To plant, grow, and care for tomatoes, follow these steps:

1. *Choose the Right Variety*: Select a tomato variety that suits your climate and garden space. There are determinate varieties, which are more compact and suitable for containers, and indeterminate varieties, which grow larger and require staking or support.

2. *Start Seeds Indoors (Optional)*: If you have a short growing season, start tomato seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Use seed starting mix and provide adequate light.

3. *Prepare the Soil*: Tomatoes prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Incorporate organic matter like compost into the soil before planting to improve drainage and nutrient levels.

4. *Planting*: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Space plants 18-36 inches apart, depending on the variety.

5. *Provide Support*: Indeterminate varieties need support to keep their vines off the ground and prevent diseases. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support the plants as they grow.

6. *Watering*: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Tomatoes need about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.

7. *Fertilizing*: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer when planting and again when the first fruits appear. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.

8. *Mulching*: Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

9. *Pruning*: Remove suckers (small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches) to improve air circulation and fruit production. Prune indeterminate varieties to one or two main stems.

10. *Pest and Disease Management*: Monitor plants regularly for pests like aphids, hornworms, and tomato fruitworms. Control weeds to reduce habitat for pests and diseases. Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.

11. *Harvesting*: Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe for the best flavor. They should be firm and fully colored. You can also harvest slightly underripe tomatoes and allow them to ripen indoors.

Following these steps will help you grow healthy and productive tomato plants in your garden.