Plant library
Vegetable
Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Zones 3–11
The heart of the summer garden — endless varieties, heavy harvests, and a gateway crop that hooks most new gardeners.
Sun
Full sun
Water
moderate
Spacing
24-36 in apart
Soil
Loamy and rich in organic matter, pH 6.0-6.8
Difficulty
moderate
Zones
3–11
When to plant
Apr
May
Timing shifts with your zone — the Genie can pin down exact dates for you.
How to care for it
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant deep with only the top leaves above soil. Stake or cage early, water deeply and consistently, and mulch to prevent blight. Pick suckers for airflow and feed with compost.
Good companions
Basil, marigold, carrot, onion
Harvest
Harvest when fruit is fully colored and gives slightly — 60-85 days from transplant.
Want a plan for growing Tomato?
Your Genie can give exact timing and care for your zone.
