Tomato plants generally need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, but the exact frequency depends on factors like soil type, plant size, weather, and growth stage.
Watering Frequency by Growth Stage
- Seedlings: Keep soil consistently moist, watering as needed to prevent drying out.
- Young transplants: Water daily initially to establish roots, then reduce to about 1-2 inches per week after 10 days.
- Mature plants (pre-flowering): About 1-2 inches of water weekly, typically 3-4 times per week.
- Fruiting plants: Continue watering regularly but reduce quantity to avoid problems like blossom end rot and cracking
Watering Tips Based on Plant Location
- In-ground: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, adjusting for soil type (sandy soils need more frequent watering; clay soils retain moisture longer)
- Raised beds: Water deeply for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times weekly; shallower beds may need more frequent watering
- Containers/pots: Water daily or even twice daily in hot weather since pots dry out quickly; keep soil moist but not soggy
Additional Recommendations
- Water slowly and deeply at the soil level to encourage strong root growth and reduce disease risk.
- Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
- Adjust watering frequency based on temperature, rainfall, and signs from the plant such as wilting or dry soil.
- Early morning watering is best to minimize evaporation and disease
In summary, water tomato plants every 2-3 days during hot weather, ensuring about 1-2 inches per week overall, with adjustments for plant stage and environment. Newly planted tomatoes need more frequent watering, while established plants with deep roots require less frequent but thorough watering
