Tips For Planting Tomatoes

Before planting tomatoes, you should ensure the soil is at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are planting tomatoes in a container, you should adjust the height and position of the pot to follow the sunlight throughout the day. Tomatoes prefer full sunlight, and they also tolerate afternoon shade. A grow-anywhere planting kit comes with strong casters so that you can move it easily from one location to another. A warm climate is ideal for tomatoes, but if you live in a cold climate, you can also consider adding an insulated cloche, a cold frame, or a row cover.

To reduce the shock to tomato roots, plant them in large pots. Water every day for a few days. Make sure the roots have time to soak up water before transplanting them into pots. Tomato seedlings should be planted two to three feet apart. Planting them too close to each other can reduce the amount of sunlight the plants receive and prevent ripening of fruit. Tomatoes should be placed in sun-drenched soil that drains well. If your climate is particularly hot, you can place one plant per row on a tray to provide shade during the day.

Tomato plants thrive in many types of soil. When the soil is dry enough, you can work it and add organic matter such as compost, peat moss, and leaf mold. Add a compost to improve the soil. Tomatoes prefer neutral soil that is pH 6.5 to 7.0. If you have acidic soil, you may need to add lime to it. You should test the soil for acidity and pH before planting.

The soil temperature should reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit for planting to be successful. If your zone has a mild winter, you should wait until the soil temperature stays over 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also wait until the nighttime temperatures are in the 50s. To prevent weeds and disease, use an inexpensive soil thermometer to test the soil temperature. A few weeks of 60 degrees Fahrenheit weather are ideal for planting tomatoes. Keep in mind that you should rotate your tomato plants every couple of weeks.

To ensure success with your planting, choose an ideal tomato plant. It should be about eight to ten inches tall, with a dark green stocky stem. If you plan to process the fruits, you can stake the plants at various heights. If you plan to preserve the fruit, you can even support the heavy trusses on an upright flowerpot. To ensure a long-lasting harvest, plant three to five plants per person. To plant tomatoes, visit your local greenhouse to purchase plants at the right time.

While tomato plants are true warm-weather crops, planting them too early can lead to their death. If your transplants survive an unexpected frosty night, they may develop stunted growth and become more vulnerable to disease and pests. Be sure to check your area’s average last frost date before planting. If you’re unsure of your climate zone, you can use the USDA’s tool to find out your climate and hardiness zone.