Tomatoes are among the most common fruits people plant in their gardens. And no, that’s not a mistake – tomatoes are fruits, not veggies as most people think. What makes them so special? Well, apart from the rich nutritional profile, they’re quire easy to grow and produce a lot of fruit during the summer. And let us tell you –nothing tastes better than a nice red homegrown tomato. Storebought tomatoes have nothing on them.
And, while they’re easy to grow, many people make common mistakes that result in no fruit. If you want a garden full of tomatoes, make sure to avoid them by reading this guide.
Starting from Seeds
When done correctly, growing plants from seeds is the best way to see your plants grow. Tomatoes can be started from seeds too, but you’ll need the right conditions for it. They are very difficult to grow in countries with short summers, so you can start them indoors in early spring before moving them outside.
Unfortunately, many people miss the right season, costing them a yield of tomatoes.
The Wrong Variety
Many people opt for the wrong variety of tomato when planting them in their garden. You can’t just pick any variety and plant it – the type of tomato you pick makes all the difference for your crop. You’ll need a variety that grows perfectly in any condition. For example, cherry tomatoes can be grown in any container, but regular tomatoes need more specific conditions.
Pruning is Important, and so Is Proper Support
If you don’t prune or support your tomatoes they won’t yield anything. Tomatoes are a bit more difficult to grow than other plants, but if you support them properly and you prune them regularly, they will get bushier and heavier with fruits. Don’t forget about pruning and support as they’re key to making your tomatoes grow larger.
Not Enough Food
Tomatoes are one of those plants that need a lot of food to grow properly. Ignoring their hunger when they’re especially needy results in a smaller yield. Fertilize your tomatoes with tea or natural compost but avoid synthetic fertilizers. Early season nitrogen mixes do well. When the plant is close to set fruit, decrease the fertilizer.
Too Much Nitrogen
Yes, tomatoes need nitrogen, but only while developing leaves. As the plant becomes fruitful, don’t go wild with it. Too much nitrogen can result in overgrowth and attract pests such as aphids.
Not Caring for Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes are great, but everyone would like ripe tomatoes on the table? Top your tomato plants at least a month before the first frost. That’ll help you focus on ripening fruits instead of focusing on pushing out new ones.
Overcrowding
Tomatoes need a lot of elbow room, so make sure to give them the space. Don’t squeeze a lot of plants in a tight spot – just follow the guidelines for any specific tomato type you want to plant in your garden.
Watering from Above
Almost everyone waters plants in their garden from above. It’s most convenient, right? Well, tomatoes don’t like it. They grow best with a drip irrigation system that supplies nutrients slowly and steadily.
