The Sungold plant. This type of cherry tomato grows large and is typically the first to produce fruit. It is a delicious choice. The Sun Sugar variety. The Sun Sugar variety is very much like the Sungold plant, but the skin does not crack as easily. The Chadwick and Fox are heirloom varieties that grow very fast and have a tangy flavor. The Sweet Treats variety has a deep red color, sweet taste, and it is resistant to many diseases.

You will need to tie the vine around the stake as it grows. Cages do not require as much tying. [2] X Research source Do not use a plastic or vinyl cage. It is toxic to plants and can expose them to lead. Keeping the plants off of the ground promotes air circulation for cleaner and healthier fruit. [3] X Research source You can also use cages and stakes together. The stakes should be placed in the center of the cages. It is important to find a large metal cage because the vines grow quickly and may outgrow a smaller cage quickly.

A foam, plastic, or fiber glass pot works well, but anything from a terra-cotta planter to a garbage can will do.

Fertile soil is usually darker and will crumble when held. A soil that is not fertile will clump. [6] X Research source Organic Mechanics is a well known and liked brand. [7] X Research source

Dig a 6- to 10- inch hole in the spot you’ll use for planting. To test tilth, separate a clod about the size of a soup can and break it apart with your fingers. The soil should be made of different sized crumbs. It shouldn’t be powdery or clumpy. Check for living organisms. Healthy soil will have living things like insects, worms, centipedes, spiders, and others. Watch for about 4 minutes and count – less than 10 organisms and your soil may not be ideal. You might also need a testing kit to check pH. You should be able to find one at your local home and garden store. Scoop some soil into a plastic or glass container and then follow the instructions.

If planting from seeds, you can start them indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last average frost date. They’ll need two or three months of warm or hot weather to grow and harvest tomatoes.

If you plan to keep the container inside or on a balcony, you will probably want to put a saucer underneath it so that the drainage doesn’t run everywhere. You can find a saucer at a nursery, home improvement store, and some supermarkets. If using a garden, be sure you choose a consistently sunny place. It also won’t hurt to add some compost to the soil before planting.

You can use a cup or watering can to water the mix.

The hole only needs to be a few inches deep.

Waiting until the plant is larger to cage or stake may result in a damaged plant.

A few well known brands of organic fertilizer for tomatoes are Gardener’s Supply, Tomato-tone, and Burpee Organic Tomato Fertilizer. Directions vary according to the product. Follow the directions on the label when applying fertilizer. Organic fertilizers release nutrients slower than chemical fertilizers. Using a chemical fertilizer risks burning the roots, though they are often cheaper. [14] X Research source

You should also push back any branches that poke out of the holes of the tomato cage. The plant will drop if you do not.

Plant Doctor, Daconil, and Garden Safe are a few brands of fungicide. [17] X Research source EcoSmart and Safer are a couple of brands of organic pesticide. Fungus that spreads throughout the entire plant can most likely not be saved. To avoid infections, try watering your plants in the morning directly into the soil. Watering leaves, especially later in the day, encourages fungal growth. Fungus can survive in soil for years. Remove the cherry tomato plants from the soil if fungus is a recurring problem. Plant a different type of plant or flower in that area.

The plant should continue to produce tomatoes until the first frost. Freshly picked tomatoes should be stored at room temperature; they will rot if refrigerated. They can also be canned or dried. [18] X Research source