Decide whether you want to grow cherry, Roma, or beefsteak tomatoes. Choose a variety suitable for your space.
Tomatoes need well-drained, fertile soil. Mix compost or organic fertilizer into the soil to enrich it.
If starting from seeds, plant them indoors in seed trays 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings into your garden or pots when they are about 6-8 inches tall.
Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight, at least 6-8 hours a day. Choose a sunny location in your garden or use containers on a balcony or patio.
Water your tomato plants regularly but avoid waterlogging. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, but ensure proper drainage.
As the plants grow, use stakes, cages, or trellises to support the stems and keep the fruit off the ground.
Harvest tomatoes when they are fully colored and firm to the touch. Pick them carefully to avoid damaging the plant.