When
growing tomatoes outside, picking the correct
position within the garden is key. Tomato plants
prefer soil which is well drained and high in
organic matter and nutrients. The PH of the soil
should be around 6 - 7. The soil should be dug
to around 8 inches deep to provide good drainage
and allow a good root structure.
Begin
growing tomatoes by planting seeds 1 inch apart
in a tray of light peat, maybe add some broken
pottery in the base of the tray to add drainage
and leave in green house in temperatures of 50-60
degs F. Water well, making sure the soil does
not dry out at any time. Germination can take
up to two weeks.
Once
the second set of leaves can be seen emerging,
transfer the plants to larger pots on their own,
for more growing space. Plant in containers allowing
4 inches diameter and 6 inch's depth.
Once
the growing tomatoes plants are of roughly 7 inches
high begin to harden them off by placing them
outside during the day. After 5-6 days the plants
should be left outside within their pots over
night, for a further 2 weeks. After this time,
if there is no danger of frost, the growing tomatoes
plants are ready for planting directly in the
garden. Separate the plants accordingly to the
type of tomato you have chosen to grow. When I
am growing tomatoes I usually separate them by
at least 2 feet and plant in rows 3 feet apart
followed by mulching around the plants.
Support
the plants by providing a frame or at least tie
them securely but not constrictively to a stake.
As the plants grow, pinch the lower, younger,
side shoots off (this will not be necessary if
the tomato plant you are growing is of a bush
variety).
Keep
the plants well watered and mulched and in around
7 months (depending on variety) you will have
a good crop of tomatoes ready for harvesting.
Courtesy of www.vegetable-gardening-club.com
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