Updated June 2025 Now that you’ve got your tomato planted, there are other things to keep in mind, like how to minimize its upkeep. One way is by spreading mulch, such as a layer of compost, straw, or grass clippings, around—but not quite up to—the base of the plant. Mulch functions as a weed barrier,…

Updated June 2025 People are understandably disappointed when the plants they’ve carefully tended and nurtured fail to produce the bountiful crop they dreamed about all winter. Growing tomatoes in the north can be tricky for one main reason: our uniquely humid midsummer climate. The month of July in most northern climates is notable for extended…

Note: This piece was originally part of a series on historical articles from Northern Gardener and Minnesota Horticulturist. Everything about tomatoes speaks of summer—their tart flavor, juicy texture, ripe, red color—oh, the joy! But before northern gardeners get to the first big, fat slice of tomato, they must plant, prune, water and care for their…