Pot Size for Hydroponic Tomatoes
According to Arizona University, 4.3 billion lbs. of hydroponic tomatoes are consumed annually. Hydroponic tomatoes are grown in a nutrient solution containing water and fertilizer to produce high-density crops in areas where the soil is not conducive to tomato growth. Growing hydroponic tomatoes can be very productive if the plant is grown in the right pot. Does this Spark an idea?
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Seeding Trays
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When hydroponic tomatoes are initially planted they should be placed in seedling trays that contain a soilless product (such as peat or perlite) and watered daily. After watering the first time, a layer of vermiculite should be spread on top of the peat or perlite to help retain moisture in the seedling trays.
Growing Blocks
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Roughly two weeks after the tomatoes have been seeded, they should be transplanted to growing blocks or small pots. The extra room will allow the plant to produce a strong root system.
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Final Planting
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Hydroponic tomato plants can mature to a height of up to 40 feet and 20 to 30 lbs. Even though they can grow quite large, this plant only requires 2 square feet of space to grow. The final pot should allow for this amount of space.
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References
- Photo Credit tomatoes image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com