How to Grow Tomatoes
Tomatoes are annual plants from the perennial family. They are easily grown from seeds by following the instructions on the seed packet. Here, we have some great tips to ensure you get the freshest and best-tasting tomatoes every time.
Getting the Right Conditions
Sunshine
Tomatoes like to be planted where they can get the full benefit of sunshine. If you can position the tomato plants near a fence or a wall, they will have a greater chance of success when growing. Always be sure they are receiving ample water.
Soil
Before you plant your tomato seeds, you will need to prepare the soil a good 2 or 3 weeks beforehand. Dig at the soil and add as much natural compost and organic matter as you can (Tips on how to make compost). The aim is to allow the soil to retain as much water as possible because tomato plants need a lot of moisture to grow.
Temperature
Be aware that tomatoes cannot tolerate frost. You must get the timing right when planting tomato seeds or they will not germinate. The soil temperature must remain above 10°C/50°F. To ensure you are getting the correct soil temperature it is best to wait 3-4 weeks after the last time frost was present. Late March or early April is a good time to sow tomato seeds.
Planting Directly in the Ground
This is the hardest way to grow tomatoes, as they are very dependent on the weather conditions. It is suitable to grow tomatoes outside if the temperature of the soil is above 60 degrees F. Depending on your location it is a good idea to buy a cold frame or a cloche to help warm the soil. These protective coverings will keep your plants safe from cold weather.
Prepare the soil as mentioned above, and then use a trowel to dig shallow holes of about 1 inch deep. Place 2 seeds in each hole and cover with soil, water well if the soil does not seem very moist. In around 10 days, the seedlings should start to show from the ground.
Sowing Indoors
This method of growing tomatoes has a high success rate, as you can mimic the conditions they need inside your home. Use containers that are around 3 inches deep and sow the seed and cover with compost. The compost must be moist but not overly waterlogged. Place the container in a warm dry location that is totally draft free. In about 7–10 days time the seedlings should appear.
As soon as you see the seedlings, you should move the plants to a location that receives light but not direct sunlight. If you can position them on a windowsill without direct sunlight, you will get best results. If they are in direct sunlight, you are at risk of burning the leaves. If you have planted more than one seed in the container then you should thin out the weakest plant.
The roots will start to grow out of the bottom of the container around 4 weeks after planting. You should then transfer them to larger pots around 5 inches in size. They will be big enough to transplant outside after about 7 weeks of growing. (Learn how to germinate seeds)
Transplanting
If you started your tomato seeds in pots then they will be ready for transplanting when they reach 6 – 7 inches in height. You should dig a hole outside in the growing area about the depth of the pot currently being used. Water the soil if it is dry.
Try not to disturb the roots of the plant when transplanting. Place it in the hole and fill the area with more soil. The soil then should be raised a little higher than before. Tie the stem of the tomato plant to a support stake using a soft twine and allow a little slack for growth.
Dry tomatoes will increase the risk of the fruit cracking and splitting so it is important to water well. But do not over water. Tomatoes don’t like dry conditions and they don’t like to be water-logged either. You have to get the balance right.
Pruning
Tomato plants come in two main varieties: bush and upright. The bush plants do not require much pruning. If you notice dead yellow leaves, then they should be clipped off as soon as possible to prevent decay.
It is common for tomato plants to grow very large thus requiring extra support. A few of the main branches could be removed instead. You should try to limit the amount of trusses to about 8-9 by removing others.
Upright varieties of tomato plants are commonly grown in pots (create your own pots, read how to make clay pots for plants) or in grow bags. When you notice the first fruits beginning to form, the plant will produce small shoots from in between the leaf stems and main stem.
These shoots should be removed by pinching them with your fingertips. If they are left to grow, then you will notice that they produce a lot of foliage but little tomato fruit.
Once the plant has 8-9 trusses (usually around June time), you should break off the growing tip of the plant. This will encourage a supply of good quality tomatoes instead of a larger quantity of low quality tomatoes.
Harvesting
As soon as you notice ripe fruits of a good color and size you should pick the tomatoes and eat them as soon as possible, this will also make the plant grow more tomatoes. The more you pick, the more will grow.
If frost is appearing, you should harvest all the fruit and allow them to ripen on a windowsill.
If you enjoy learning this article, you’ll surely enjoy learning how to grow herbs too.