The tomato, scientific name Solanum lycopersicum, is a solanaceous plant that is cultivated in gardens and pots and is consumed both fresh and cooked for an infinity of dishes, sauces and other preparations. The fruit of this plant is so widely consumed around the world that it is grown almost everywhere, and it is actually quite easy to grow, if you know a few tips. To start having tomatoes in the garden, the first thing is to sow or plant them. Thus, if you are also unable to imagine a complete garden without some tomato plants, keep reading us in this EcologíaVerde article, in which we teach you how to plant tomatoes step by step.
When to plant tomatoes
Tomatoes should be sown after the last frosts have passed, in early to mid spring. Logically, the specific months depend a lot on the specific climate of each area, so the most important thing is to make sure that we are not going to have temperatures below zero degrees.
In addition, although it is possible to sow the tomato directly in the ground, we are going to explain how to sow it first in the seedbed, being able to sow between late winter and early spring. In this way, we can advance the entire process between 4 and 6 weeks, allowing us to enjoy our fresh tomatoes much sooner. Also, if what you think about is plant tomatoes from the plant already somewhat developed because you have the seedling of a tomato plant, this range of months is also the most optimal for it.
How to plant tomatoes step by step
We will first explain how to plant tomatoes and then the best way to plant them. In case you do not have seeds and you choose to buy a small tomato plant, go directly to the section on plant tomatoes step by stepsince it is the process to locate the tomato plants in the definitive place.
Planting tomatoes in a seedbed step by step
- Prepare the seedbed: You can use any container, from specialized plastic seed boxes to polystyrene drawers. In any case, it is important to make small drainage holes in the bottom if the container does not have them.
- Prepare the seedbed mix: the ideal is to prepare a mixture with a part of peat, another part of coconut fiber and another part of earthworm humus, to which we will then add a little vermiculite and perlite. With this rich mixture, you will have no problem getting your tomatoes to germinate.
- Choose the tomato seeds: choose a variety of tomato suitable for your climate. In this other article you can learn about +30 types of tomatoes.
- Plant the tomatoes: spread the seeds in a small row or hole made with your finger, no more than 1 cm deep. Water the mixture abundantly after sowing the tomatoes, and keep the substrate always moist until the seeds germinate, which will take about 10-15 days. It is important that you keep the seedbed somewhere warm and well lit.
After 4-6 weeks, your tomato plants should be ready to transplant to their outdoor location.
Planting tomatoes step by step
- Make a shallow hole, slightly larger than the size of the root ball, and cover the bottom of it with a layer of worm castings, or some other organic fertilizer.
- Then bury the tomato plant, leaving part of the stem below ground level.
- Respect a distance of between 40 and 50 centimeters between the different plants.
- After transplanting, water the tomato plants. It is important that, when watering, you try to wet the soil and not the plant, to avoid excess moisture.
- The tomato is very well associated with onions and some aromatics such as basil, so, if you have them, plant them next to your tomato plants.
Tomatoes – basic care
Now that we have seen how to sow and plant tomatoesit is important to know the essential factors to know how to care for tomatoes correctly, so that our tomato plants develop without problems and we can obtain these delicious fruits.
soil or substrate
The tomato is a somewhat demanding plant in terms of soil nutrients, so, as explained above, it is necessary to enrich the substrate or soil with abundant organic matter. In addition, the land should offer good drainage, so very clayey soils that easily become waterlogged are not suitable for tomato plants.
Irrigation of tomatoes
The most vital thing with watering is that it be regular. Irrigation that is too spaced out and abundant will not be good for tomato plants, which suffer a lot from excess humidity, even if they are punctual. It is better to water often and less. Once the fruit is ripening, you can reduce the risks a bit so that its flavor is concentrated.
Padded
Many recommend mulching this crop, although it should be done well into spring to give the soil time to warm up. We recommend this other post on How to make a padding for plants or mulching.
tutored
Tomato plants will appreciate having some reeds or wires that serve as a trellis, to support themselves and keep their fruits off the ground. Nail a stick or cane to each plant for support.
Prune tomato plants
Some tomato varieties require pruning approximately two weeks after transplanting outdoors. This consists of removing the axillary shoots, although it is not necessary to apply it to all varieties.
Learn more about growing tomatoes with this other practical guide on How to Grow Organic Tomatoes.
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