Tomatoes are one of the favorite crops among gardeners. There are many varieties of this plant, different in color, shape and taste. However, tomatoes require special care, as they belong to heat-loving crops. Everything must be taken into account, starting with the selection of seeds and ending with pest control. In this article, we will consider in more detail such a stage of growing tomatoes as planting tomato seedlings in open ground.
Dates for planting seedlings
The exact date of planting tomato seedlings in open ground depends on several factors, including the climatic conditions of the region, the condition of the seedlings and the desired time of harvest.
There are some signs that indicate the readiness of young plants for transplanting to beds:
- The height of the stems is between 25-30 cm from the root neck.
- The presence of 6 to 10 true leaves.
- Bookmark the first buds.
Usually, these signs appear within 50-60 days after sowing the seeds. Before planting seedlings in the garden, it is important to select the strongest plants and remove the weakest or too elongated specimens.
To get a staged harvest, it is recommended to plant tomatoes in two stages. The first batch of seedlings can be planted already at the beginning of May, but it is necessary to cover the plants well with a film and warm the soil under it. The second batch can be planted in the second half of June without the need for shelter, as there is no threat of frost at night. This approach will allow you to get a harvest for a long period.
It is also worth considering the temperature of the soil and, depending on this indicator, adjust the timing of planting. The optimal temperature is approximately +12 degrees, but this is not only on the surface of the bed, but also in depth, at the level of one shovel. The terms can be slightly changed and tomatoes planted earlier, but in this case they will need to be protected with a film, because even at a temperature of 0 … +2 degrees, tomatoes can be damaged.
Proper site preparation
It is best to start preparing the garden already in autumn. During this period, it is recommended to apply humus and ash, as well as to dig up the place for future planting. However, you can also prepare the site in the spring. It is important to remember that soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH level (6-7) is most suitable for tomatoes.
The main rules of site preparation include:
- If the soil has an acidity below 5, it is necessary to add dolomite flour to neutralize it.
- Fertilize carefully in the spring. The best options include ash (1 tablespoon per square meter), humus (a handful per hole), superphosphate (1 tablespoon) and liquid biohumus. Usually one type of fertilizer is chosen enough.
- To disinfect the soil, it is recommended to treat it with Trichocin or Gliocladin.
Tomatoes can be planted two years in a row on the same plot. Optimal predecessors are legumes, carrots or onions, as well as cabbage. It is not recommended to plant tomatoes in the same area after nightshade crops.
How to land
Planting tomatoes in open ground is best done in the morning or evening, in windless weather, and better if it is cloudy.
Here are the steps for a successful landing:
- Prepare holes in the shape of a checkerboard, with a distance of 0.5-0.7 m between rows and 0.3-0.4 m between future plants. Add fertilizers to each hole and sprinkle them with soil so as not to damage the root system.
- Carefully water the seedling so that it is easier to remove it from the pot. If the plant is in a container, it can be tapped, and then carefully turned over and with a gentle movement pull out the plant along with the earth lump.
- Put the seedlings together with the earth lump in the prepared holes. Deepen the stem by 10 cm from the initial level.
- Tilt the leaves a little to the side and lightly pour cold water. It is better to irrigate the plant several times, dividing the watering into several methods.
- Slightly leaning to the side, fill the pits with earth. Then tamp the ground a little. Additional moisturizing is not required. The first watering is recommended no earlier than 10 days after planting.
If the plants are already large enough, mulching is not carried out immediately after planting. It is better to use it when removing the lower leaves, using forest litter or sawdust. This will help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing.
Time to tie tomatoes
In order to avoid plant diseases, it is important to use materials, tapes and pegs only once. Before use, they must be disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate. To do this, dissolve 0.2 g of the drug in 1 bucket of water. Tomatoes should not be tied too tightly so as not to damage the stems. This procedure is recommended to be performed when the plant begins to bend to the ground under its own weight.
There are different ways of tying tomatoes:
- Single tying to pegs: Rods, wooden pegs or plastic tubes are used for this. Each of them is installed near a separate plant, and the height of the support should correspond to the height of the bush. This method is suitable for plants that are not too tall.
- Using horizontal wallpaper: For this purpose, pegs are installed between rows of tomatoes at a distance of 1.5-2 meters. With the help of a wire, tomato branches are tied every 30 cm in height.
- Growing on a grid: A metal grid is placed between the rows, and tomato branches are attached to its bars with the help of special clothespins.
In specialized stores, you can easily find all the necessary materials for tying tomatoes. Do not forget about this stage of plant care, which will help them grow healthy and fruitful.
Possible problems and their avoidance when growing tomatoes
The main danger that threatens when growing tomatoes is late blight – a disease that develops with excessive moisture.
To prevent its occurrence, the following recommendations should be followed:
- Avoid waterlogging of plants and waterlogging of the soil. It is necessary to water evenly and ensure that the soil is relaxed and provides sufficient ventilation of the root system.
- If a film cover is used, it is necessary to periodically ventilate the plants, avoid overheating and ensure normal air circulation.
- It is important to regularly cut and remove the lower leaves, which can be a source of diseases and parasites.
- Seedlings should be planted at a sufficient distance from each other, ensuring good ventilation and air exchange between plants.
Another common problem is the freezing of seedlings. To avoid this, it is recommended to use temporary shelters made of film or non-woven materials. If the plants are still frozen, it is necessary to remove the damaged parts and spray the tomatoes with a solution of zircon or Epin. This treatment should be repeated after 8-10 days. If the tomatoes are damaged easily, they can be simply watered or sprayed with warm water directly on the leaves.
Growing tomatoes is a task that requires attention and supervision. By following the recommended planting dates and basic care techniques, you will be able to avoid the appearance of diseases and get a large and tasty harvest.