How to grow tomatoes

When growing tomatoes outside, picking the correct position within the garden is key. Tomato plants prefer soil which is well drained and high in organic matter and nutrients. The PH of the soil should be around 6 - 7. The soil should be dug to around 8 inches deep to provide good drainage and allow a good root structure.

Begin growing tomatoes by planting seeds 1 inch apart in a tray of light peat, maybe add some broken pottery in the base of the tray to add drainage and leave in green house in temperatures of 50-60 degs F. Water well, making sure the soil does not dry out at any time. Germination can take up to two weeks.

Once the second set of leaves can be seen emerging, transfer the plants to larger pots on their own, for more growing space. Plant in containers allowing 4 inches diameter and 6 inch's depth.

Once the growing tomatoes plants are of roughly 7 inches high begin to harden them off by placing them outside during the day. After 5-6 days the plants should be left outside within their pots over night, for a further 2 weeks. After this time, if there is no danger of frost, the growing tomatoes plants are ready for planting directly in the garden. Separate the plants accordingly to the type of tomato you have chosen to grow. When I am growing tomatoes I usually separate them by at least 2 feet and plant in rows 3 feet apart followed by mulching around the plants.

Support the plants by providing a frame or at least tie them securely but not constrictively to a stake. As the plants grow, pinch the lower, younger, side shoots off (this will not be necessary if the tomato plant you are growing is of a bush variety).

Keep the plants well watered and mulched and in around 2 months (depending on variety) you will have a good crop of tomatoes ready for harvesting.

This is just an overview of growing tomatoes. Each variety has its own likes and dislikes. To discuss growing tomatoes and the different varieties please visit the forum section of this web site.