How Often to Water Tomatoes
Any Amazon links below are affiliate links, which means I earn a commission at no cost to you if you click and finalize an order. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How Often to Water Tomatoes
Getting tomato watering right can feel like walking a tightrope. Too little water and the plants droop and struggle. Too much and you’re dealing with root rot, cracked fruit, or other headaches. The good news? Once you understand a few simple guidelines, you’ll know exactly when and how to water them. We’ll cover what to do at every stage, plus a few tricks to make the job easier. Here’s how (and how often) to water tomatoes:
How Often to Water Tomatoes
The general rule for watering tomatoes is that they should have about an inch of water every week. For a more precise reading, you can stick your finger 2-3 inches deep in the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. You can also use a moisture meter to determine how dry the soil is, and water whenever a 2-3 inch depth reads dry.
Keep in mind that how often you water also depends on your soil type, the weather, and whether your tomatoes are in the ground, raised beds, or containers. Sandy soil dries out quickly and may need more frequent watering. Clay soil holds onto moisture longer and might not need water as often.
That said, there are special guidelines for each stage of a tomato’s life.
Seedlings
Water recently started seeds and seedlings every day. A few spritzes with a spray bottle will generally be enough, but if they’re in a hot or dry area, they may need more or to be watered twice a day. Water whenever the top of the soil is visibly dry. You will find that they need more water as they get bigger.
Growing
Once they’re too large to be considered seedlings anymore, you’ll likely transplant them into the garden or a larger container. Water them deeply when you first transplant, then water them in the morning on a daily basis unless it rains. If it’s an extra hot day, water them in the afternoon as well.
Blooming/Fruiting
Consistency is most important at this stage, since underwatering can stunt production and overwatering can cause the fruits to deform or rot. Check the soil in the morning and afternoon/evening, watering whenever it’s dry and leaving it alone when it’s damp.
Watering Tomato Plants
When watering tomato plants, focus on watering the base of the tomato rather than the leaves and stem. Wet leaves increase the risk of diseases like tomato blight. Use a watering can or hose head with holes in the nozzle to make the water drip in a more gentle and rain-like way. Slower, more even watering keeps the soil from being displaced.
Try to water consistently each morning when it doesn’t rain. Consistently moist soil will give you the best yield and fruit quality.
Mulching around the base of your plants can also help lock in moisture, cut down on how often you need to water, and keep the soil temperature more even.
Watering Tomatoes in Pots
When you grow your tomatoes in containers, they tend to dry out faster. Check the soil 2-3 inches deep in the morning and afternoon, and water again whenever it’s dry. To thoroughly water tomatoes in containers, water until the excess starts running out the drainage holes in the bottom.
Quick Reference: Watering by Plant Stage and Location
| Stage | Garden Soil (In-Ground) | Raised Bed | Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedlings | Light water daily | Light water daily | Light water daily |
| Growing | Deep water daily AM, more if hot | Deep water daily AM, more if hot | Check 2x/day, water when dry |
| Blooming/Fruiting | Check AM/PM, water when dry | Check AM/PM, water when dry | Check 2x/day, water when dry |
Signs You’re Overwatering
While underwatering is a typical problem, you can overwater your tomatoes too. A few signs are deformities and discoloring on the leaves, along with cracked fruit. Here’s how to identify and fix an overwatered tomato.
Signs of Underwatering
Tomatoes can quickly become underwatered when it’s hot out. Signs include wilted, curling leaves and (of course) dry soil. Water them as soon as possible for the best chance of reviving them.
Tomato Watering FAQs
Not always. Young plants and container tomatoes often need daily watering, but established plants in the ground might only need water every few days, depending on soil type and weather.
Morning is best. It gives plants time to absorb the water before the heat of the day and reduces the risk of fungal diseases that can happen with damp evening conditions.
It’s better to water at the base. Wet leaves can encourage disease.
Happy Tomato Growing!
With these tips, you should be able to successfully water your tomatoes throughout the growing season! For more tomato tips, check out my complete tomato growing guide, along with:
