Choose the Right Variety: Opt for varieties known for their large fruits like Better Boy or Big Boy. Good Soil: Ensure your soil is rich and fertile. Amending your soil with compost or aged manure is crucial. Plenty of Mulch: Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, which is essential for tomato growth. Triple Super Phosphate: Apply a dose of triple super phosphate when planting to promote healthy root development and fruit production. Tomato Fertilizers: Another option is Bloom Booster 10-52-10, which is specifically formulated to encourage flowering and fruiting.

Promote Key Nutrients for Tomato Growth

Tomato plants require specific nutrients to thrive. Two key nutrients are:

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is essential for the growth of flowers and fruit. A deficiency in phosphorus can result in poor fruit set and reduced yields.

Calcium

Calcium is necessary to prevent blossom-end rot, a condition that causes black, sunken holes at the blossom end of tomatoes. Providing these nutrients from the start can significantly improve your tomato harvest.

While nitrogen is also important, too much nitrogen can lead to a big, bushy plant with fewer flowers.

Planting and Contest Tips

For those aiming to grow the largest tomatoes, here are some tips:

Start Early: Choose a large variety and plant it in well-prepared soil in a sunny location. Water Abundantly: Keep your tomato plants well-watered to promote healthy growth. Thinning: If you want to grow a single large tomato for a contest, select the best potential tomato and ruthlessly remove all others. This ensures the whole strength of the plant will be devoted to the destined champion.

Add Auxiliary Nutrients

A tablespoon of Epsom salts added to the soil around your tomatoes about once a month can also help in growing larger tomatoes.

If you're looking for more detailed information, check out the article: Grow Bigger and Better Tomatoes This Summer!

Conclusion

Growing larger tomato plants is a combination of selecting the right variety, providing the right nutrients, and creating ideal growing conditions. With the right techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest that will impress your neighbors and satisfy your taste buds.