Don’t get me wrong, growing tomatoes is no easy task, but with a little knowledge you’ll be harvesting more fruit than you know what to do with. And yes, tomatoes are a fruit.

Here are 5 tips for successfully growing tomatoes at home:

1) Variety – Not all tomatoes are created equal, and it’s important to find a variety that you not only like, but one that grows well in your zone. Refer to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find what zone you’re in. For example, some tomato varieties grow like crazy in Northern California, but can’t take the intense heat of Las Vegas. Growing the right types of tomatoes is key.

2) Medium – Once you select the tomato varieties you’d like to grow, think about where they will be planted. If the soil conditions in your garden are very poor, you’ll need to enrich the soil with compost, worm castings, rock dust, and other organic material. Or, you can opt to grow tomatoes in containers, which works very well. The goal is to have a rich growing medium that feeds hungry tomato plants.

3) Staking – Tomato plants are animals, and you must support them to promote airflow, prevent branches with heavy fruit from snapping, and conserve space. Most home gardeners will benefit from growing tomatoes vertically. Tomato cages, including the “Texas tomato cage,” are one of the most common ways to support tomatoes. The “Florida weave” is also an excellent method that’s commonly used on commercial farms.

4) Fertilizing – Tomato plants are heavy feeders and require fertilizer on a regular basis. We suggest a balanced organic fertilizer that’s safe, environmentally friendly, and effective. E.B. Stone produces a variety of top notch products, such as their Tomato and Vegetable Food.

5) Watering – Growing a healthy tomato plant requires regular watering, and frequency matters. You need to get a feel for your plants and know when to water and when not to water. Watering is dependent on local weather, the variety of tomato being grown, and the planting medium. A large Brandywine tomato with potato leaves will require far more water than a Sungold or Sunsugar cherry tomato plant. Additionally, plants in containers require more frequent watering than plants in the ground.

Now that summer is right around the corner, it’s time to plant some tomatoes! You’re a little late to grow from seed, however garden stores have a plethora of plants available. Buying from local garden centers is a great idea because the plants are likely suited for your area.

Last but not least, have fun and good luck!

Ridiculously low interest rates have potential homebuyers getting their butts in gear because, as we all know, rock-bottom rates will only last for so long. Plus, with home values still recovering, there are excellent deals to be had.

To qualify for a 30-year mortgage at 3.66%, buyers must have excellent credit and a 20% down payment. Those with impeccable credit and available funds will be able to secure rates even lower than 3.66%, however it depends on a plethora of variables.