Experienced gardeners note that the period after planting seedlings and before the start of mass flowering is a decisive stage for tomatoes. How you organize care now determines what the harvest will be like in the fall. If you miss time, the bushes will spend energy growing shoots and foliage, and the fruits will remain small or crack. Here are sequential steps that will help you grow smooth and sugary tomatoes.
In order for the root system to develop deeply and evenly, it is important to follow the watering regime and monitor the soil structure. If the soil dries out or becomes waterlogged, the roots cannot absorb food and the yield drops. The first abundant moisture is carried out immediately after rooting the seedlings, when the top layer dries slightly. In the future, water strictly at the root, avoiding moisture on the leaves. It is better to mulch the beds with a 5–7 cm layer of mown grass or straw to retain moisture and reduce the growth of weeds. Timely loosening of row spacing is carried out as necessary, especially before the tops close.
Timely prevention of late blight and spider mites preserves the integrity of fruits and foliage. It is better to start protection before the first signs of damage appear. Treat bushes with biological fungicides every 10–14 days, alternating formulations to prevent addiction. To repel insects, marigolds are planted between rows or the plants are sprayed with an infusion of onion peels and laundry soap. Healthy tomatoes tolerate temperature changes more easily and produce more full clusters.
The formation of the bush directs the plant’s forces to ripening the fruits, and not to extra shoots. Carry out the procedure in three stages: remove the lower leaves up to the first cluster, break out the side shoots in the axils, and pinch the top a month before the expected frost. The stems are tied to stakes or trellises with soft ribbons, leaving a gap for thickening. This technique improves ventilation, prevents the development of rot and speeds up the filling of tomatoes.
These proven steps will help you get a large, juicy and shelf-stable tomato harvest that will provide your family with fresh ingredients and vitamins for the whole year.
