Free Information
Growing Tomatoes
|
|
How To Grow Luscious Tomatoes
Marilyn Pokorney
The tomato is the most commonly grown vegetable in the States.
Here are some tips on how to grow your own bountiful crop of
tomatoes.
Tomatoes should be grown in full sunlight.
Tomato plants require abundant moisture.
Tomatoes grow well in many types of soil but prefer fertile,
well-drained soil with pH of about 6.5.
Garden soil may be improved by adding rotted manure, leaf mold,
peat moss, or other organic materials.
The ideal tomato plant should be six to eight inches tall, dark
green, with a stocky stem and well-developed root system.
For each family member three to five plants should be grown for
fresh eating. If production for canning is desired, then five to
10 plants person needs to be grown.
Plant tomatoes when the weather has warmed and the soil
temperature is above 60°F and air temperature is never lower than
45 degrees at night.
Plant seedlings a little deeper than they were in the pots.
Set out tomato plants in the evening or on a cloudy day.
Mulching helps stop weed growth and water loss from the soil.
Place a two to three inch layer of organic material such as
compost, leaves, straw, grass clippings, hay, newspapers, or
black or red plastic sheeting around the growing plants.
Tomatoes can be grown on the ground or supported by stakes or
cages. If using stakes put the stake in when planting As the
plant grows taller, tie it loosely to the stake every 12 inches
with soft fabric or twine.
Tomatoes require at least one inch of water per week during May
and June and at least two inches per week during July, August,
and September. Water once or twice a week and to a depth of 12 to
18 inches.
Space dwarf plants 12 inches apart; staked tomatoes should be 12
to 18 inches apart. Allow 2 to 4 feet between non-staked plants.
Rows should be spaced 3 to 5 feet apart for staked plants and 4
to 6 feet apart for non-staked plants.
A 10-20-10 fertilizer should be applied at planting time.
Sidedress for the first time when the first fruits are one-third
grown. Use about one to two tablespoons per plant.
Mix the fertilizer into the soil then water, being careful not to
get the fertilizer on the foliage. A second application should be
made two weeks after the first ripe fruit and a third application
one month later. Water the plants thoroughly after fertilizing.
All fertilizers should be worked into the top six inches of soil.
For more information on fertilizers:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/tomatotips.htm
Copyright © 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
Marilyn Pokorney is a freelance writer of science, nature,
animals and the environment. She also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
<< -------------- End of Free Article ----------- >>
Find More Free Articles & Information
See Also:
All Free Articles about Lawn & Garden
All Free Reprint Articles
|
