How to Grow Tomatoes

Also known as Solanum lycopersicum, tomato is an annual flowering plant that grows in areas that have moderate climates. This plant has different varieties such as slicing tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and beefsteak. Tomatoes are very useful in preparing dishes like Gazpacho. If you want to cultivate these fruits, follow the simple step-by-step instructions in growing tomatoes.

Preparing the Soil and Planting the Seeds

To know how to grow tomatoes, you must have sufficient background on soil preparation. Choose an area where the plants will have ample supply of sunlight and water. Add compost in the soil, to ensure that the soil can hold water. Start planting tomato seeds a month after the last frost. To plant the seeds, dig holes in the soil. Put two tomato seeds in each hole. Cover the holes with soil. Water the soil once a day. Seedlings will start to grow after a week.

How to Grow Tomatoes in Containers

Planting tomato seeds in containers is another effective method of cultivating or growing tomatoes. The first step in this method is to choose a container that has a depth of three inches. Put the seeds in the container. Add compost and place soil in the container. Put the container in a dry and warm place. Seedlings will be seen on the surface of the soil after a week. Transfer the container in a place with enough source of light. Remove small shoots that can be seen between the main stem of the plant and the leaf stems to produce healthy tomatoes.

Time to Harvest

To stimulate the growth of the plant, it is best to harvest all the ripe tomatoes that you can see. If an unexpected frost occurs, harvest all the unripe fruits and place them in a dry and warm place. Avoid refrigerating ripe tomatoes since the temperature inside a refrigerator can affect the flavor of the fruits.

Tips

To grow tomatoes successfully, make sure that the temperature of the soil is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plant tomatoes in containers, do not place the containers in an area where there is direct sunlight. Direct exposure to sunlight can burn the leaves of the plant. When you see at least eight trusses, remove the plant’s growing tip to produce good quality fruits. Always look for dead leaves and remove them from the stems because these can hinder the growth of the plant. Finally, do not forget to place unripe tomatoes in an area where the temperature is always above 54.5 degrees Fahrenheit to allow the fruits to ripen.