Tomatoes are one of the most popular home garden crops. These plants thrive in warm, humid environments and can even be grown indoors during colder months. When grown outdoors, tomatoes require frequent watering to maintain production levels. These plants are also very sensitive to water stress, which can lead to wilting, yellowing leaves and a reduced yield. If you’re new to growing tomatoes or need some helpful pointers, here is how to water tomato plants properly.

While paying attention to soil moisture levels is important, the folks at backyardgardenersnetwork.org said that overwatering tomato plants is a common mistake that can lead to many problems include: fungal infections, blossom end rot, tomatoes splitting, and poor flavor. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent over-watering your plants. This will help prevent disease and wilting by keeping the roots healthy and oxygenated.