Welcome to this growing tomatoes information guide. Whenever you start to decide on doing an outdoor garden, planting tomatoes is definitely on the list. It is not only easy to do but a fresh way to prepare yourself for the summer season. Instead of buying your usual jar of tomatoes at the local market, you will have an option to grow it right in your own backyard. This growing tomatoes information guide will equip you with proper tips on how to grow and harvest your own tomatoes now.
It is better to have a steady source of information before you decide on putting your own tomato garden. There are a lot of varieties to choose from but common to many is the heirloom or the more traditional types. These vintage varieties are the best types of tomatoes to have because they have shown to have imprints of the original varieties that were created or bred in the Victorian Era.
Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes are varieties of organic tomatoes that have been existent for at least 50 years and are not hybrids. These tomato plants have been passed down through generations, from farmer to farmer. They are most commonly planted to have the tang of their delicious taste as a result of their outstanding original characteristics.
There are different varieties of heirloom tomatoes available in each area so before you start planting, you must determine the type that will be adapted to your climate and the type of tomato that will thrive in your soil. Most of them grow best in neutral soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.8, soil with 8 to 10.0ph is preferable for them to flourish.
These varieties have different needs. Basic knowledge of your country, region, and climate can be helpful in determining which variety is perfect for you. If you have decided to plant your own heirloom tomatoes, you must familiarize yourself with the variety you are buying.
Their size will matter when you are planting. Tomato plants must be properly grafted to superior quality soil. You can find good tomatoes for a low price by getting plants from a reputable nursery.
Planting
When growing heirloom tomatoes, planting season is an important factor. They must be planted after the possibility of frost has passed so that you can be sure of the quality of the fruit. The plants can be directly planted outdoors but you must provide them with a greenhouse temperature for the purpose of germination.
Plants should be grown in nutrient-rich soil that has a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8. The soil must be watered evenly so that the soil is kept moist. The plants must be protected from harsh weather.
Care must be taken to keep the plants from direct exposure to sunlight. Some varieties of heirloom tomatoes such as the popular Brandywine tomatoes and the Staking Tomatoeshave fruits hanging down to the ground. You must leave enough space for the plant to grow without falling over.
Plants can also be grown upside down. This heirloom tomato plant is best suited for the hanging process.
Pruning and Staking Tomatoes
Heirloom tomato plants require staking or caging. They will sprout from the ground naturally however too much and they become top-weighted and weak. A stake or a cage can be used to help supplement stability for the plant and to provide support to the fruit.
Each plant should be pruned individually. You must become familiar with the size and shape of each plant. The fruit of heirloom tomato plants is generally larger and rounder than the fruit of hybrid plants. You can find heirloom tomatoes that are purple, green, red, orange, yellow, and so on.
Generally, the plants should be staked with strong, woody stakes using 3-foot, PVC-6-inch diameter, flexible metal hooks. The stakes should be driven into the ground and about 18 inches deep. The hooks should be pinned into the ground and spaced about 4 feet apart from each plant.
Tomato plants need to be placed 18 inches apart so that the leaves can grow on the stems and the plant can support the weight of the fruit. Hybrid tomatoes remain six to eight inches after the blossoms open. They may, however, be trimmed down to around 4 inches early in the season if they are facing a south-facing window. Then, they should be placed in a light source and may even need to be provided with some shade for the day.
As the fruit develops, remove the leaves from the bottom one and the top one; retain only one good stem. Leave some leaves so that the plant can put its’ energy into the fruit and others to help it grow and keep the leaves from touching the soil.
Pruning and Staking tomatoes and other tomato plants encourage the development of large, tasty tomatoes.
