GROWING TOMATOES: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Being aware of the numerous benefits of tomatoes, a multipurpose plant that can be considered as both a plant and a vegetable are some of the most rewarding crops to grow. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that will walk you through the steps of growing tomatoes successfully from seed to harvest, whether you’re an experienced farmer or a beginner. This is a practical guide from what we do here in Lonefa farms and will guarantee success to anyone who applies them under the same circumstances.
STEPS TO GROWING TOMATOES
Choosing the Right Varieties: We start by choosing the varieties that suit our environment and climate before kickstarting planting. We planted the DIVAF1 variety. We also considered other factors such as size, flavor, disease resistance, and growing season length.
Starting from Seeds: we start tomatoes from seeds indoors about 4 weeks before planting. We use nursery pots filled with a quality seed starting mix.
We plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep them consistently moist until germination, which usually takes 5-10 days. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves, we transplant them.
Preparing the Soil: Tomatoes thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, we better our soil quality with organic matter such as compost or manure to improve its texture and fertility. We choose a sunny location for our tomato plants, as they require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Planting: We transplant our tomato seedlings outdoors once it’s ready and the soil has warmed up. We then dig a hole slightly larger than the seedling’s root ball and carefully transplant it, making sure to bury the stem up to the base. This encourages strong root development. Space tomato plants 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 36 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and room for growth.
Watering and Care: We keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as uneven watering can lead to problems like blossom end rot and cracked fruit. Water at the base of the plants early in the morning to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. We mulch around the base of the plants with plastic mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing: Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. We start by mixing organic manure into the soil at planting time, and then side dress with additional fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Supporting Your Plants: Most tomato varieties require support to keep the plants upright and prevent the fruit from touching the ground, which can lead to rot and pest problems. THIS IS DONE BY STAKING METHOD.
Pest and Disease Management: We keep an eye out for common tomato pests such as aphids, hornworms, and tomato fruit worms, and take appropriate measures to control them, we use organic insecticides to prevent diseases like early blight and late blight, we avoid overhead watering, we space plants properly for good air circulation, and remove any diseased foliage promptly.
Pruning: Pruning tomato plants can help improve air circulation, reduce disease pressure, and promote larger, healthier fruits. We remove suckers (the small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches) to encourage the plant to put more energy into fruit production rather than foliage growth.
10. Harvesting: Depending on the variety, most tomatoes are ready for harvest 60-80 days after planting. We harvest tomatoes when they reach full color and firmness, but before they become overripe. Gently twist or cut the fruit from the vine, not damaging the plant.
By following these steps, from selecting the right varieties to harvesting ripe fruits, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest throughout the growing season just as we do. Aspiring farmers can visit the farm for practical experience gathering.
Do you know more tips on how to grow tomatoes? Please share them in the comment section.
