Watering Tomatoes

How to water tomato plants

Watering tomatoes is the foundation of proper tomato care. If you want to grow beautiful tomatoes, you certainly want to get the watering right. 

How often should you water tomato plants

There is no one straightforward answer to these questions, as it all depends on the weather. But here are some tomato watering tips to give you a general idea so you know where to start. 

How much water do tomato plants need

Outdoor tomatoes 

Tomatoes growing outdoors in the garden need 1 – 2 inches of water 2 – 3 times a week. However, in hot weather with no rain, you may need to water them even daily. Outdoor tomatoes in pots or containers generally need more water, as they don’t have access to the natural source of moisture from the ground. Also the soil in pots can dry up more quickly as it  can heat up quickly in the sun. To make sure they get enough, water the plant until the water flows through the bottom of the pot. 

Greenhouse tomatoes

The soil inside the greenhouse doesn’t dry up as quickly, so you may water your tomato plants once a week, but again it depends on the weather conditions – temperature and humidity, so you need to watch the soil and see if it’s not too dry. 

Should I pour water over tomato plants?

No. If you use a hose, pour the water on the ground at the bottom of the plant. Never water tomatoes from top and avoid sprinkling the water over the whole plant. 

Is it better to water tomatoes in the morning or in the evening?

The best time to water tomatoes is the morning. 

What water is best for watering tomatoes?

Rainwater is best for watering your tomatoes, so if you can, collect rainwater in water tanks. But you can use any clean water you have access to. If you use water from the mains, my top tip is to make sure that it isn’t too cold, especially in hot weather, as tomatoes don’t like temperature shock. If the water is cold and you can’t wait until it warms up a bit, then water your tomatoes early in the morning when the soil is still cool.

Do mulched tomatoes need more or less watering?

Mulched tomatoes need less watering as the mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil.