Most tomato experts wait to plant tomatoes until after the middle of May. Until then, soil and night temperatures are too low for vigorous growth. Locate the planting so that the tomatoes receive at least six hours of sun a day. Plant them against a south-facing wall to provide more reflected heat. The soil must be well-drained with plenty of organic material, such as compost, manure or peat moss.
Most soils require extra lime added every few years in the fall or winter.
A soil test is needed to really determine the need for lime. Special tomato fertilizer is not needed, but additional fertilizer during the season is desirable. Tomato plants can be supported by stakes driven into the ground before planting. If you use wire cages, the openings should be 6 inches square for ease in pruning and harvesting. Plants sprawling on the ground lose many tomatoes to slugs and disease.