More Help With Those Tricky Tomatoes

In an earlier post we discussed starting tomato plants from seeds, and the need to use tomato cages when transplanting to an outdoor garden bed. I have just a few more tips to grow the healthiest tomato plants possible, and ultimately get more fruit out of your plants!

First, before the first shoots appear, keep your seed starters in a warm place and keep soil moist until germination takes place.  Once the first shoots appear, move into direct sunlight and continue to keep soil nice and moist. 

Tomato plants can have weak stems if you don't condition them for outdoor conditions.  The best way to do this indoors is to turn a fan on to the plants for 10-15minutes per day.  The swaying of the plants in the breeze helps to strengthen the stems.  Once true leaves appear, you can use the palm of your hand to gently brush across the tops once or twice a day to further encourage strong stem growth.

Also once true leaves form on the plant, begin to add soil in the pot, up to the bottom of the true leaves.  Tomatoes can develop roots from their stems, so adding more soil will encourage new roots to form. The development of a strong root system, ultimately leads to a healthier plant, and more fruit. Further this concept at the time of transplantation into the outdoor garden bed by trimming off the bottom leaves from stems 6inches in height or more, and bury the plant up to the remaining height of the leaves.

If young plants begin to bud before it is time to transplant outdoors, then simply pinch off the buds.  Budding too early can stress young plants.  Also watch for the development of suckers in the crotch of the plant.  These are tiny leaves that form where the branches of the plant split. These leaves have no real purpose and drain nutrients from other parts of the plant. You can simply pinch these off as well. Remeber to remove any dead or dried leaves on the lower portions of the plant too over the course of the season.

There are many varieties of tomatoes that you can choose from too.  Think carefully about how you would like to use the fruit once harvested.  For example, beef steak tomatoes are great for slicing and are usually very juicy.  Whereas the pompeii variety is a great tomato for use in sauces, and salsas. And cherry tomatoes are a wonderful addition to salad.  A little research in advance can help you decide which type will work best for you! Happy gardening!

Andy and Courtney Bailey
Greener Solutions Lawn And Landscape
www.greenersolutionslawn.com
517-945-1204