Tomato plants are ready for transplanting outside when they are 3 to 4 inches tall and have at least 3-4 sets of true leaves, not the first two seed leaves. The root system needs to be well-developed, filling the container.
Make sure all the frosty cold days are gone before transplanting them outside and gradually acclimate the plant to outdoor conditions for a week or so, gradually increasing the time each day. This helps avoid shock from their environment changing.
Choose a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily.
Dig the hole deep enough to plant the tomato stem to the first set of leaves. Loosen the roots carefully,don't disturb the root too much.
*Place a crushed Egg in the hole first, then the tomato plant. Eggs are packed with calcium, which helps prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes and promotes stronger cell walls. Plus, as the egg decomposes, it releases nitrogen, essential for healthy plant growth.*
Water deeply, making sure the ground around the roots is wet.
Tomato plants need something to climb while growing, To keep the fruit off of the ground because when the plants start producing they become heavy and fall over. This can cause the tomatoes to rot. So, tomato cages, stakes, or cow panels are good ways to help them stay standing.
Don't plant these next to tomato plants:
CORN- corn and tomatoes attract the same sort of pests and fungal infections. Moth larvae feed on both corn and tomato crops. Putting these vegetables near each other in a garden makes it an easy access buffet for the pests!
CAULIFLOWER, CABBAGE, BROCCOLI- are part of the brassica family. which is one family to avoid when seeking out companion plants for your tomatoes. they all feed heavily on the soil's nutrients. If they're planted close together in the garden, their competition for nutrients could result in smaller less productive tomato plants
Do plant these next to tomatoplants
Basil- enhances the flavor of tomatoes, and repels pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and flies. Garlic- is a natural pest repellent that can help keep moths away from tomato plants by masking the smell of ripening fruit.
Onions and Chives: They have a strong scent that helps deter pests and chives can also boost plant health and prevent fungal infections.
Marigolds: repel nematodes, aphids, and tomato hornworms, and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and pollinators.
Beans: add nitrogen to the soil, which tomatoes need in abundance.
Lettuce: benefits from the shade a tomato plant provides
Sage: repels slugs, flea beetles, and spider mites.
Thyme: attracts beneficial insects and can deter pests.
Carrots: help loosen the soil, which is good for tomato roots.
Asparagus: tomatoes repel asparagus beetles and asparagus protects tomatoes from root nematodes.
Borage: attracts pollinators and improves soil health.
Also layer grass clippings around the plants to keep weeds down,help hold moisture,and a natural source of nitrogen!