Planting time can be iffy. Normally after the last frost date in your area, you can put your tomato plants in the ground. However, if your getting some cool weather or the forecast for the next few days is cool, windy and rainy, hold off until you get a nice sunny, warm, calm day. Don't worry, your plants will catch up quickly. On May 17th, 2011, we had an unusually late light frost that nipped my plants and I thought I was going to have to replace two of the six. I sprayed them with fish emulsion to encourage new foliage growth and they came back like gangbusters. The below photo was taken June 1, less than 2 weeks after the frost. If you enlarge it, you can still see the yellow droopy leaves on the bottom but with nice dark green foliage up towards the top of the plant.
When you do put your plants in the ground, remember that deeper is always better, assuming your soil has good drainage. The reasons are first, when you plant them deep, the stem of the plant that's underground grows more roots which will help plant growth and help anchor or stabilize it when it gets big.....huge. Second, it keeps the roots cooler and third, the deeper roots will retain moisture longer which will help during those hot, dry spells. Depending how tall your plants are, you can actually pick off the lateral stems and leaves up to the level you're going to plant them. You can plant them leaving only the top few leaves above ground. Don't worry, they'll soon shoot up to their original height and then beyond.....way beyond.
I need to mention something here about plant spacing. I space my tomato plants 5' apart. That sounds like a lot and looks like a lot when you first plant them but when they get big, there won't be much space between them (see photo). The reason you need to give them plenty of space is for air circulation. If they're too close and they are against each other, they'll stay wet after a rain which will make them more susceptible to disease. Plus, it's easier to walk around them and pick those big, ripe tomatoes.After planting, I usually give them some Miracle Grow (follow label directions) to stimulate root growth. Then I mulch them with grass clippings and stand back and watch them grow. Here's another tip that I do for not only my young tomato plants but other transplants. I have old coffee cans that I removed both ends and I place them over the plants and leave them for a week or two to give the plant stems and leaves a chance to thicken and toughen up. Iowa springs are normally very windy and it can really rip that tender foliage so the cans provide good protection.
If you choose to grow tomato plants in pots, make sure the pots are adequate size and, above all, use a good potting soil. I recommend Miracle Grow potting soil. If you're using pots, you'll need to water more frequently. During hot, dry spells that could mean twice or maybe three times a day. If you're going to be gone a few days, arrange for a friend to water them for you or investigate self watering pots. For more information, visit my website.
http://www.rmarketplaceonline.com/raisingtomatoes.html
Sharing my experiences to help you with yours!
Tomato Rog
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