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How to Grow the Best Tomatoes
Introduction
Growing tomatoes can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to know the right steps to take. Here are six tips to help you grow the best tomatoes possible.
1. Choose the Right Varieties
- Pick blight-resistant varieties like ‘Crimson Crush’ if growing outdoors.
- Choose varieties that ripen early, like ‘Sungold’ F1, for a quick harvest.
- Select beefsteak tomatoes, like ‘Super Marmande’ F1, for their impressive size and flavor.
2. Use Warm Water
- When watering tomato seeds, use warm water to speed up germination.
- Soak the compost in warm water before sowing the seeds.
3. Give Them Space
- Move tomato seedlings into individual pots a couple of weeks after sowing.
- Space the seedlings out to allow for maximum growth.
4. Feed After Flowers Appear
- Fertilize tomato plants once the first flower trusses appear.
- Use a balanced fertilizer for fruit and flowers.
5. Stay on Top of Sideshoots
- Pinch out side shoots regularly to encourage the plant to grow vertically.
- This will help prevent overcrowding and disease.
6. Ripen As Many As Possible
- Reduce watering when tomatoes start to ripen to concentrate the flavor.
- Bring unripe tomatoes indoors when it gets cold to ripen them further.
Additional Tips
- Sow tomato seeds early indoors for a head start.
- Plant tomatoes in well-drained soil with plenty of nutrients.
- Water tomatoes regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly.
By following these tips, you can grow a bumper crop of delicious tomatoes that will be the envy of your neighbors!
