Tomato plants generally need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, but the exact watering frequency depends on several factors such as soil type, plant growth stage, container vs. ground planting, and weather conditions.

Watering Frequency by Soil Type

• Sandy soil dries quickly and may require watering every 3 to 4 days.
• Clay soil retains moisture longer, so watering once a week is often sufficient

Watering Frequency by Plant Stage

• Seedlings: Keep soil moist, watering every few days.
• Young transplants: Water daily until established, then 1 to 2 inches per week.
• Mature plants: Deep water once a week or 3-4 times weekly depending on rainfall.
• Fruiting plants: Maintain similar frequency but reduce water amount to avoid fruit cracking

Container vs. Ground

• Container-grown tomatoes dry out faster and may need daily watering or even multiple times a day in hot weather.
• In-ground tomatoes typically require watering 1 to 2 times per week, increasing to more frequent watering during extreme heat or drought

Best Practices

• Water deeply to encourage strong roots.
• Use mulch to retain moisture and reduce watering frequency.
• Check soil moisture by feeling 2-3 inches below the surface; water when dry.
• Avoid inconsistent watering to prevent issues like blossom end rot

Summary

• In-ground tomatoes: Water deeply about 1 to 2 times per week, more often in sandy soil or hot weather.
• Container tomatoes: Water daily or multiple times daily in heat.
• Adjust frequency based on soil moisture and weather conditions.

This approach balances sufficient moisture for growth without overwatering, which can damage roots or fruit quality