Melody
Acres Hobby Farm
Tomato
Planting Guide
Types of Tomatoes
Tomatoes
(Lycopersicon esculentum) are warm season tender annuals in the Solanaceae family which
includes eggplants, peppers, tomatillos, potatoes and ground cherries.
• Indeterminate varieties bear fruit over a long period of time and
typically require trellising or staking.
• Determinate types have a concentrated fruit set and a shorter growth
habit, therefore don’t require trellising.
Soil and Nutrient Requirements
Tomatoes
yield best in loam soils that are well drained and high in organic matter. Use
a high phosphorus fertilizer for transplants. Take care not to over-fertilize
with Nitrogen as this can result in more foliage but lower yields of fruit.
Position:
Full Sun
Plant
Spacing: Determinate
varieties 18" apart (Indigo Rose & Roma)
Indeterminate 36" apart
Row
Spacing: 4-6’ centers
Planting Instructions:
Amend
soil as needed with peat and composted manure mixed thoroughly with an organic granular
tomato specific fertilizer. (Add fertilizer
as directions indicate and reapply at intervals according to directions) Dig hole
to deep enough to plant each tomato up to 1/2 of height for strength.
To the hole add: 2 handfuls of Fish
meal, 4 crushed egg shells, 2 Crushed Aspirin, One handful of Bone meal. Pinch
off any leaves that will be below soil and plant tomato so that half of its
height is below the soil. Water, mulch, and stake. Taking the time to plant carefully means less
work later!
For
more information, check out this awesome blog: http://www.growbetterveggies.com/growbetterveggies/2012/04/how-i-plant-a-t.html?utm_content=buffer329d2&utm_medium=social
Be
consistent with daily watering and water at soil level slowly so you do not
splash on the plant and encourage blight. Do not allow to dry out and wilt as this
decreases the health of your plant. Do
not over water. Cage or stake up Indeterminate tomatoes as
they grow to keep them off the ground and healthy.
Companions: Basil, Calendula, Marigolds, Nasturtiums,
Carrots, Onion, Garlic, Borage, Bee Balm
Happy
Gardening!!
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