Are you interested in gardening? If you've made the decision to grow vegetables rather than flowers, you’re likely considering tomatoes as part of your pursuit. That's a good choice! But before you start planting your tomatoes and other vegetables, let's take a look at a few things you should know about growing tomatoes.
Most of the day, sunlight is required for tomatoes and many other crops. But only, of course, if you want products of good quality. Also important is good drainage. When planning your tomato plant layout, figure on 4 to 6 varieties of large fruited tomatoes and at least one cherry tomato. This does, of course, depend on how many family members are fresh tomato lovers.
To support your tomato plants, you may wish to use wire tomato cages or stakes. To avoid rotting, you want to keep them off the ground. For efficient and even watering, either use a soaker hose system or a drip.
Last, but not least, make sure weeds are controlled as much as possible.
Seedlings or Seeds?
More times than not, transplanting takes place when gardeners start tomato plants. To grow a 4 to 6-inch transplant usually takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
If, rather than buying seedlings from a store, you decide to start your own, here's what to do:
- With tomato formula soil mix (where available), sow the seeds in flats. (One seed per cell.)
- With 1/4 inch of mix, cover the seeds.
- Carefully water the flats.
- In a warm place, with plenty of light, set the flats to grow. (To avoid overheating, stay away from incandescent bulbs.)
When transplanting your seedlings, approximately 4 to 6 inches deeper than they are in the mixed soil, you can sink the seedlings into the garden or pots. This applies to particularly lanky transplants. Be careful not to bend the plants, so they don’t break.
Tips for Growing Tomatoes
There is a bone of contention between many growers of tomatoes: Whether or not to remove the side shoots. This can depend on the system you're using to support the plants. The side shoots are usually removed when gardeners use stakes. While overall production may be smaller, they typically get larger and earlier tomatoes.
The side shoots are generally left on, however, when tomatoes are grown in cages. When they are 16 to 18-inches long, however, it's a good idea to pinch the tips off. This way, diseases like early blight may not spread and air circulation is improved.
Before you snap off any lower growth, wait until morning and until the plants are knee high. Always remove any plant growth that looks like it has a mosaic pattern or distorted foliage. Particularly early in the season, this is a good practice.
Ready to Grow Some Luscious Tomatoes?
You will find most everything you need for planting tomatoes at DIY Tool Supply. From gardener focused items like kneeling pads and utility gloves to gardening supplies such as digging tools, seeds, pots, and more, we've got both novice gardeners and gardening aficionados covered.
Check out all of the products we have to offer, other than gardening supplies, when you have time. While you're here, why not register for a membership, free of charge? Remember, shipping is always free, and our prices are extremely competitive!