Dark sunken spot on the bottom of the fruit

Blossom-end rot from calcium uptake issues, usually inconsistent watering. Water deeply and evenly; mulch to hold moisture.

Yellow leaves from the bottom up

Often early blight or nitrogen need. Remove affected lower leaves, mulch, rotate beds yearly, feed lightly.

Too much nitrogen. Switch to a lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus feed.

Uneven watering, often a heavy drink after drought. Keep soil evenly moist; mulch.

Gardening

The crown jewel of the summer garden. Needs full sun, warm soil, and steady water to fruit well.

The free tool tailors timing to your climate and lets you save this plant.

Sun

Full sun

Hardiness zones

Zones 3–11

Spacing

18–24 in apart, 36 in between rows. Stake or cage at planting.

Soil

Rich, well-draining soil amended with compost; pH 6.2–6.8. Feed with a balanced or tomato fertilizer.

Watering

Deep, consistent watering at the base (1–2 in/week). Avoid wetting foliage. Inconsistent water causes blossom-end rot and cracking.

Plant / sow (typical)

May – Jun

Harvest (typical)

Jul – Oct

Starting

Start seed indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost; transplant after nights stay above 50°F. Save seed by fermenting it out of a ripe fruit.

Companions

Good with Basil, Marigold, Carrot, Lettuce, Onion. Keep apart from Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli), Fennel, Corn, Potato.

Dark sunken spot on the bottom of the fruit. Blossom-end rot from calcium uptake issues, usually inconsistent watering. Water deeply and evenly; mulch to hold moisture.
Yellow leaves from the bottom up. Often early blight or nitrogen need. Remove affected lower leaves, mulch, rotate beds yearly, feed lightly.
Lots of leaves, few flowers. Too much nitrogen. Switch to a lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus feed.
Cracked fruit. Uneven watering, often a heavy drink after drought. Keep soil evenly moist; mulch.