Tomato care guide: when & how to prune, fertilize and spray

When: 5–6 weeks after the last spring frost, then every 2 weeks (5 times a season).

• zones 3–5: about Jun 14–21
• zones 6–7: about May 20–27
• zones 8–10: about Apr 1–8

On staked vining tomatoes, removing suckers focuses energy on fruit and improves airflow. Clearing the lower 12 in (30 cm) of leaves stops soil-borne blight splashing up.

1. Pinch out the small shoots (suckers) that form in the 'armpit' between the main stem and a leaf branch while they're under 4 in (10 cm) long.
2. Remove any leaves touching the soil or within 12 in (30 cm) of it.
3. Bush/determinate types: just remove the lower leaves, not the suckers.

When: 4–5 weeks before the first fall frost.

• zones 3–5: about Aug 27 – Sep 3
• zones 6–7: about Sep 20–27
• zones 8–10: about Oct 27 – Nov 3

Cutting off growing tips a month before frost redirects energy into ripening the fruit already set.

1. Cut off the top of each main stem, and remove any new flowers that won't have time to ripen.

When: 6–8 weeks after the last spring frost, then every 3 weeks (3 times a season).

• zones 3–5: about Jun 21 – Jul 5
• zones 6–7: about May 27 – Jun 10
• zones 8–10: about Apr 8–22

Once fruit sets, a lower-nitrogen, higher-potassium feed keeps the fruit coming.

1. Scatter tomato fertilizer around each plant and water it in, or use a liquid feed every 2 weeks.

What to use: 🌿 Organic tomato food (e.g. Espoma Tomato-tone 3-4-6) · Water-soluble tomato food (e.g. Miracle-Gro Tomato 18-18-21)

When: 6–7 weeks after the last spring frost, then every 2 weeks (6 times a season).

• zones 3–5: about Jun 21–28
• zones 6–7: about May 27 – Jun 3
• zones 8–10: about Apr 8–15

early blight is far easier to prevent than cure. These sprays protect new leaves but won't fix leaves that are already spotted.

1. Spray early in the morning on a dry day with no rain forecast for 24 hours.
2. Cover the tops and undersides of the leaves.
3. Repeat every 10–14 days in wet weather. You can stretch the interval during dry spells.
4. Alternate products with different active ingredients so the disease doesn't build resistance.

What to use: 🌿 Copper fungicide (e.g. Bonide Captain Jack's Liquid Copper) · 🌿 Bacillus-based biofungicide (e.g. Serenade or Cease) · Chlorothalonil (e.g. Daconil Fungicide)

Caution: Don't spray when it's above 85°F/29°C, and never mix oils with sulfur.

When: 1–4 weeks after the last spring frost.

• zones 3–5: about May 17 – Jun 7
• zones 6–7: about Apr 22 – May 13
• zones 8–10: about Mar 4–25

Tomatoes need warm soil (60°F/16°C+) and frost-free nights.

1. Bury the stem deeply, up to the first set of leaves. Roots will form along the buried stem.
2. Install cages or stakes now, at planting.
3. Mix compost and a handful of tomato fertilizer into each planting hole.

What to use: 🌿 Organic tomato food (e.g. Espoma Tomato-tone 3-4-6)