Tips for Growing Tomato Plants
There's nothing better than growing your own rich in flavor tomato. Though tomatoes can be grown easily with the right amount of sunlight and nutrients, there are several things you can do to make your plants yield a great harvest. Try these tips for growing this year's crop of tomatoes.
Allow Tomatoes to Root Sideways
There's a little trick you can do when planting your tomatoes to increase their root system and make the plant stronger and healthier. Before planting a seedling that's at least a foot tall, remove the lowest set of leaves. Dig a little trench in the ground for planting, and bury the roots and the stem sideways. Don't worry -- the plant will perk up in a few days and begin growing upright. This practice makes the tomato plant grow roots from the buried stem, which produces a much stronger support system.
Water Evenly
Uneven watering causes many problems for tomatoes, such as brown spots, cracking of the skin and overall smaller size. Don't wait for the rain to water your plants, and don't skip too many days of watering. Keep your tomatoes watered consistently so that they'll grow in beautifully.
Don't Water from the Top
Try to water your plants at the base without letting any water get on the leaves of your tomato plant. There's nothing you can do about rain, of course, but wetting the foliage increases the chance of your tomatoes contracting harmful airborne diseases. Watering at the base is an excellent preventative measure.
Space Plants Properly
If tomatoes are grown upright using stakes or cages, they should be grown at least two feet apart. If you let your tomatoes sprawl freely on the ground, try to plant them at least five feet apart. Tomatoes spaced too closely together will have to compete for nutrients, water and proper aeration.
