How do I plant tomatoes in my garden? Are you a new gardener who wants to start growing your own vegetables? Growing vegetables can be an easy way to save money on grocery bills. However, there are several things to consider before jumping right in. Following these basic guidelines for planting, planning, preparing, and maintaining an excellent garden can help you make the most of your new foray into growing healthy vegetables.
Selecting the correct variety of tomato is important before starting to plant. There are three different types of tomato: ammonia, guava, and bush tomato. Choose one of these varieties depending on the area of your garden where you want to grow them. Different varieties have different needs when it comes to fertilizers, soil conditions, and sunlight exposure. Some require intensive cropping, others are container plants. Which variety of tomato will suit your climate and soil condition best is dependent on the information below.
For most vegetables, the correct watering schedule is based on the type of tomato variety you’re growing. If you’re growing vegetables like ammonia or bush tomato, you’ll typically be able to water these plants every two weeks during their growing season. Watering schedules for other varieties need more frequent watering. Check with your local county extension office to determine the watering requirements for your particular vegetable garden.
Growing tomatoes and other summertime vegetables in containers provide many benefits. Containers provide a safe place for your plants to heal from the harsh elements of nature, as well as a place for you to store up those last minute summer treats. Container tomatoes and summertime vegetables will enjoy the shade provided by containers, while you can still enjoy eating them on the vine. Your tomatoes will enjoy the fresh air as well-another benefit of growing your tomatoes in containers.
Tomatoes appreciate plenty of moisture, so plan on making frequent waterings throughout their growing season. This means planning when you’ll be doing the watering and when you’ll be picking your tomatoes from the garden. Plan to fertilize your tomato plants before your harvest season begins, or after harvesting to help with diseases. Fertilizing your tomato plants just before harvesting will help the plants to grow stronger and healthier during the harvest season.
When it comes to growing summer vegetables, a key benefit is the air circulation provided by the plants’ roots. Plants without air circulation struggle to keep plants growing healthily. Containers offer the air circulation that plants need to thrive. Keep in mind that you don’t have to wait until the last week of summer to get started planting your garden-even spring is a great time to start caring for your plants. Planting your garden in the week before your last frost-fall will ensure healthy growing conditions all winter long.
To care for your container garden, the weekly watering (not the usual watering schedule for your other plants) is very important. Watering frequently throughout the week will ensure your vegetables get plenty of air circulation and exposure to light. Most plants prefer moist soil, so use your garden hose to ensure water is available throughout the day. It’s also recommended you mulch your tomato plants after planting to give them more depth and protection against weeds.
Mulching your plants will keep them from becoming weeds, which will help them grow healthy. There are several different types of mulches you can use to protect your tomatoes. Organic mulches made from coconut husks, wood chips, organic cotton, and straw work best for most varieties. You can also make your own compost using manure from your chickens, goats or cows, alfalfa, or clover.