ALL >> Food,-Cooking-and-Drink >> View Article
How To Grow Luscious Tomatoes
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
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter, ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).
You may retrieve this article by:
Autoresponder: tomatotips@getresponse.com
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/tomatotips.txt
Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
Please leave the resource box intact with an active link, and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net
About The Author
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
Add Comment
Food, Cooking and Drink Articles
1. Need A Special Gift? A Bottle Shop Taree Is Your Perfect Solution!Author: Thirstycamel
2. From Nature To Nourishment: Fruitain’s Vision For A Healthier Planet
Author: Nora James
3. Embrace Nature’s Sweetness With Pure And Natural Raw Honey
Author: Gaurva
4. Which Fruit Is Best For Increasing Sperm Count?
Author: Surrogacy Centre India
5. Classic Gpf Grill Pan With Glass Lid And Thermometer: The Ultimate Bbq Companion
Author: Coba Grill HK
6. Sonic Drive-in Restaurant: A Comprehensive Guide To Menu Prices
Author: John Wilson
7. Elevate Your Events With Good + Bar: Exceptional Non-alcoholic Event Services
Author: Good + Bar
8. Mastering Low-waste Cooking: Tips For Small Kitchens
Author: Yoggendar Shinde
9. Boost Health With Fruitain’s Fruit Powders: The New Age Way To Wellness
Author: Nora James
10. The Red Lion- Get Delightful Dining Experience At Gluten Free And Vegan Restaurant In Ipswich
Author: The Red Lion
11. The Brewers Inn- A Dairy Free And Gluten Free Restaurant In Cambridge
Author: The Brewers Inn
12. Savour The Best Breakfast Near Gardena: A Culinary Delight At Loaded Cafe
Author: loaded cafe
13. Is Dehydrated Salicornia Powder Healthy For Heart Problems?
Author: SaltWise
14. Best Catering Services In Gurgaon
Author: Lytmeals Catering
15. Southern California’s Premier Non-alcoholic Bar Service For Unforgettable Events
Author: Good + Bar