Tomatoes are adaptable to many soil types but grow best in deep, highly fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic, loamy soil.  Plant seedlings in a sunny locations after the last frost date.  Plant 1 ½-2’ apart for small bush tomatoes and 3-4’ apart for large types if not staked.  Add a handful of well-rotted compost to each hole as you plant.  Water thoroughly and use 4-12-4 starter plant food to prevent transplant shock.

In hot climates, new transplants may need to be shaded until they are established.  Protect them from strong or cold winds.  Add stakes or cages at planting time to avoid injuring roots later.  Training indeterminate plants up stakes or growing them inside stiff wire cages elevates the foliate for better air circulation and hold the fruits off the ground.  Also, caged tomatoes tend to be more productive. 

Begin picking tomatoes when they have reached full cultivar size and color.  Tomatoes will continue ripening off the plant even in the dark.  The pigments that give fruits their distinctive color do not develop well in high temperatures.

Tomatoes are high in vitamins A, C and K.  They also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.