Agricultural technology for growing tomato seeds
1. Variety selection
When choosing a tomato variety, the following factors must be taken into account:
- Growing area. Depending on the climate zone, varieties with different ripening periods are selected.
- Purpose of cultivation. For fresh consumption, varieties with a sweeter taste are selected, and for canning, varieties with denser pulp are selected.
- Shape and size of fruits. Select varieties with fruits of the desired shape and size.
2. Soil preparation
Tomatoes are a heat-loving crop, so well-warmed areas on the south side are chosen for growing them. The soil should be fertile, loose and neutral acidity.
In autumn, the site is dug up to a depth of 25-30 cm and organic fertilizers (manure, compost, humus) are applied at the rate of 5-6 kg per 1 m². In spring, the soil is leveled and holes 5-7 cm deep are made.
3. Sowing seeds
Tomato seeds are sown in open ground in late April - early May, when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm reaches +10-12 °C.
2-3 seeds are sown in each hole at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other. After germination, one of the strongest plants is left.
4. Plant care
Tomatoes are a moisture-loving crop, so they need to be watered regularly. Water the plants 2-3 times a week, using 10-15 liters of water per 1 m².
During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
The following fertilizers are used for fertilizing:
- Nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, urea) - promote the growth of leaves and stems.
- Phosphorus fertilizers (superphosphate, double superphosphate) - promote the development of the root system and flowering.
- Potassium fertilizers (potassium chloride, potassium magnesium) - promote fruit development.
Weeding is carried out to control weeds. To protect against pests and diseases, plants are sprayed with special preparations.
5. Stepsoning
Stepping is the removal of side shoots (stepchildren) that form in the axils of the leaves. Stepping is necessary so that plants do not waste energy on the development of lateral shoots, but direct them to the formation of fruits.
Pruning is carried out during the period of active plant growth. Stepchildren are removed when they grow to 5-7 cm.
6. Garter
Staking is the act of attaching tomato stems to supports. A garter is necessary to ensure that the plants do not break under the weight of the fruit.
The garter is carried out during the period of active plant growth. For gartering, trellises or other supports are used.
7. Harvest
Tomatoes are harvested depending on the variety. Early varieties of tomatoes are ready for harvesting 70-80 days after sowing, medium varieties - after 80-90 days, late varieties - after 90-100 days.
Signs of fruit ripeness:
- Change in fruit color
- In varieties with red fruits they become bright red, in varieties with yellow fruits they become bright yellow
- Dry stalk
Ripe fruits are cut off with a stalk 5-10 cm long. Tomatoes are stored in a cool place.
Some tips for growing tomatoes
- To obtain an earlier harvest, tomatoes can be grown as seedlings. Seeds are sown in pots or boxes in late April - early May. Seedlings are planted in open ground in late May - early June, when the threat of frost has passed.
- To increase productivity, tomatoes can be grown on a compost heap. The compost heap warms up faster than the soil, so seeds can be sown as early as early May.
- To protect tomatoes from pests and diseases, they can be planted next to marigolds, calendula or nasturtium. These plants repel insect pests.
If you follow the agricultural techniques for growing tomatoes, you can get a good harvest of this tasty and healthy crop.
When choosing a tomato variety, the following factors must be taken into account:
- Growing area. Depending on the climate zone, varieties with different ripening periods are selected.
- Purpose of cultivation. For fresh consumption, varieties with a sweeter taste are selected, and for canning, varieties with denser pulp are selected.
- Shape and size of fruits. Select varieties with fruits of the desired shape and size.
2. Soil preparation
Tomatoes are a heat-loving crop, so well-warmed areas on the south side are chosen for growing them. The soil should be fertile, loose and neutral acidity.
In autumn, the site is dug up to a depth of 25-30 cm and organic fertilizers (manure, compost, humus) are applied at the rate of 5-6 kg per 1 m². In spring, the soil is leveled and holes 5-7 cm deep are made.
3. Sowing seeds
Tomato seeds are sown in open ground in late April - early May, when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm reaches +10-12 °C.
2-3 seeds are sown in each hole at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other. After germination, one of the strongest plants is left.
4. Plant care
Tomatoes are a moisture-loving crop, so they need to be watered regularly. Water the plants 2-3 times a week, using 10-15 liters of water per 1 m².
During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
The following fertilizers are used for fertilizing:
- Nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, urea) - promote the growth of leaves and stems.
- Phosphorus fertilizers (superphosphate, double superphosphate) - promote the development of the root system and flowering.
- Potassium fertilizers (potassium chloride, potassium magnesium) - promote fruit development.
Weeding is carried out to control weeds. To protect against pests and diseases, plants are sprayed with special preparations.
5. Stepsoning
Stepping is the removal of side shoots (stepchildren) that form in the axils of the leaves. Stepping is necessary so that plants do not waste energy on the development of lateral shoots, but direct them to the formation of fruits.
Pruning is carried out during the period of active plant growth. Stepchildren are removed when they grow to 5-7 cm.
6. Garter
Staking is the act of attaching tomato stems to supports. A garter is necessary to ensure that the plants do not break under the weight of the fruit.
The garter is carried out during the period of active plant growth. For gartering, trellises or other supports are used.
7. Harvest
Tomatoes are harvested depending on the variety. Early varieties of tomatoes are ready for harvesting 70-80 days after sowing, medium varieties - after 80-90 days, late varieties - after 90-100 days.
Signs of fruit ripeness:
- Change in fruit color
- In varieties with red fruits they become bright red, in varieties with yellow fruits they become bright yellow
- Dry stalk
Ripe fruits are cut off with a stalk 5-10 cm long. Tomatoes are stored in a cool place.
Some tips for growing tomatoes
- To obtain an earlier harvest, tomatoes can be grown as seedlings. Seeds are sown in pots or boxes in late April - early May. Seedlings are planted in open ground in late May - early June, when the threat of frost has passed.
- To increase productivity, tomatoes can be grown on a compost heap. The compost heap warms up faster than the soil, so seeds can be sown as early as early May.
- To protect tomatoes from pests and diseases, they can be planted next to marigolds, calendula or nasturtium. These plants repel insect pests.
If you follow the agricultural techniques for growing tomatoes, you can get a good harvest of this tasty and healthy crop.