Tomatoes come in an overwhelming variety of varieties. Unfortunately, the sparse store selection leaves a lot to be desired. Simply grow your favorite varieties in the garden. You can find out how to successfully manage the 'Tomatoes in the field' project here.
How to grow tomatoes outdoors?
To grow tomatoes outdoors, choose a sunny, warm location. Sow seeds in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Harden off the young plants before planting them in the bed. Maintain them by watering and fertilizing regularly and removing side shoots weekly.
Selection of location sets the course for success
Tomatoes are one of the few crops that don't have to change locations every year. As long as they thrive he althy, they can stay in their regular place for years. The only thing that should definitely be avoided is proximity to potatoes or other nightshade plants. We'll tell you here what other characteristics an optimal location should have:
- Sunny location, warm and preferably protected from rain
- nutrient-rich soil, humus, fresh and permeable
- a good pH value hovers around 6
Growing and hardening create small powerhouses
Outdoors, only the strongest tomato plants can cope with the local weather conditions. You should therefore place emphasis on strengthening resistance when growing indoors. Before sowing, soak the seeds in chamomile tea, garlic juice or valerian flower extract. Only prick out robust seedlings. We also recommend a hardening phase before the young tomatoes are finally moved outdoors.
- When the outside temperature is constant at 12-15 degrees Celsius, take the young plants outdoors
- Set up in a partially shaded, sheltered spot for an hour during the day
- after 8-10 days the tomatoes can tolerate full sun
Planting and caring for tomatoes outdoors – the key points
When the planting season begins in mid-May, place the tomato plants in the bed at a distance of 60 centimeters. Treat the heavy feeders with a handful of compost directly into the planting hole. Then place the tomato in the soil at a slight angle up to the base of the leaves. Then drive the support rod into the ground and tie the first shoots on.
Water tomato plants regularly, directly at the root area. Until flowering, the nutrient supply is limited to compost. From June/July, increase the dosage to a 14-day rhythm with nettle manure or mineral complex fertilizer. Most tomato varieties grow more lushly and productively if they are trained weekly. Anyone who follows this key point of care will be rewarded with an abundance of magnificent tomatoes.
Tips & Tricks
If building a rain canopy for tomato plants is too time-consuming, you should preferably plant refined varieties outdoors. 'Philona F1' is one of them, as is 'Cupido' or the new breed 'Conqueror F 1'.
