Quick Overview
Growing tomatoes is a rewarding and fill experience . Whether you ’re aseasoned gardeneror a beginner , the key to winner lies in right planting techniques . This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know aboutplanting Lycopersicon esculentum , with the avail of an illuminating video tutorial .
Step 1: Choosing the Right Location
love apple boom in full sun and well - drained grunge . Choose a spot in your garden that receive at least 6 hr of sunshine per daylight . void planting in areas where tomatoes have been grown in the retiring few days , as this can increase the danger of disease .
Step 2: Preparing the Soil
Soil preparation is crucial for healthy tomato plants . Amend the land with plenteousness of constitutional topic , such as compost or manure , toimprove fertilityand drainage . Theideal soil pHfor tomato plant is between 6.0 and 6.8 . If necessary , set the pH by adding unslaked lime or S .
Step 3: Starting Tomato Seeds
You canstart tomato seed indoors6 - 8 weeks before the lastfrost date . Sow the seeds in a come - starting commixture and keep them warm and moist . Once the seedlings have develop on-key leaf , transplant them intolarger containersor single electric cell .
Step 4: Hardening Off Tomato Seedlings
Before planting out of doors , harden off tomato seedling bygradually exposingthem to the outdoor environment . Start by placing them in asheltered spotfor a few hour each sidereal day , andgradually increasethe duration over the course of a calendar week .
Step 5: Planting Tomato Seedlings
Plant tomato seedlings outside when thesoil temperaturehas warm to at least 60 ° F ( 16 ° C ) . savvy holes that are twice as wide-cut as the rootage bollock and abstruse enough to bury the stem up to the first circle of leaves . Space the plants 2 - 3 feet apart .
Step 6: Mulching and Watering
Mulch around the tomato plant with organic stuff , such as straw orshredded leaves . Mulch serve retain moisture , suppress weeds , and regulate soil temperature . urine theplants deeplyand regularly , specially during hot and dry weather .
Step 7: Fertilizing and Pruning
Fertilize tomato plant plant life on a regular basis with a balanced fertilizer . Remove any soft touch ( small shoots that grow between the primary shank and branches ) to promote air flow and thin out disease . Prune thelower leavestoimprove air circulationand prevent soil - borne disease .
Step 8: Supporting Tomato Plants
Astomato plants develop , they mayrequire supportto prevent them from falling over . practice stake , cage , or trellis toprovide supportand keep the yield off the ground .
Tips for Success
Basics You Wanted To Know
1 . When is the best time to plant tomatoes?Plant tomatoes alfresco after the lastfrost dateand when thesoil temperaturehas warm to at least 60 ° F ( 16 ° C).2 . How late should I plant tomato seedlings?Plant love apple seedling up to the first set of leave of absence , bury the stem.3 . How often should I irrigate love apple plants?Water love apple plants profoundly and regularly , especially during spicy and dry weather.4 . Can Igrow tomatoesin containers?Yes , tomato can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has adept drainage.5 . What are somecommon tomato pestsand diseases?Common tomato pests include aphid , whitefly , andtomato hornworms . Common diseases let in blight , wilting , and blossom end rot .
