Open your box and remove the plants immediately. Keep plants in their pots and water deeply. Set in a shady, sheltered outdoor location to let them acclimate.
If planting in the garden, prepare your soil by adding compost. If planting in a container, fill with potting (not garden) soil.
Gently remove the plant from the pot by holding the pot upside down and squeezing the sides.
Dig a hole twice the size of the plant’s root ball. Plant, then refill and settle the soil firmly around the plant with your fingers.
Tomatoes should be planted deeper, so that 3 to 5 inches of the stem is visable above the soil line.
Water thoroughly and consistently throughout the season.