How you water your tomato plants will make a big difference in how large your harvest will be. A well-watered tomato plant has a greater chance to yield large compared to a tomato that is deprived of water. In this article, let me walk you through a water regime for tomato plants that will ensure your tomato plants are watered deeply and sufficiently to yield a large harvest.
- Water tomato plants regularly.
- Water them deeply about 1-3 times a week depending on how hot the weather gets.
- Practice surface watering around the tomato plants to water the surface roots of the plant.
- Measure the amount of water you deliver to the plant to ensure proper watering depth.
- Mulch around the plant using wood chips, grass, or garden clippings.
What is the correct way to water tomatoes?
Water tomato plants regularly set up a routine and keep it. Water deep, about 1-3 times a week depending on the size of the tomato plants and weather temperatures. Provide about 2 inches of water 1-3 times a week to the larger plants. Practice regular surface watering to water the surface roots of the plant about 2 times a week.
Water tomato plants regularly. This is important. Watering tomato plants regularly makes a big difference. Irregularly watered tomato plants will show a sign of inconsistent watering in their yields and foliage.
Tomato plants send their roots deep down as they grow. The more mature plant, the deeper the roots. Larger tomato plants need about 2 inches of water a week, about 1-3 times a week depending on the size of the tomato plant as well as the weather temperatures, especially during hot summer days. The larger the plant, the hotter the weather, the more often it needs to be watered deeply.
Water also around the plant as the tomato plants send out surface roots that spread out and away from the base. Water surface roots around the tomato plant are about 4 inches deep. These surface roots also play an important role in the life of the plant as collect nutrients and water.
Remember, a well-watered tomato plant needs to be watered deeply about 1-3 times a week. And watering the surface roots every other day when the weather temperatures raise.
Deep water tomato plants around 12×12 inches around the base of the plant where most of the roots are situated and are deeply anchoring the plant.
How to measure 2 inches of water?
Every watering hose pours different amounts of water during watering. Measure how much water your hose pours out. Take a 5-gallon bucket which measures about the size of the circumference of the tomato plant roots that need to be watered deeply. Using a permanent maker draw a line on the inside of the bucket 2 inches from the bottom. Use your watering hose to fill up 2 inches of water in the bucket and count how long it will take to fill up those 2 inches of water. That is how long you need to water your tomato plants if you want to water them deeply.
Let us say to fill 2 inches of water in a 5-gallon bucket takes your hose about 17 seconds. That means that you need to count 17 seconds as you water each plant individually to provide each plant with 2 inches of water.
It is best to set up a watering routine for your garden. Inconsistent watering of your tomato plants might cause the plant’s roots to dry, or deprive them of adequate moisture which might lead to blossom end rot or other physiological issues.
For surface watering around the plant, simply count half the time you use for deep watering. For example, if it takes your hose to deliver 2 inches of water in 17 seconds, only water for 7 seconds when surface watering around the plant.
This will give you an idea and a guide to water your tomato plants with enough water to sink down whether surface watering or deep watering.
The consistency of watering will make a big difference in your plant’s production. The tomato plants will thrive and will have enough energy to put into production instead of surviving.
Is it OK to water tomatoes every day?
Yes, it is ok to water tomato plants every day. However, as you water ensure the tomato plants get watered deeply 1-3 times a week and provide surface watering to the surface roots of the plant about twice a week.
What part of the day is best to water tomatoes?
The best time to water tomato plants is morning time. Watering tomato plants in the morning will ensure that the plant is well hydrated for the day and ready to withstand the intensity of the sun while keeping the roots moist and cool deep down. If you cannot water in the morning, water in the late afternoon.
Should I mulch my tomato plants?
Yes, mulch around the tomato plants. Mulching is the best way to keep the soil moist to provide the roots with water and nutrients. Mulch will also prevent the sun from scorching and drying out the soil. Use wood chips or grass and garden clippings to mulch around your tomato plants.
Many tree and landscaping companies might be looking for someone to deliver free woodchips to. Look for a local tree or landscaping company and contact them to deliver free wood chips.
Never mix the woodchips with your soil. Rather use wood chips to cover the surface of the soil to retain the moisture in the soil and prevent the sun from scorching and drying the soil out.
Why is it important to water tomatoes regularly
Feeding your tomato plants well is important, but if the watering of the plants is not adequate or inconsistent, the plants will suffer non the less and it will show on the yield and physical appearance of the plant as well.
I use this tomato fertilizer to feed my tomato plants.
What are the signs of overwatering tomatoes?
- You are overwatering tomato plants when the water remains standing on the surface and does not drain anymore because the soil is oversaturated.
- The soil will develop a bad smell with an unpleasant odor.
- Leaves of the plant and the stem might start to droop when overwatered
- The roots might turn brown or black in color and get mushy.
- The tomato plants will look unhealthy and weak in appearance.
- Once the fruit is set and ripened, the skin might split and burst.
Can I water my tomatoes in the heat of the day?
Yes, you can water tomatoes in the heat of the day. Watering tomato plants, especially during exceptionally hot weather in the middle of the day will help cool the plants down. The sun will also evaporate the water from the foliage which will prevent any foliage disease.
Why are the leaves curling on my tomato plants?
Tomato leaves curl up as a form of defense. The leaves curl up when the plant gets too hot, or when the plant has low moisture. Curling leaves means the plant is protecting itself from heat or dryness. Cool the plant down by deep watering and spray the leaves in the heat of the day. If needed, use a shade cover to protect it from scorching sun.
Get a shade cloth for plants here.
This year, I am growing some cherry tomatoes, but my focus is especially on Amish Paste tomatoes as I wish to can or freeze them to make pizza and pasta sauce. I also grow slicing tomatoes including Pink Brandywine, Orange Amanda, Early Doll, and Beefsteak tomatoes for salads, to eat them just salted with cheese, add them to salsas and such.
What is your favorite tomato to grow and why? And do not forget to share with us your trusted and tried watering schedule for the best yields.
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