How to Grow Tomatoes the Hydroponics Way
Hydroponic tomatoes grow in nutrient-rich solutions instead of soil. Many gardeners opt for growing tomatoes the hydroponics way because the technique offers added pest resistance and a larger fruit crop of plump, juicy tomatoes. In fact hydroponic tomatoes will often produce fruit for longer, right into the fall months, particularly if grow lights are installed above the developing plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 3-inch seedling pots
- Perlite or peat moss
- Clear plastic bag
- Hydroponics kit
- Hydroponics liquid feed
- Litmus paper
Instructions
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Sow your tomato seeds in 3-inch seedling pots containing a damp peat moss and perlite mixture. This is a soil-free mix that will easily brush off when you transfer the plants. Place the seeds in a bright warm place.
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2
Water the seeds lightly each day. Consider wrapping the pots loosely in clear plastic if your location is either too cold or lacks humidity. Allow the plants to grow for two to three weeks.
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3
Purchase a starter hydroponics kit from a garden shop. Buy some hydroponics liquid fertilizer. Set up your hydroponics system. Place the kit in a greenhouse or conservatory. Do not place the kit outside.
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4
Remove your sprouted tomato plants from their pots and place them in the hydroponics tray, with at least 2 feet between plants. Plants can easily overrun a hydroponics area, according to Trinity College.
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5
Test the pH of your tap water with some litmus paper. Water should be between 5.8 and 6.3 pH, according to the University of Arizona. Raise tap water pH with potassium hydroxide, lower with phosphoric acid. Pour concentrated liquid fertilizer into the hydroponics trays in concentrations listed on the packet.
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Monitor your plants for signs of sagging or curling leaves. Add more fertilizer as required. Harvest when the tomatoes are ripe and red on the vine.
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References
- Photo Credit tomato #2 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
