Tips from Olle Garden Bed: How to grow tomatoes

Tomatoes are probably the most popular summer vegetable for experts and novices alike. Once all the dangers of frost have passed and nighttime temperatures have risen above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius), it's time to consider growing tomato plants. If you live in the south, tomato seeds can be sown directly into the garden. In colder areas, you will start transplanting, and questions will arise about how to grow tomatoes. The following content also has some reference value for raised garden beds.

Tips for growing tomato plants

When growing tomato plants for home consumption, here is a useful tip. If you just want fresh fruit, buy about three plants per person at home. If you are looking for fruit to process, you need five to ten saplings per person.

Before we talk about how to grow tomatoes, let's talk about what to look for before planting. Tomato plants should be straight and sturdy, 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20.5 cm) tall. They should have four to six real leaves. These six-cell packs will be transplanted the same as tomatoes grown separately. The planting of both will be the same, but be sure to tear the peat pot off top of it, or make sure it is below soil level, preferably planted in a raised garden bed.

How to start tomato farming

When asked how to grow tomatoes underground, the first question is how deep. Tomatoes have the ability to grow a root system along the stem, so when growing tomato plants, plant deep up to the first set of leaves. This can take care of those tomato seedlings on the legs. If the plant is too long and shaky, dig a small trench, place the plant on the side, and gently bend it at a right angle. Bury the stem in this position so that the first two leaves are exposed. Some gardeners believe that those leg starters will form healthier plants than those that are more compact.

Water the seedlings with a weak solution of a high-phosphorus fertilizer. If you decide to use raised garden beds or stakes, place them immediately so as not to damage the growing roots later.

How far to grow tomato plants

When tomatoes are planted in raised garden beds, the plants should be about 3 feet (1 meter) apart. Filling only requires about 2 feet (0.5 m) between plants. As the plant grows, tie the plant loosely to the stake, but set the stake when seedlings. If you grow tomato plants to grow naturally, you need 3 feet (1 meter) between plants and 5 feet (1.5 meters) between rows.