Information on soil testing is available in HGIC 1652, Soil Testing. FertilizingĪ soil test is always the best method of determining the fertilization needs of the crop. Piedmont: Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and York Counties.Ĭoastal Plain: Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Richland, Sumter, and Williamsburg Counties. Press the soil firmly around the transplants so that a slight depression is formed for holding water. Roots will form along the buried portion of the stem. If transplants become “leggy,” horizontal planting of tomato plants is an effective way to strengthen plants. Set tomato transplants deep enough to expose only two or three sets of true leaves. Space plants 24 inches apart on rows that are 3 feet apart. Select stocky transplants about 6 to 10 inches tall. Transplant into the garden during the evening hours or on overcast days to reduce wilting. This will help in avoiding soil-borne diseases and nematodes. For more information, see HGIC 1259, Starting Seeds Indoors.Ĭhoose a well-drained site where tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, or potatoes have not been grown for at least three years. The foliage of tomato plants will develop purplish veins as they harden off. Initially, place the plants in bright, indirect sunlight under a tree or covered porch. A week before transplanting, harden-off indoor-grown plants by exposing them to an increasing number of hours outdoors each day and reducing the watering frequency (but do not allow them to wilt).

Sow seed indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your area. Supplemental light will be necessary unless grown on a sunny, south-facing windowsill. Tall, spindly transplants will result from low light levels. If starting plants from seed, use a light soil mix and give the plants plenty of light. Tomato plants may be started indoors from seed, or transplants may be purchased from a reputable garden center. Zachary Boone Snipes, ©2017, Clemson Extension Tomatoes ( Solanum lycopersicum) are popular vegetable garden plants.

Fertilizing tomato seedlings