How
To Grow Luscious Tomatoes
by: 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
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of Page
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About The Author
Copyright:
2005 Marilyn Pokorney
Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
marilynp@nctc.net
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(5-27-2006)
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