Growing Tips


Tomatoes
 Tomatoes are fairly easy to grow but a few helpful hints can help ward off some problems.
  1. Tomatoes can't tolerate any frost! Do not transplant outdoors until all danger of frost has past!
  2. Tomatoes need lots and lots of light. Most tomatoes, I believe, have a South American origin; therefore it stands to reason that they will be lovers of sunlight. Use the sunniest locations for your tomatoes. If growing them in containers they must have supplemental light if they are not getting regular sunshine.
  3. Tomatoes adore well drained humus rich soils. Do not plant in soils that are high in clay content or that allow water to stand after rains or irrigation. Also, "experts" suggest a soil ph level between 6 and 7.
  4. When transplanting seedlings, first remove the bottom leaves and then bury the stems deeply. Many people make a trench and actually lay the plant in the trench so that only the tops are poking out of the ground. Tomato stems will sprout new roots along the buried sections of the stem and give the plant an even greater root structure. Neat!
  5. Studies and "experts" suggest using fertilizers that are lower in nitrogen content than the phosphorus and potassium content. High nitrogen levels will grow lush green vegetation but reduce the numbers of blossoms and therefore less fruit will be produced. For example, 5-10-10 or 5-20-20 or 8-16-16 might be a better choice than 10-10-10 or 30-10-10. Remember, fertilizer analysis numbers go in this order: Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium. Also, some folks report good success with fish type fertilizers. I also believe that calcium supplements may help prevent blossom-end rot. For outdoor plantings, work fertilizer into the soil before transplanting and then side dress the plants just after the first flowers begin to set fruit.
  6. Make certain that your tomatoes get regular waterings. If grown outdoors, nature will probably take care of matters, however, if you are growing them during drought or in containers, water levels will need to be monitored. If water is required, be certain to water the plants completely. Occassional and thorough saturations work much better than light waterings very frequently. Do not over-water. Too much water causes poor root structure and root damage. Blossom-end rot may be related to improper water as well
  7. Tomatoes should always be staked or caged or supported in some manner. Keeping the leaves, branches and fruit off the ground reduces the chance for diseases and/or pests. Good air circulation through, around and under the plant prevents excess moisture which can lead to disease.
  8. Pruning is an option that some people believe is good while others feel is unnecessary. I have always pruned the bottom leaves as the plants begin to grow. Also, many folks, me included, pinch away the suckers that grow in the notch between the main stem and a branch. My thoughts are that suckers use nutrition and allow the depletion of water in the plant through the extra unnecessary leaves.