Planting Instructions

Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Ground

If planting in-ground, loosen the soil to create a welcoming bed for roots to grow. In addition, add 3 or 4 inches of compost or other organic matter, especially in clay or sandy soils. If you’re going to grow your tomato plant in a container, fill the container with a premium quality potting mix, preferably organic. Then dig a hole that is as deep as the plant is tall because you are going to bury two-thirds of the plant.

Step 2: Remove the Plant from the Pot

Carefully remove the plant by holding it at the base, turning it upside down, and sliding off the pot.

Step 3: Bury Two-Thirds of the Tomato Plant

Set the plant in the hole deeply enough so that two-thirds of it is buried. Laying the plant on its side is okay, but angle it so that very top remains above ground. Roots will sprout all along the buried stem to make a stronger plant. You can pinch off the lower leaves if you prefer, but it is not necessary. When you’re done, two-thirds of the entire plant will be buried; only the top of the tomato plant will remain above ground.

Step 4: Fertilize

You’ve done important work to make sure you’re planting in great soil, but there’s a complementary step for best results: Mix plant food in with the pile of soil that will go back into the hole. It’s best to fertilize according to recommendations from a soil test, but if you don’t have that, use a continuous-release fertilizer for Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable Plants, which will help provide the nutrition your tomato plant will need to produce the best harvest. Be sure to follow label directions.

Step 5: Mulch

Mulch with pine needles, straw, chopped leaves, soil conditioner, or compost to help keep moisture in the soil and prevent weeds. Mulch should be 2 to 3 inches deep for effective weed control. If you use a soaker hose, the hose should be completely covered with 2 to 3 inches of mulch.

Peppers