How to Grow Hydroponic Tomatoes Outside
Hydroponic tomatoes are grown within a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse, and without the aid of soil. The tiny plants begin to emerge with the use of a platform that is slotted to allow the roots to reach the water below . The water is treated with proper nutrients and the little tomato plants grow perfectly.
The equipment and the water factor are what set hydroponic tomatoes apart from all other varieties of tomato. However, water can freeze, gather pests and become susceptible to diseases. If planning to grow hydroponic tomatoes strictly outside, pay close attention to the health of the plants and the temperature.
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Things You'll Need
- Fertilizer
- Tomato seeds
- Peat moss
- Plastic container
- Styrofoam
- Flower bed container
- Thin wire
- Pruning shears
Instructions
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1
Plant seeds to a depth of 2 inches in a peat moss mixture within a plastic container. For best results, plant your seeds indoors in early spring, so they'll be ready to set outside in the early summer. Water and feed your seeds twice a day to encourage germination. Keep in a warm, well lit area.
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2
Plant the little tomato plants into a 12-inch plastic flower bed container once they have their second set of leaves. Cut 1-inch holes into a 12-inch strip of Styrofoam spacing 2 inches apart. Place one plant per hole, with a four plant maximum. The Styrofoam will sit atop the flower bed.
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Fertilize water with specified fertilizer for tomatoes. Keep them in the sun for warmth, never going above 70 degrees F. If the temperature rises above 70 degrees F, place in the shade immediately and add cool water to keep the roots near the specified temperature. Monitor the pH balance of the water, keeping it at an acidity level of 5.5.
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String a wire around the container and fasten each plant to it to induce upward growth.
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5
Prune any wilted or discolored branches as they emerge. While the plant grows, prune the branches that are the thinnest and appear more dull green than the rest. Pick off the flowers that have begun to grow along side branches, which may disturb the nutrient flow and sunlight disbursement to the more prominent and promising ones.
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Tips & Warnings
You may also wrap the container in a clear plastic wrap at the top of the wire to the bottom of the container to improve temperatures. This is very useful in early fall when nightly temperatures often hit the low 40s.
Bring in your plants when the temperature is near freezing. The little plants will not survive, nor will the water stand up to the cold.
The pH balance will determine how well your plants produce flowers. The flowers can be weak and small, or they can be numerous and lush. A pH tester is available at any home and garden store, and is an important tool to ensure your plants produce their fruit.
