There’s nothing like biting into a juicy, sun-ripened tomato straight from your own garden. Tomatoes are a great choice for beginners—they’re rewarding to grow and don’t need a ton of space. Whether you’ve got a backyard or just a sunny balcony, this guide will walk you through starting your tomato garden step-by-step. Let’s plant some magic!

Step 1: Plan Your Space
Tomatoes need room to grow—each plant requires about 2 square feet to spread out. A 4×4-foot garden bed can fit 2-3 plants, or you can use pots (at least 12 inches deep) for smaller spaces. Make sure your spot gets full sun (6-8 hours daily)—tomatoes love warmth! Use our to plan your garden size and budget—two tomato plants in pots will run you about $17, including containers.

Step 2: Choose Your Tomatoes
Pick a variety that suits your space and taste. Cherry tomatoes (like ‘Sweet 100’) are perfect for small gardens and grow well in containers—they’re also quick to fruit. Beefsteak varieties (like ‘Brandywine’) are great for larger gardens but need more support. Buy seedlings from a nursery ($3-5 each) or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date—seeds are cheaper (about $2 a pack).

Step 3: Prep Your Soil
Tomatoes thrive in rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Mix in compost or aged manure to boost nutrients—about $5 for a bag at your local garden center. If you’re using pots, fill them with a 50/50 mix of potting soil and compost. Test your soil’s pH with a cheap kit ($5) if you’re unsure, and add lime to raise the pH if needed.

Step 4: Plant with Care
Wait until night temperatures stay above 55°F—tomatoes hate the cold! Dig a hole deep enough to bury the stem up to the first set of leaves (this helps roots grow stronger). Space plants 2 feet apart, and add a stake or cage right away to support them as they grow—cages cost about $3 each. Water deeply after planting (1-2 inches), and mulch with straw or wood chips ($5 a bag) to keep the soil moist.

Step 5: Care for Your Plants
Water your tomatoes deeply twice a week, aiming for 1-2 inches—more if it’s hot. Keep the leaves dry to prevent diseases like blight; water at the base. Pinch off suckers (small shoots between branches) to focus the plant’s energy on fruit. Check out our for more tomato-growing hacks, like using neem oil to fight pests like hornworms.

Step 6: Harvest and Enjoy
Most tomatoes are ready to pick 60-80 days after planting—look for firm, fully colored fruit. Harvest by gently twisting the fruit off the vine; don’t yank! Use your tomatoes in salads, sauces, or just eat them fresh with a sprinkle of salt. Pro tip: leave a few on the vine to ripen fully for the sweetest flavor.

Conclusion
Starting a tomato garden is easier than you think—and the rewards are so worth it. Ready to plan yours? Use our to budget your setup, and visit our for more tomato-growing advice. Happy gardening!