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Tips, Tricks & Hacks For Growing The Best Garden Tomatoes Possible
By EZEKIEL MAINA
Soil
Develop healthy, living soil by enriching it with composted manure and fish leftovers that will break down and release nutrients, boosting the growth of your tomato plants.
Tomatoes prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Use a soil testing kit, and add a sprinkle of lime to reduce acidity or of sulfur if it's too alkaline.
Varieties
It’s important to select a tomato variety that’s suited to your locality and needs. Bushy, determinate types like Roma and Florida 47 suit containers or canning best.
These take just four to six weeks from seed to harvest, while indeterminate vining types like Black Krim, Big Beef, Sungold, or Cherokee Purple will fruit until the
frost arrives.
Sun
Tomatoes need six to eight hours of sun daily, but expose seedlings gradually, increasing over several days before transplanting them. Then, ensure they aren’t overshadowed.
Seedlings
Plant seedlings deep in the ground, burying about ⅔ of the stem. The small bumps on the stem will grow into a root system that will provide a sturdy base for your plant.
The roots will improve nutrient and water uptake and lay the foundation for luscious fruit production. Use a thermometer to ensure the soil is at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering
It's crucial to water tomato plants consistently — daily at first, then 1 to 1 ½ inches of water weekly after the first week of transplanting, and more during summer.
Channel the water directly to the plant's base to shield it from fungal diseases. Consider installing a drip irrigation system to deliver water exactly when and where it’s needed.