Growing Tomatoes:From Planting to Harvest

How to Grow Tomatoes:From Planting to Harvest

Welcome all to the Growing Guides @GreenUp. Our guide covers all the information that you will need to grow tomatoes successfully—including sowing seeds, transplanting tomatoes outside, using tomato stakes and supports, and tomato plant care.

Tomatoes are not hard to grow; they are delicious and could be grown easily.

Tomatoes

They are bright red, yields good amount of tomatoes, and can withstand even in some unfavourable condition. Normally,tomatoes starts coming in about 60-70 days.

Planting

Site Selection

Select the site which gets good amount of sun. Tomatoes grow well in sunny areas. The soil should be well drained so that no water collects there. Slightly acidic soil (pH of 6.2 to 6.8) favours their growth.

When to plant Tomatoes

• Plant the tomato seeds indoors in small pots 1 to 2 inch deep or seed starting trays about ¼ inches deep in proper soil mix(Take 20% garden soil and 80% compost). You may use 1 - 2 inch plastic cups if you don't have seed starting trays or small pots.
  

• The ideal temperature required for germination of seeds is 21-27℃. So keep the pots in warm place and seedlings should appear in 10-15 days.

•  Seeds require very less water. So just sprinkle water on the soil to keep it moist. Do not over-water it.

Transplanting

The seeds must be sown atleast 6-8 weeks before you want to transplant them outside. Transplant your seedlings once they are grown 5 to 6 inches long.

• If you wish to plant outside in a pot ; take a large pot. The soil mix should be normal garden soil mixed with compost(if available).

• Plant one plant per pot.
  

• Begin by gently loosening the root area of the young plants and lift them with some soil at the roots. Do not pull the plants off the stems.
  

• Newly set transplants may need to be shaded for the first few days to prevent excessive drying of the leaves.

• Pinch off few of the lower branches so to make the stem strong.

• Water the transplants immediately so that the roots settles well.

• If you wish to plant outside in your garden or in an open space, make sure to have space of about 2-3 feet between two plants.And now they will require more water than in the case of potted plants.

Plant Care

Watering

• Water your tomato plants not too much, just enough to make the soil wet. Keep this in mind so water the plants just so that the water reaches till the roots. Watering once a day would be fine.

• Do not pool the water if the plants are planted in the garden.

Fertilizing & Care

• Fertilize your plants once in every two weeks.You may use fertilizer or compost.

• For long plants, you will need to use stakes. For stakes, tie your stem with a soft string.

• You may even use wire cage.

Weed Removal

Loosen the soil and then remove the weeds, grass.

Pests, Diseases

Some common pests and diseases that could affect plants are

• Late/Early Blight: It’s a common fungal disease of tomato plants which can damage the entire plant. Blight can also spread to potato, peppers, and eggplants.

• Blossom end rot: As the tomatoes ripen, a dark blotch will appear at the bottom. It means that plants are lacking calcium. Hence organic compost rich in calcium can be added to the soil before transplanting to avoid this problem.

• Leaf Roll: Fully grown plants may start curling their leaves near the bottom due to very high temperatures, over-moist soil, and pruning.

• Blossom Drop: Tomato plant will flower but fall off without any fruit. This happens due to variations in temperature, lack of moisture or lack of pollination.

• Fruit Cracks: Ripe tomatoes will develop cracks due to humidity or insect bites.

Harvesting

Within 60 to 70 days, you will start seeing the tomatoes. Harvest fully ripen tomatoes, a fully ripen tomato will be red and a softer one.

Exclusive Tips @Green Up

• Don't pool the soil with water as your plant will die with excess water.

• After transplanting the plant, do not keep directly under sun. Keep it first few days under shade (if possible), then a few days later, take them out under the sun.
  

• Spray organic pesticides, so that it does not hinders the plant's growth, such as dilute solution of Neem Oil mixed with shampoo. Learn more about treating Pesticides.

• Learn more about fertilizers and their usage, doses.
  

• Click here to read more plant care tips for free(given by gardeners, and farmers) exclusively on Green Up.
  

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