growing tomato plantstomato plant growing tips Growing tomato plants is just what everyone should do ,as there is nothing like a home-grown tomato... and it's true. Luckily, growing tomato plants are easy. You can even grow them in containers if you don't have a yard. And tomatoes come in so many varieties... from tiny currant and grape tomatoes all the way to super large beefsteak tomatoes that cover your sandwich with a single slice.
There are two ways to tomato plant growing... growing tomato plants from seed or from a small plant. If you want a rare variety, seeds are the way to go. The chances of finding rare varieties as seedlings are pretty slim. Seeds need to be started indoors, about six to eight weeks before your final frost date. Make sure they stay a little cool and get lots of light so your little plants grow sturdy instead of spindly. Once all danger of frost is past, they can be transplanted outdoors to a protected area. If you are like most people who are crazy about growing healthy tomato plants, you'll choose your tomato plants from the local farmer's market or the local nursery. Look for plants that are compact and sturdy, with a thick main stem. If you know tomatoes are struck with certain diseases in your area, look on the tags for disease-resistant varieties. When you get the tomato plants home, you'll want to wait until the nights are at least 55º F to plant them out. If the night temperatures are going to be lower, cover your plant for protection from the cold. During the day, tomatoes love the sun... they like at least eight hours of sun a day, if possible. Before you plant, prepare the soil. Add some compost or other nutrient-rich soil amendments to the soil you are going to plant in. Dig the hole deep... tomatoes can be buried deeper than they are in the pot. The stem will sprout extra roots that will help anchor the plant and will provide it with more nutrients. Don't bury it so deep that the lowest leaves are lying on the soil, however. You may want to try companion tomato plant growing rather than putting your tomatoes in rows. Tomatoes like being near carrots... they are beneficial to each other. So, intermix some carrots with your tomatoes if you like. If you have a plant that will grow large, make sure you put a tomato cage or other support around the plant early. Another way that is catching on is growing tomato plants upside down in hanging pots. Growers who do this say that the tomatoes are happier and actually produce more fruit. There are special pots you can buy to do this or you can make your own by putting a hole in the bottom of a bucket. Fill the bucket with soil, and put the lid on it. Turn it upside down and plant the tomato in the hole in the bottom. Hang the bucket up, then water thoroughly. This method prevents leaf mold caused by water on the leaves, and the roots stay moist, making the plant very happy. However you grow your tomatoes plants, you'll want to water it frequently. You don't want the soil to dry out, but you don't want it wet, either. It should feel moist when you stick your finger inside the soil. When growing tomato plant,keep up the maintenance, and before you know it you'll be rewarded with lovely ripe tomatoes.
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