How to Set Up the Perfect Tomato Bed
Tips for Success and Top Varieties to Grow
If you're looking to grow a thriving tomato garden, you're in the right place. Growing tomatoes can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and the right setup. And over the years I have tried several different ways to grow tomatoes, but I finally have found the perfect tomato bed combination!
From choosing the best tomato varieties to creating an ideal growing environment, there are a few things to consider before you start planting. But once you make some key decisions, growing tomatoes becomes one of the most delicious jobs in the garden!
Choosing the Right Tomato Bed Setup
When planning a tomato bed, the structure is as important as the soil and watering system. That isn't true for every plant, but it is for tomatoes! For the best results, consider a raised bed or containers that allow for proper drainage and root development.
Raised beds have several key advantages:
Soil Quality Control: tomatoes can be fussy. And if you have dense clay soil, like I do, or sandy soil – they will not be happy. Adding a raised bed allows you to fill it with a good, peat-free mix that will provide good moisture retention while also not puddling or pooling.
Height: raising tomatoes, which need regular pruning and tending, can be helpful, too, if you have a bad back or knee issues.
Aesthetics: frankly, sometimes raised beds just look better!
If you have pets like dogs or roaming animals like squirrels and raccoons, you might need to build a higher bed or create a protective barrier to keep them out. One tip is to invest in a sturdy, raised bed that’s tall enough to keep pests out, as tomatoes tend to attract them. If you're growing in a larger garden space, consider using trellises or cages for added support—this will keep the plants off the ground and allow them to grow upwards, saving space and helping avoid soil-borne diseases.
I chose a tall large bed from Birdies Beds for this set up. It is HUGE, but it works beautifully for this bed. I filled it with a combination of materials at the bottom: logs and branches, partially composted yard waste, and spent potting soil from old pots. That was all topped with 12" of fresh, peat-free raised bed mix.
For a trellis, I used the Freyr from Seattle Urban Farm Company. What an amazing trellis! It is so solid and sturdy. And then I just used the string trellising system for each tomato plant - easy and effective!
I have used a range of beds and supports for my tomatoes over the years, but this is the best set up I have ever had. It's not the cheapest, but it will last for years, and I'm thrilled with how it looks, too.
I created a few videos as I was setting up my tomato bed for the season that may be helpful so you can see all of the parts in play. From setting up the trellis to tips for growing better tomatoes, I hope these short videos help you as you are getting your tomatoes started!
I added a third water reservoir to my Thirsty Earth system once it was set up, and it worked beautifully all summer long.
How to Water Tomatoes Effectively
Watering is one of the most crucial aspects of growing tomatoes. They’re thirsty plants and need a consistent water supply to thrive. One highly effective watering method is using a Thirsty Earth Olla System, which ensures deep, even watering at the root level. In my setup, I have three reservoir buckets and 18 ollas to hydrate the entire bed, which has worked wonders in keeping my plants well-watered during hot, dry spells.
Make sure to monitor your tomato plants and adjust the watering system depending on the season. The soil should be consistently moist but never waterlogged. And be cautious of over-watering or inconsistent watering, as this can lead to cracking or blossom end rot.
A thick layer of mulch on top of the soil at the beginning of the growing season can help keep your soil from drying out quickly, too.
For more information about using ollas in your garden, check out my Irrigating with Ollas guide.
Best Tomato Varieties for Your Garden
Now that you have your setup ready, it's time to pick the best varieties for your garden. There are more than 10,000 varieties to choose from, depending on your needs and climate. Here are a few of the standout varieties that have performed well for me:
Roma Tomatoes: These classic paste tomatoes are perfect for sauces and pastes. However, they can be a little picky about water and heat. In my experience, Romas are thirsty and didn’t do as well in the hot, dry summer I experienced last year. If you choose Romas, try to position them closer to the water source in your garden for better hydration.
San Marzano: These Italian heirloom tomatoes are fantastic for making rich tomato sauces. While they did better than my Romas, they still struggled with the heat and dry conditions. I experienced some blossom end rot at the end of the season, but they were still usable and flavorful. They’re a great option for gardeners in slightly cooler climates – especially if you are near the ocean as these tomatoes hale from Naples.
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes: If you want an abundance of small, delicious tomatoes, Chocolate Cherry tomatoes are a must-grow. These plants are incredibly productive, producing more fruit than I could pick. They ripen quickly, and the taste is fantastic. I grew them from seed and will definitely plant them again.
Currant Tomatoes: These tiny tomatoes pack a punch. I was pleasantly surprised by how productive the currant tomatoes were. They are the smallest of the bunch and produce copiously. However, these tomatoes are vining, so make sure you give them plenty of space, as they can take over your garden if not managed properly. Next year, I’ll plant them in a different location to prevent them from crowding out my other varieties.
Beefsteak Tomatoes: These large, meaty tomatoes are perfect for slicing on sandwiches or in salads. They tend to crack in high heat, and with inconsistent watering, I’ve found that you need to pick them just as they start to ripen. While they are a heavy producer, I learned that three beefsteak plants were a bit too much for my family of three, so I’ll reduce the number next season.
Cherry Falls Bush Cherry Tomatoes: These compact plants are perfect for smaller spaces, and their cherry-sized fruit is ideal for snacking or salads. These tomatoes have a shorter growth cycle and will continue producing fruit even when temperatures drop, making them a great option for a longer growing season.
Maximizing Space and Support
One challenge I faced this year was managing space for all my tomatoes. As they grew, I found myself battling with my currant tomatoes that spread out like a vine, climbing all over my other plants. To avoid overcrowding, I plan to give them more space next year and may move them to a different location in my garden.
For support, trellises work better than tomato cages, which are often too unstable. A sturdy trellis system like the one from Seattle Urban Farm Company helped me keep my tomatoes upright, preventing them from falling over, even in high winds or during heavy fruit production. If you’re looking for better support for your tomato plants, invest in tall, strong trellises that can handle the weight of mature plants.
Planning for Next Year
As I reflect on this year's tomato garden, I’ve learned a lot about the varieties that work best for my climate and how to tweak my setup for better results. Here are a few changes I plan to make for next year:
Move currant tomatoes to a new location for more space and to prevent them from taking over the entire bed.
Reconfigure watering systems to ensure that thirsty varieties like Romas are closer to the water supply.
Plant fewer beefsteak tomatoes—maybe just two plants instead of three.
Add a second trellis for shorter, bushier varieties to create a better layout in the bed.
Conclusion: Grow Your Own Tomatoes Like a Pro
Setting up a successful tomato bed doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right setup, watering system, and the right varieties, you can create a thriving tomato garden in no time. Whether you’re growing for fresh eating, canning, or making sauce, there’s a tomato variety for every need. And with careful planning, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest year after year.
Happy gardening, and don’t forget to experiment with different varieties to find the ones that grow best in your area. If you have any questions, drop them below, and I’ll be happy to help!
By incorporating these tips into your gardening routine, you’ll be able to maximize your tomato harvest and create a thriving bed for all your favorite varieties.