Tomato plants generally need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, but the frequency depends on factors like soil type, plant growth stage, weather, and whether they are in containers or in the ground.

• Soil type: Sandy soil dries quickly and may require watering every 3 to 4 days, while clay soil retains moisture longer and may only need watering once a week

• Growth stage:
  • Newly transplanted seedlings need daily watering for the first week or so to keep soil moist.
  • Young plants typically require watering 1 to 2 times per week.
  • Mature plants need about 1 to 2 inches of water weekly, which can be split into 2-3 watering sessions.
  • Fruiting plants should be watered consistently but slightly less to avoid fruit cracking and blossom end rot

• Containers vs. ground:
  • Tomatoes in containers dry out faster and often need watering daily or even multiple times a day in hot weather.
  • Tomatoes in the ground or raised beds generally require deep watering 3 to 4 times per week, depending on soil depth and weather

• Weather: In extreme heat (e.g., 100°F+), watering may need to increase to once or twice daily, especially for container plants

• Watering tips: Water deeply at the soil level to encourage strong roots; mulch helps retain moisture and reduce watering frequency

A practical method is to check soil moisture by feeling the soil about 1-2 inches deep; if dry, it's time to water. Avoid overwatering as it can harm roots and cause problems like blossom end rot

. In summary, water tomato plants:

• Daily when newly planted
• 1-2 times per week for young to mature plants in the ground
• 3-4 times per week for mature plants, deeply
• More frequently (daily or multiple times a day) in containers or extreme heat conditions

Adjust based on soil moisture and weather conditions for best results.