It’s that time of year again. It’s time to put out your tomato plants if you haven’t already done so.
Tomatoes are an important part of everyone’s diet. This is the reason why many people grow tomatoes in their own home rather buying them from the grocery store. You can choose to grow them pesticide and chemical free while saving some money and having some fun! If you have never had a garden and want to try vegetable gardening then this is one of the easiest plants to gain some experience with. You can grow tomatoes both indoors and out, the choice is completely yours. I only grow my tomatoes outdoors, so that’s what we’re going to focus on here.
In Florida the best and really only time, in my opinion, to plant tomatoes is in the spring. The plants will produce throughout the spring into early summer, usually stop producing during the real hot months and then start producing again in the fall until the first hard frost. I recommend that you start with a spot that doesn’t get direct sunlight throughout the day. The best mix for me has been to find a spot that gets morning and early afternoon sun and only indirect or shade the rest of the day. You may have to try different locations around the outside of your home to find the best location for your plants.
When planting the tomatoes I use a mixture of organic compost and peat to put my plants in. I will dig the hole 3-4 times the size of the root ball and fill the hole with my 50/50 mix of compost & peat. I will then place the plant into the middle, push the mix around the base and lightly pack the soil with my feet. I will usually place the plant just a little deeper than the current soil level as it seems to help the plant adjust and grow faster. I will then place a metal cage around the plant to support it growing upright rather than along the ground. Make sure you stake in the cage so it won’t fall over when your plants get really large and full of fruit.
Daily watering of the tomato plants are recommended, especially during the first month or two after planting. Once the root system has set you can cut back on the watering, but if you see any withering of leaves, yellowing or dryness you will then want to pick up the number of waterings a week you do. Along with the watering, make sure you give the plants weekly feedings of a quality liquid fertilizer. This will give you a strong plant which equates into plenty of great tomatoes for you to eat. You also need to figure out how to keep the critters from eating your tomatoes as they will become a crowd favorite. I plant mine inside of the pool cage for just this reason. Insects can also be an issue. You can choose to use a chemical pesticide or a natural form. This information is available at your local nursery or on the internet. The method you use is completely up to you.
Daytona Beach Condo Foreclosures
If you are a condo owner and plan on growing tomatoes on your condo balcony they now have some new methods of growing tomatoes upside down. You can find plenty of information about this method on the internet and where to purchase if you so desire. I have no experience with this method so I cannot give an opinion. Another method is to grow in a flower plant. Try one or both methods and see which one will work best for you.
There are hundreds of tomato varieties available today. Personally, I like the beefsteak variety which produces a large meaty tomato juicy just like a steak. Another one of my favorites is the cherry tomato which is great for salads or just popping in your mouth for a refreshing treat. Check with your local nursery about the varieties available in your area. Another point is, try using plants started at a local nursery rather than ones grown somewhere else. These plants seem to do much better having not been shipped large distances in closed trucks and they are already climatized.
I hope this information has helped you in your quest to grow that perfect tomato. Now all we have to do is make some BLT’S…Enjoy!
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