Home grown tomatoes that are perfectly red and ripe are an absolute wonderful vegetable to enjoy that you can eat in a salad, slice into a sandwich, or enjoy all on its own. This year, you too can grow your very own tomato garden in a backyard, balcony, or patio. Here are some tips to make sure you’ll get the best possible tomato plants.
More Sun, More Fruit
More Sun, More Fruit
It’s important to choose the sunniest spot possible, since tomatoes really need a lot of sunlight to grow. They need about 7 hours per day and make sure to give them enough space to grow. Plant the seedlings about 30 to 48 inches apart, with the rows set up 48 inches apart. The air flow will help prevent disease.
Use Rich Soil
Tomatoes crave well draining, slightly acidic, rich soil. You need to check that the soil has a pH of between 6.5 to 6.8 by using a soil tester. If it’s too acidic, you can add some dolomite lime. If it is too alkaline, add some sulfur, or better yet, composted organic matter.
Use Rich Soil
It’s All About Timing
If you are planting with your own seedlings or even buying them, tomatoes need to soak up warmth. If you wait until soil temperatures are over 60 degrees Fahrenheit for a consistent amount of time before planting the seedlings. If the weather is still too cool, you can use plant protectors or row covers.
It’s All About Timing
Add Some Friends
You can plant other items along with the tomatoes that can help repel pests. These include garlic, onions, and basil. Marigold also repel pests like nematodes and will also invite pollinators. They’re also beautiful to look at!
Add Some Friends
Water and Mulch
Juicy and ripe tomatoes benefit a lot from water, meaning about one inch per week. Additionally, you can add a blanket of mulch, which can be grass clippings, shredded pine bark, or composted leaves, will help water from evaporating in the hot summer months.
Water And Mulch
