How to Grow Tomatoes at Home
Choosing a Sunny Spot
Tomato plants need six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a sunny location for planting them in your home garden. If grown in pots, make sure to move the pots to a sunny area to ensure the plants receive adequate sunlight. Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, which is necessary for the plant’s growth.
Suitable Soil
Each tomato plant requires approximately two cubic feet of nutrient-rich soil. Plant the seedlings by digging a hole for each one, ensuring the depth of the hole covers 7 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) of the seedling’s lower stem. It is advised to plant the seedlings vertically. Mix fertilizer into the soil about two weeks before harvesting the tomatoes. During hot summer days, placing small rocks in the pots can help reduce water evaporation from the soil.
Watering
Tomato seedlings need adequate and consistent watering during the early stages of planting to prevent them from wilting or rotting. They require approximately 16 milliliters (0.5 ounces) of water per week, or more if the weather is hot and dry. Once the tomatoes begin to ripen, the amount of water used for irrigation can be reduced.
Pruning
It is recommended to prune the old leaves at the bottom of the plant’s stem to prevent fungal infections. Pruning also helps the plant receive sufficient water and air.
Harvesting
It is best to leave tomatoes on the plant as long as possible until they are fully ripe. Ripe tomatoes will turn red, regardless of their size, and will have a soft texture. If a tomato falls before ripening, place it in a paper bag and store it in a cool, dark place to allow it to ripen.
