April 17, 2025, 8:59 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Tomatoes from your own garden or balcony are becoming increasingly popular. However, caring for them is sometimes a science in itself. You can do a lot of things wrong when watering, which can lead to a smaller harvest or even a diseased plant. myHOMEBOOK editor Franka Kruse-Gering explains what you should look out for when watering tomatoes.
Home-grown tomatoes taste much better than store-bought ones. Not least because the pride resonates. But tomatoes are finicky if you do something wrong when caring for them. When planting tomatoes, watering must also be considered in addition to the right time of year and the right seeds. Otherwise, this will take its toll, and the tomato plants will wither. The following four mistakes are frequently made when watering tomatoes.
1st Mistake — Tomato Plants Don’t Like a Shower When Watering
A typical mistake when watering tomato plants is to pour the water directly onto the soil near the roots. The plants do not like water from above. The reason for this is that the plants are very susceptible to fungi. Water on the leaves or stems can encourage the growth of fungi and mold. For this reason, tomato plants do not tolerate rain well either. It is advisable to plant them in a sheltered spot.
2nd Mistake — Finding the Perfect Amount
Tomatoes don’t like it too dry, nor do they like to have wet feet. You should avoid this mistake when watering tomato plants and always make sure you use the right amount of water. The top layer of soil should be slightly dry and a little crumbly; only then can the next watering take place. Water slowly and make sure that enough water has been given. The roots of the tomato plants can dry out quickly.
3rd Mistake — Watering Tomato Plants in the Morning Rather Than in the Evening
Watering tomato plants at the wrong time of day can also be an unforgivable mistake. It is better to water tomatoes in the morning or during the day. If they are only watered in the evening, they will remain damp overnight. This encourages the formation of mold or fungi. If, on the other hand, you water them during the day, the moisture can evaporate, and you have nothing to worry about.
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4th Mistake — Water That Is Too Cold
Just like for us, a cold bath is unpleasant for tomatoes. Firstly, they can go into shock, and secondly, cold water causes stress for plants. Under certain circumstances, the roots can no longer extract all the nutrients they need from the soil, resulting in deficiency symptoms. The consequences of this watering error are leaf loss or leaf discoloration and an impaired tomato harvest. It is better to water tomatoes with lukewarm water.