How to Care for a Fruiting Tomato Plant
Properly planted and tended tomatoes can begin setting fruit in as little as a month if they are transplanted in the garden from seedlings. Before fruiting begins, the tomato first produces small yellow blossoms. The first fruits may begin growing soon after. Proper care during fruit set and ripening keeps the plant healthy and ensures further production. Harvesting at the right time also ensures the plant keeps flowering and setting new fruits until the end of summer.
Spread a 2-inch layer of straw mulch over the soil around the plants. The mulch helps conserve moisture so the tomatoes don't suffer water stress during fruiting. Mulch also keeps low-hanging tomatoes from touching the soil directly.
Water the plants regularly while they are flowering and setting fruit, because dry soil can slow ripening or damage plants. Provide up to 2 inches of water a week or enough to keep the top 6 inches of soil moist, in one or two deep weekly waterings.
Apply a nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 36-0-0 blend, when the first fruits begin to form. Follow the recommended amount on the fertilizer label, or apply about ¼ pound of fertilizer per 50 square feet. Sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil at least 6 inches from the base of the plants, and water thoroughly so the nutrients leech into the ground. Reapply the fertilizer every six weeks while the plant is setting fruit.
Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly to encourage further flowering and fruiting. Cut fully red, firm fruits from the vine with small shears or a clean knife. Pulling on the fruits to harvest may break the tomato stem and damage the plant.
- Ripening may slow during extremely hot, dry weather. Continue to provide sufficient water and fruit production will resume when temperatures begin to cool.
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.