How do you speed up tomato growth?

QUESTION: How do you speed up tomato growth?

ANSWER: You can set yourself up for speedily growing tomatoes by choosing a fast-maturing variety from the outset. You can also help heat up the soil to speed tomato growth by either pulling back mulch, if you have it, or laying a plastic sheet down over the soil. Wait until the heat of summer has arrived to add a layer of mulch, as that’s when your plants will really need the protection.

Use hardening off to gradually introduce your tomato plants to the outdoor garden without damaging them. If temperatures dip into the 50s or cooler, protect your tomato plants from the cold to prevent slow growth or damage.

You can also plant tomatoes along the south side of your house for the warmest possible environment to help speed their growth. Using cages or stakes to support your tomato plants helps ensure that sunlight reaches the fruit so it can mature as quickly as possible.