When it is harvested, a tomato must be perfect. Round, deliciously red, and perfectly spongy and soft. You know, the kind of this tasty, savory fruit we all want to add to our salads for more colors. Yet, before achieving this result comes the art of cultivating it. And growing a tomato plant can be daunting, and since there is an extensive amount of tips on how to plant them, you don’t know what you should or shouldn’t do anymore. No worries though! In this article, we will have a look at the do’s and don’t of growing tomatoes. Keep reading to ensure a successful harvest!
Do #1
You first need to make sure that the plant will start by developing a robust root system. How? By always planting the transplant very deep. Note that the plant will be more productive if the roots are stronger.
Do #2
It is crucial that you spread material like decaying leaves, bark, or compost around the plant to enrich or insulate the soil. This process, called mulching, helps in retaining moisture, which will allow your tomatoes to thrive.
Do #3
Support your tomatoes with stakes, cages, or trellises.
Do #4
Make sure you install your support system before you plant your tomatoes. Otherwise, it will be more challenging to put it later and damage your plant’s roots.
Do #5
It exists various types of tomatoes, so make sure you know everything about the tomato variety you plan to cultivate and the appropriate care it will require. Some tomato types can stop producing the fruit after a while.
Do #6
You can plant several varieties if you have enough room. But keep in mind that it is better to select your tomato type depending on your needs and preferences. For instance, Roma and Plum tomatoes are great for preserving, while the slicing types are ideal for fresh eating. Cherry tomatoes are them perfect for snacking.
Do #7
To grow well, tomatoes need warm soil, and to achieve that temperature; you can cover the area with black plastic that will keep the heat from the sun. Another special trick is to turn the soil regularly.
Do #8
A particular hack to cultivate healthy plants is to give them a bit of Epsom salts. And the tomato plant is no exception.
Do #9
If your flowers are pinched off, you’ll notice that your plant produces more fruit in the long run. So go ahead and pinch these buddings on your tomato plants!
Don’t #1
Although buying tomato plants that are already in bloom may seem like a good idea to save you time, it’s a big no-no! Your plant must first settle down their roots before they start producing their flowers and fruit.
Don’t #2
Never plant your tomatoes outside if the soil temperature is below 10°c. You should wait for the soil to be warm enough. Remember that the ground’s surface can feel warm but can still be very cold in the deep. One of these handy soil thermometers can help you here.
Don’t #3
Avoid over-fertilizing your tomato plants. Although it is good to give them some compost, it is best to be very careful not to add too much when it comes to chemical fertilizers. If you do, you will get green and bushy tomatoes, and that is what you don’t want: you are looking for a plant with lots of ripe and shiny fruit.
Don’t #4
Never water the tomatoes from above. This can cause the soil to splash on the stems, which will then be prone to diseases. To avoid this, use a garden hose when supplying water to your plant.
Growing tomatoes successfully can be very rewarding as they produce bountiful and flavorful crops. With these dos and don’ts, you are ready to cultivate. So get your tomatoes growing and let us know in the comments how yours turned out.
