How to Grow Big Juicy Tomatoes
Nothing tastes quite as good as home grown tomatoes. If you have never grown tomatoes, why not give it a try? Growing tomatoes is easy and you will be rewarded with the best tomatoes you have ever tasted!
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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Once you have grown your own tomatoes you will never want another store bought tomato. Big juicy home grown tomatoes are the best!
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USDA Hardiness Map
HOW TO GROW TOMATOES
PREPARING SOIL
Check with your local nursery for the best time to plant a vegetable garden in your area. You'll need to make sure that the danger of frost has passed and that the temps no longer dip below 55 degrees.A few weeks before planting prepare the soil. Soil should be loosened, hoed or ideally worked over with a rototiller. Organic mater should be added. Compost or steer manure is ideal.
If you have hard clay soil then you can add sand or aged saw dust to the soil to loosen it. This really is NOT necessary though. As long as tomatoes plants have adequate sun and water, they will grow.
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PICKING OUT TOMATO PLANTS
Picking out tomato plants is fun! There are so many great varieties that it's a little hard not to go crazy. I know I want to try them all.Early Girl tomato plants are basically fool proof. If you have never grown a tomato before then I highly recommend going with either Early Girls or Cherry Tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes are fun and if you have the space you should give them a try too.
If you are going to grow tomatoes in a container then look for a patio tomato plant or a bush variety.
You will want to pick out nice healthy, hardy looking plants. Stay away from spindly plants. Yellowing or speckled looking leaves are a sign of an unhealthy plant. Stay away from plants that are over crowded with multiple plants in one container, sure you'd be getting more plants for your money but these plants may take longer to catch up and if you have a short growing season it won't be worth it.
You also have the option of starting tomatoes from seeds. This is a more economic solution if you plan on having a large number of plants. On the other hand, if you have a short growing period or are short on time, go ahead a buy some plants!
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PLANTING TOMATOES
Tomatoes need plenty of room to grow. Plant tomatoes 2 feet apart. Keep in mind the plants will need some support or stalking.Dig a hole 10+ inches or so deep. When I have tall plants, I'll take some of the bottom leaves off the plant and bury the plant extra deep. If your hole isn't deep enough and you can not dig any deeper then it's okay to plant the tomato plant on its side (like an "L").
All the stem that is planted (underground) will develop roots and will help make a stronger tomato plant that will require less water.
After tomato plants have been planted be sure to put the cages around them or stalk them for support. Don't wait until the plant is big, its easiest to put support in place before support is needed.
Water you plants regularly and apply a fertilizer as needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Installing a drip system is easy! If you have a fairly large garden or plan on being away from your garden while on vacation then consider installing a drip system.
Weed control - I like to use 5-6 layers of newspaper for weed control. Its free and helps plants retain moisture.
If you notice bloom end of our tomatoes look like they are rotting, then go to your local pharmacy and get some potassium chloride. Add 2 tablespoons to a garden sprayer and fill with water. Spray down all your plants well. Repeat weekly until the problem is gone.
Tomatoes are the only edible part of the tomato plant the rest is poisonous!
