Easy Tomatoes
Tomatoes Made Easy
Tomatoes would easily be the most popular vegetable grown in the home garden. There is also
something immensely satisfying about picking your own tomatoes for months on end. They produce more than other vegetables from a small space with yields of 5 kg per plant not uncommon. To get the most out of your Tomato plants temperature, feeding, and watering are critical – as well as being aware of the pests and diseases to which tomatoes are susceptible.
Where and when to plant
Tomatoes are warm season plants and have a
growing season of around three months. In frost-free
northern areas, tomatoes can be grown year round.
In more temperate climates, they can be planted from
August to December and in cold districts September
to November. Tomatoes grow best in a warm, sunny
position. They should not be grown in the same area of
soil for 2 years in a row as they can be susceptible to
soil borne viruses. It is best to move them to a new site
each year and return to each site one year in four.
The Soil
Tomatoes grow in most soils, but the usual rules apply. They require good drainage, compost added to improve structure and the planting area raised in clay soils. Apply Plants Plus All Purpose Fertiliser and water in well a week or so before planting.
The Plants
Tomatoes can be grown from seed or purchased as seedlings. There are many varieties with fruit which varies in size, shape, taste, colour, acidity, as well as the growing habit of the plants.
Your local Plants Plus Garden Centre will help you choose varieties to suit your taste and your garden.
Planting
Plant seedlings approx 70cm apart. Taller growing varieties will need support. You can use a 2m garden stake placed around 5cm from the stem of the plant. Prune the plant to two main
leaders (stems) which you then tie to the stake at 30cm intervals as they grow. Once these two stems are established all other side shoots (laterals) should be pinched out to keep
the plant tidy and manageable. Pinching out the new side shoots should be done once a week as they can get out of hand very quickly. Another method to use if you are planting a number of
tomatoes is plastic instant trellis which is sold in rolls. Cut it into approx 1m lengths and form into a tube which you then place around the seedling and provide support
for the plant as it is growing. If you only have room for one or two plants, there are special
cone shaped wire supports available, which once again, you simply place over the seedling for support as it grows. Tomatoes can be successfully grown in pots and some of the
smaller varieties can even be grown in hanging baskets.
Feeding
Tomatoes will yield much more if they are well fed. Hence in addition to the fertiliser applied prior to planting, commence monthly feeding with Plants Plus All Purpose Fertiliser once the first truss of fruit has formed. Additional liquid fertiliser such as Thrive Flower and Fruit can be applied if required.
Watering
Tomatoes require lots of water regularly.They must not be allowed to dry out as this drastically reduces yield. Irregular watering leads to blossom end rot, a sunken black patch on the bottom of the fruit. Water daily in hot weather once fruit has developed. Try and avoid overhead watering as this can spread leaf blight and leaf spot diseases. A drip watering system on a timer is an
ideal way to ensure regular and efficient watering for your tomatoes.
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