Tomatoes are an essential part of any vegetable garden. Tomatoes are such a versatile vegetable that it is no surprise that they are the most commonly grown plant. Growing the perfect tomato is not easy, but there are plenty of useful hints and tips that can help you along the way.
Sowing the Seed
Once you have selected the variety of tomato you want to grow, you will be ready to sow your seeds. Sow your seeds by sprinkling them evenly over the surface of a seed tray filled with seed and cutting compost. Once you have sprinkled your seeds, cover them with a light layer of fine compost. Place the tray in a larger tray half filled with water, as this allows the compost to absorb the water from below.
Pricking Out
The tomatoes will take about a week to germinate, after which two small seed leaves will appear. Once the leaves have fully expanded you will need to prick them out using your thumb and forefinger by holding the seed leaf, never the stem. Plant them into larger 10cm modular trays filled with potting compost, leaving the seed leaves just above the compost.
Planting Out
When ready to plant out, seedlings should be around 15cm tall with flowers showing on the first truss. Make sure the pot has been thoroughly watered. Dig a deep hole and place the tomato plant inside, making sure some of the stem is covered with soil. Covering some of the stem with soil encourages greater root growth, allowing the plant to take up more nutrients and produce a better crop. Make sure the plants are spaced 45cm apart.
Caring for your Tomatoes
The tomato plant will need to be supported by a cane. Push the cane into the ground near the base of the plant, and tie the stem to the cane loosely using a figure 8 technique. As the tomato plant grows small shoots will appear where the main leaf stalks join the centre stem. These will need to be pinched or cut out when they are 5cm long. Remove yellow of dying leaves as the plant grows, and water regularly to keep compost moist. Always water your tomato plant at the base and never from above, as watering from above can cause disease. Using a solution of 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to a gallon of water will provide the plant with the vital nutrients of magnesium and sulphate.
Harvesting
When your tomatoes have ripened and are ready to harvest, pick them by snapping the stalk. Do not pull the tomato straight from the plant, as they will stay fresher for longer if the calyx is still attached.
Then once you have enjoyed your fresh and organic tomatoes, it's time to start with the tomato seeds again for your next batch!
Graeme is writing on behalf of Kings Seeds Tomato Seeds & Vegetable Seeds
Article Source: Growing the Perfect Tomato
No comments:
Post a Comment