Tomato plants generally need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, but the exact frequency depends on factors like plant growth stage, soil type, weather, and whether they are in pots, raised beds, or garden soil. Watering Guidelines:
- Newly transplanted tomatoes: Water daily for the first week to 10 days to help establish roots
- Established tomato plants in raised beds: Water deeply for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times per week. Shallower beds may require more frequent but shorter watering sessions
- Tomatoes in garden beds: After establishment, water 3 to 4 times weekly, using soaker hoses or gentle watering at soil level. Mature plants typically need about a gallon of water every five days
- Tomatoes in containers: Pots dry out faster, so water daily or even multiple times a day in hot weather, ensuring soil stays moist but not soggy
Additional Tips:
- Water deeply to encourage strong root development and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings
- Mulching helps retain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency
- Adjust watering frequency during hot, dry weather-sometimes watering twice a day is necessary in extreme heat
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root damage and fruit cracking
In summary, water tomatoes deeply about 3 to 4 times a week in garden or raised beds, daily or more in containers, and adjust based on weather and soil moisture checks to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
