{"id":37089,"date":"2025-11-28T15:15:26","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T20:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themarketgardener.com\/?p=37089"},"modified":"2026-01-13T15:53:48","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T20:53:48","slug":"how-to-increase-tomato-yield-and-grow-more-tomatoes-per-plant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themarketgardener.com\/farming-techniques\/how-to-increase-tomato-yield-and-grow-more-tomatoes-per-plant\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Increase Tomato Yield (and Grow More Tomatoes per Plant)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is tomato farming profitable?<\/h2>\n

Absolutely, when done right.<\/p>\n

Tomatoes are one of the most lucrative crops<\/a> for small-scale and greenhouse growers because they combine high yield potential with strong, consistent market demand. Whether sold fresh at farmers\u2019 markets, to restaurants, or through CSA shares, tomatoes can generate impressive returns per square foot. The key is mastering a few essential techniques that dramatically improve productivity and quality, and that\u2019s exactly what I\u2019ve learned through my years in the field. If you\u2019re wondering how to increase tomato yield, it starts long before the first fruit appears.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d been growing tomatoes in my market garden for a few seasons and doing it pretty much like everyone else, following the textbook advice from most gardening and small-scale farming books. But eventually, I had an epiphany that changed everything. I saw with my own eyes how a true master does it, or rather, the results of what a master can do.<\/p>\n

It happened in Paris, during a trip to present my book The Market Gardener<\/a>. While exploring the open-air market on the Place du Pr\u00e9sident-Wilson, I came across a stall unlike any other, more than a hundred varieties of tomatoes, each one flawless and full of life. It was mesmerizing.<\/p>\n

That stand belonged to Jo\u00ebl Thibault<\/a>, often referred to as le meilleur mara\u00eecher de France I later learned. I introduced myself, told him I was a grower from Qu\u00e9bec. He smiled; my accent had already betrayed me.<\/p>\n

I asked if he had one secret to share for growing such extraordinary tomatoes. He smiled again and said, \u201cIt\u2019s not one thing, it\u2019s many.\u201d Then, after a pause: \u201cBut if I had to choose, I\u2019d say this: grow amazing transplants and bury them as deep as you can. That\u2019s the secret of my plants, it\u2019s why they take off so well.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added that he also prunes them quite heavily to let the sun reach every fruit.<\/p>\n

At the time, I thought I knew tomatoes. I\u2019d been growing them professionally for almost seven seasons. But remember, folks this was pre-internet, when you learned from real people and firsthand advice. That\u2019s exactly what I did. I looked into what he told me, tested it, and it\u2019s been part of my playbook ever since. Today, I\u2019ve added two other strategies that not everyone knows about, small tweaks that make a big difference when you want to learn how to grow more tomatoes per plant.<\/p>\n

\"how
My market stand at Jean-Talon Market in Montr\u00e9al was heavily influenced by what I saw in France in my early years.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Grow Long, Thick Transplants and Bury Them as Deep as Possible<\/h2>\n

The quality of your transplants sets the stage for the entire season. Seedlings are ready for transplanting after 7 to 8 weeks, when they reach 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm) in height. Ideally, they should be transplanted before they begin to flower.<\/p>\n

A common mistake is keeping the nursery too cold to save on heating costs. Tomatoes need warmth to develop strong, thick stems and a solid root system. Keep the temperature around 18\u00b0C (65\u00b0F), and do not hesitate to raise it to 22\u00b0C (72\u00b0F) at night if needed. Warm air helps the plants stay active and growing instead of stalling out, which often happens in cool conditions. If you want to grow more tomatoes per plant and increase your tomato yield, you need to turn up the heat!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another key to success is the potting mix. Do not cheap out on this. Use the best professional-grade mix you can find, not the generic one sold everywhere. If you are going to eat these tomatoes, go for a certified organic mix. A high-quality, living medium makes all the difference in early vigor, root health, and transplant resilience.<\/p>\n

Then one week before transplanting, harden off the plants<\/strong> by moving them to an acclimatization area. This toughens them up for field conditions. At that time, I like to add a small pinch of dehydrated, pelleted chicken manure to each pot for an extra boost. This simple trick alone helps beginners understand how to grow more tomatoes per plant by ensuring stronger starts.<\/p>\n

Transplanting recipe<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s how I like to do it:<\/p>\n