Many gardeners view growing tomatoes as more work than they the end product, especially considering the cost of store bought tomatoes. However what most people fail to realize is there a larger variety of tomato selections you can have by growing them from a garden. Not to mention it’s not as difficult to accomplish as many people may think. Review this quick guide to growing the best tomato plants from your home garden.
• Best time to Grow - When planting tomato plants always start at least 2 to 2 ½ months before the end of winter. While tomatoes will not grow during the cold the vines will need time to break ground.
• Tomato Seeds – When purchasing tomato seeds avoid buying them from the store since they can be pre treated and contaminated, even though they may be certified tomato seeds. Always purchase your tomato seeds from a nursery.
• Decide on the section of the garden and/or container will be located and ensure the tomato plants will get plenty of sunlight.
• When planting the tomato seeds spread the rows apart about 15 inches and use at 6 mounds per plant. These mounds should be 3 to 4 feet across and spaced about 3 feet from each plant. Place the tomato seeds at least 4 to 8 inches deep. Also create a 2 inch deep trench for watering and water at least once a week.
• The soil for tomato plants should have the proper acid levels of no more than 6.5 Ph. Avoid from using ashes or lime to treat the soil and moderately fertilize. Using a slow acting fertilizer is all that’s required. Also using compos is great for the tomato plants. Additionally make sure the soil is properly temperature to better fertilization, typically between 60 – 65 degrees is sufficient.
• Once you begin seeing the vines breaking ground, place vine post in to the mounds to support the tomato vines. This will assist with the growth of larger tomatoes. Tend the soil and water as recommended avoiding over watering. The tomatoes will begin growing starting off green and then slowing ripening in the sun.
Once the tomatoes are matured they will be brilliantly red. The best part of growing your own tomatoes is the freshness and convenience. Not to mention the savings on the cost of store bought tomatoes. For more freshness harvesting the tomatoes before their completely red is also an option. Selecting the firmest green tomatoes from the vine and storing them in a cool place inside to ripen is a great way to harvest large amounts for preserving and cooking. Just imagine picking fresh ripe tomatoes from your home garden and cooking them up in to your favourite dish or eating them fresh from the vine, nothing compares to the taste.
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About Me: David is a highly experienced UK based Landscaper Gardener, with over 14 years creating beautiful gardens David knows a thing or two about gardens!
Homepage: http://www.addingtons.net
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