Tomato Planting Time
Tomatoes are warm-season plants that should be planted when nighttime temperatures consistently exceed 10°C, giving them enough time to mature slightly before fruiting. The ideal planting time can also be determined by soil temperature, which should be around 16°C. This can be measured using a soil thermometer. Tomato seeds can be sown outdoors from late March to early April, or from late February to mid-March if planted in greenhouses (glasshouses).
Tomato Cultivation
Tomatoes grow best in loose, dark, and nutrient-rich soil. Follow these steps to plant tomatoes successfully:
- Soil Preparation:
Mix ¼ cup of limestone powder or hydrated lime into each planting hole to prevent blossom-end rot. - Selecting Seedlings:
Choose seedlings that are approximately 15-25 cm tall. - Planting Method:
- Plant seedlings horizontally in the soil, leaving only two or three sets of leaves above the surface.
- Bend the top of the stems two to three times to strengthen the plants.
- Spacing:
- Space plants about 50 cm apart in a row.
- Leave approximately 1.5 meters between rows.
- Sunlight:
Ensure tomato seedlings receive strong, direct sunlight. Place them near a sunny window during winter, or use artificial lighting in greenhouses for 14 to 18 hours daily.
Tomato Harvesting
Tomatoes can be picked when they are fully ripe and red. At the end of the growing season, green tomatoes can be harvested and ripened by placing them on straw under a glass cloche or in a warm, dark location until fully mature.
