Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, but they can also be a bit tricky. From pest problems to nutrient deficiencies, many gardeners struggle to get the best yield from their tomato plants. Luckily, a few simple hacks can make all the difference! Whether you’re growing tomatoes in a backyard garden, raised beds, or containers, these expert tips will help you maximize your harvest and grow strong, disease-free plants.
Why These Tomato Hacks Matter
Tomato plants need the right balance of nutrients, sunlight, water, and care to thrive. If you’ve ever dealt with weak plants, yellowing leaves, or small, tasteless tomatoes, chances are your plants need a little extra help. These 10 top tomato hacks will help you:
✅ Boost plant health
✅ Improve fruit quality
✅ Prevent diseases and pests
✅ Maximize your harvest
With these tried-and-tested gardening tricks, you’ll be on your way to growing the biggest, juiciest, and most flavorful tomatoes in no time!
1. Plant Tomatoes Deep for Stronger Roots
One of the best ways to grow robust tomato plants is to bury the stem deeply when planting. Unlike most plants, tomatoes can grow roots along their buried stems, making them stronger and more resilient.
How to do it:
- When transplanting, remove the lower leaves from the seedling.
- Dig a deep hole or plant the tomato sideways in a trench.
- Cover most of the stem with soil, leaving only the top few leaves exposed.
💡 Why this works: A deep root system helps the plant access more water and nutrients, making it more drought-resistant and stable.
2. Use Epsom Salt to Boost Magnesium Levels
Epsom salt is a gardener’s secret weapon for growing healthy tomatoes. It contains magnesium, which is essential for photosynthesis and fruit production.
How to use it:
- When planting, mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt into the soil around each plant.
- During the growing season, dissolve 1 tablespoon in a gallon of water and spray the leaves every two weeks.
💡 Why this works: Magnesium deficiency often causes yellowing leaves and poor fruit development. Epsom salt helps maintain vibrant green leaves and boosts fruit production.
3. Mulch Well to Retain Moisture and Prevent Disease
Tomatoes thrive in consistent soil moisture, but too much water on the leaves can lead to fungal diseases. Mulching helps regulate soil moisture while preventing water from splashing onto the plant.
Best mulches for tomatoes:
- Straw – Retains moisture and suppresses weeds.
- Grass clippings – Provides nitrogen as it breaks down.
- Shredded leaves – Improves soil texture.
💡 Why this works: Mulching reduces soil evaporation, keeps roots cool, and helps prevent blossom-end rot and early blight.
4. Water at the Base to Prevent Fungal Diseases
Tomatoes are prone to fungal infections like blight and mildew, which spread when leaves stay wet for too long. To avoid this, always water at the base of the plant, not the leaves.
Watering tips:
✅ Water deeply 2-3 times per week instead of shallow daily watering.
✅ Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for even moisture distribution.
✅ Water in the morning to allow leaves to dry during the day.
💡 Why this works: Keeping leaves dry reduces the risk of fungal diseases while ensuring the roots receive adequate moisture.
5. Prune Suckers to Focus Energy on Fruit Production
Tomato plants naturally produce suckers, small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches. While suckers can produce fruit, they often drain energy away from the main vine, leading to smaller tomatoes.
How to prune suckers:
- Identify the small shoots growing between the main stem and a branch.
- Gently pinch them off with your fingers or prune them using clean shears.
- Leave some suckers intact on indeterminate varieties if you want a bushier plant.
💡 Why this works: Removing unnecessary growth helps the plant direct energy toward larger, juicier tomatoes.
6. Companion Plant with Basil and Marigolds to Repel Pests
Companion planting is a natural way to repel pests and boost tomato growth. Certain plants, like basil and marigolds, are excellent companions for tomatoes.
Best companion plants for tomatoes:
🌿 Basil – Enhances tomato flavor and repels pests like aphids.
🌼 Marigolds – Deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests.
🌱 Garlic & Onions – Help prevent fungal diseases.
💡 Why this works: Companion planting creates a healthier garden ecosystem, naturally deterring pests without pesticides.
7. Use Eggshells to Prevent Blossom-End Rot
Blossom-end rot (BER) is a common tomato problem caused by calcium deficiency, leading to dark, sunken spots on the fruit. A great organic solution is using crushed eggshells as a calcium supplement.
How to use eggshells:
🥚 Dry and crush eggshells into small pieces.
🥚 Mix them into the soil at planting time or sprinkle around existing plants.
🥚 You can also steep eggshells in water overnight and use the liquid as a calcium boost.
💡 Why this works: Eggshells slowly release calcium, helping prevent blossom-end rot naturally.
8. Stake Early to Prevent Breakage
Tomato plants need support to keep heavy fruit from breaking branches. Staking or caging them early in the season prevents damage and keeps fruit off the ground.
Best support methods:
🌱 Tomato cages – Great for bushy determinate varieties.
🌱 Stakes – Provide vertical support for indeterminate varieties.
🌱 Trellises – Perfect for maximizing space in small gardens.
💡 Why this works: Proper support keeps plants aerated, disease-free, and easier to harvest.
9. Coffee Grounds for a Nitrogen Boost
Used coffee grounds are an excellent organic fertilizer for tomatoes. They provide slow-releasing nitrogen, improving plant growth.
How to use them:
- Mix used coffee grounds into the soil around tomato plants.
- Add to your compost pile for nutrient-rich compost.
- Sprinkle a small amount as a top dressing, then water the plant.
💡 Why this works: Nitrogen from coffee grounds promotes lush, green growth, especially in early stages.
10. Rotate Crops to Prevent Soil Depletion and Disease
Growing tomatoes in the same spot every year depletes nutrients and increases the risk of soil-borne diseases like fusarium wilt and nematodes. Crop rotation is key!
How to rotate crops:
✅ Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot for at least 3 years.
✅ Alternate with legumes (beans, peas) to naturally fix nitrogen in the soil.
✅ Follow with leafy greens or root vegetables to balance nutrients.
💡 Why this works: Rotation prevents disease buildup and keeps the soil healthy for future crops.
Final Thoughts
Growing healthy, high-yielding tomatoes doesn’t have to be difficult! By following these 10 tomato hacks, you can improve plant health, prevent diseases, and enjoy a bigger, tastier harvest.
💬 Which tomato hack do you love the most? Drop a 🍅 in the comments and share your favorite tip!