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Tomatoes are among the most popular crops for home gardening. If you want to achieve a truly abundant harvest, you need to prepare the plants for the start and give them regular, quality care. In this article you will find 12 practical and proven tips that will help you grow strong, healthy and productive tomatoes.
1. Choose a sunny, sheltered location
Tomatoes love the sun. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. Avoid shady or windy spots.
2. Plant deep
Tomatoes form roots along the stem. Plant the seedling deeper, even up to the first leaves, to ensure a stronger root system.
3. Maintain spacing
Leave at least 50 cm between individual plants for good air circulation and to prevent mold.
4. Mulch the soil
Use straw, chopped grass, or leaves. Mulch retains moisture, stabilizes temperature, and suppresses weeds.
5. Remove lower leaves and suckers
Lower leaves are prone to moisture and disease. Suckers (side shoots) take energy away from the plant that could be devoted to the fruit.
6. Support system
Tomatoes need support. Use stakes, trellises, or netting and tie plants regularly.
7. Water less often, but deeply
Watering is key. Water deeply once to twice a week directly at the roots. Never water the leaves.
8. Use Epsom salt
Epsom salt supplies magnesium and helps chlorophyll production. Mix 1 teaspoon with 2 liters of water and water once a month.
9. Plant marigolds and garlic
Marigolds repel aphids, garlic repels slugs and snails. Companion planting helps protect tomatoes naturally.
10. Fertilize correctly
Use compost at planting, and a 10-20-10 fertilizer during growth. At harvest time, water and monitoring/removal of suckers is sufficient.
11. Harvest at the right time
Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe and come off the plant easily. Overripe fruit loses flavor and quality.
12. Monitor plant health
Check leaves, flowers and fruit. If severely damaged or diseased, remove the plant to prevent infection of others.
Summary
Growing tomatoes requires patience, but the results are worth it. With the right techniques and a little love, your plants will reward you with sweet, juicy fruit. Follow our site for more gardening tips and share the article with friends!
