I’m not sure there is a fruit or vegetable that better illustrates the benefits of having a home garden than tomatoes. As a kid, I DID NOT like tomatoes. I thought they had no flavor and were filled with this weird juicy somewhat gooey center. Only when I had a simple cherry tomato plant in a planter on my deck some years ago did I taste the ripe, flavorful goodness that tomatoes offer.

Tomatoes, peppers and beans are my main summer crops that I grow in bulk for preserving. So it’s important that I get as big of a harvest as possible for sauces, salsas, soups and stews.

If you want to ensure a strong tomato harvest, here are the ways to set yourself up for success

• Trim all low hanging foliage. You don’t want any leaves touching the ground where they are more susceptible to soil borne diseases, like blight.
• Get rid of the suckers. Suckers are the branches that grow in between the main stem and the branch.  They are exactly what the name suggests – they suck extra energy and nutrients out of your plant and fruits.
• Support them. I’m a big fan of clipping them to my trellis. I’ve done the cages – nope. I’ve done the A-frame and string – not for me. The clips just make so much sense and are so precise and tidy.
• Water from the ground. If you don’t want to invest in soaker hoses, typically $15-20 each, make sure you are watering at the base of your tomato plants and not showering on them from above.  This creates more risk of spreading disease and pathogens.
• Cover your soil. Tomatoes need a lot of water and you’ll keep them better hydrated if your soil is covered.  Anything like shredded leaves, pine needles, grass clippings, or straw (NOT HAY).