Spider mites are among the most destructive pests that affect home-grown and commercial tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). Despite their name, spider mites are not true insects; they are arachnids closely related to ticks and spiders. Measuring less than 1 millimeter in size, individual mites are difficult to spot with the naked eye. However, their damage…
Tomatoes are hungry, deep-rooted plants, and they’re fussier about soil than most vegetables. The good news is that they don’t need one perfect soil. They grow well in several types, as long as the soil drains, holds some moisture, and has plenty of organic matter. Below are ten soil types that work for tomatoes, from…
Growing tomatoes in outdoor pots can be surprisingly productive when you start with the right soil. Unlike garden beds, containers have limited space for roots, water, and nutrients. That makes the growing mix especially important. The best soil for tomatoes in pots should drain well, hold enough moisture, allow air to reach the roots, and…
Seeing cherry tomato plant leaves turning yellow can be alarming, especially when the plant was growing well and suddenly starts looking pale. Yellow leaves are not always a sign of a serious disease. Sometimes the cause is simple, such as too much water, too little sunlight, poor nutrition, or normal aging. Other times, pests or…
Seeing cherry tomato plant leaves turning yellow can be alarming, especially when the plant was growing well and suddenly starts looking pale. Yellow leaves are not always a sign of a serious disease. Sometimes the cause is simple, such as too much water, too little sunlight, poor nutrition, or normal aging. Other times, pests or…
Seeing tomato leaves turning yellow with brown spots can be worrying, especially when the plant was healthy a few days earlier. Yellow leaves with brown or dark patches can come from several problems, including fungal diseases, watering mistakes, nutrient deficiencies, pests, or environmental stress. The good news is that you can often identify the cause…
To grow tomatoes in pots, plant one seedling per container of at least 5 gallons (19 liters) for compact varieties, or 10 gallons (38 liters) or more for vining types. Use a quality potting mix, bury the stem deeply, place the pot in 6 to 8 hours of direct sun, water when the top 2…
Pruning tomatoes confuses a lot of gardeners. Some swear by removing every sucker. Others never touch their plants and still get buckets of fruit. Both approaches can work, but the results depend on the type of tomato you’re growing, your climate and what you want from the plant. This guide covers what pruning does, when…
Tomatoes grow best in soil that is loose, fertile, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. The right soil helps tomato roots spread easily while providing enough moisture and nutrients for steady growth. A good tomato soil mix should not stay soggy after watering, but it should also hold enough moisture to prevent the roots from…
Tomato grow bags look too simple to be effective. They are fabric containers filled with soil, often with handles sewn on. But the way they are made changes how roots grow, how water moves and how much fruit a plant can produce. This guide explains the mechanics, then shows how to set up, feed and…