Planting Too Early Tomatoes need warm soil and air temperatures to thrive. Planting too early in cool conditions can stunt growth and make plants vulnerable to disease.
Overwatering or Underwatering Too much water can cause root rot, while too little can lead to cracked fruit and blossom-end rot. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Not Providing Enough Sunlight Tomatoes require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light results in weak, leggy plants and poor fruit production.
Crowding Plants Too Closely Planting too close restricts airflow, increasing disease risk. Space plants 18-24 inches apart for proper air circulation and healthy growth.
Ignoring Soil Quality Poor soil leads to weak plants. Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with compost or organic matter to ensure strong root development.
Skipping Support Structures Tomato plants need cages, stakes, or trellises to keep fruit off the ground, prevent breakage, and reduce disease exposure. Support plants early.
Neglecting Pruning and Maintenance Failing to remove suckers and dead leaves leads to overcrowding and disease. Prune carefully to encourage airflow and better fruit production.