Tomato plants prefer consistency in their water supply. This applies to the quantity as well as the time of day. Even the method you use to water plays an important role. With the following recommendations you will have the issue under control.
How often and how much should you water tomatoes?
Watering tomatoes requires a constant supply of water, ideally around 0.5 liters per plant every day. Weather conditions, thumb testing, and lower leaf removal affect watering practices. In the greenhouse, an inverted bottle can help distribute water evenly.
Water tomatoes in the bed - the weather swings the baton
It would be so easy to water tomato plants according to a fixed schedule and quantity. Of course, a central variable in the cultivation of tomatoes does not play a role. The weather ultimately determines when and how much water is required. In order to harvest he althy and magnificent fruits in the bed, the following guidelines are in focus:
- water thoroughly in the first 3 days after planting
- then administer an average of 0.5 liters of water per plant daily
- Before each watering, check with a thumb test whether the substrate has dried to a depth of 1-2 centimeters
- After the fruit has set, increase the amount of water to 150-300 milliliters per tomato fruit
- the temperatures, the intensity of the sun and the exposure to wind are decisive
As much as tomato plants like to spread their deep roots in fresh, moist soil, they detest wet flowers and leaves. Therefore, always water directly onto the ground. A layer of mulch made from straw or nettles prevents splashing water. Additionally remove the tomato leaves at the bottom.
This is how the water supply in the greenhouse is correct
Since there is no natural rainfall in the greenhouse, irrigation can be controlled even more specifically. The current temperatures, lighting conditions and ground conditions must be taken into account. You can use the thumb test to determine the water needs of your tomato plants. The soil in the greenhouse should also be allowed to dry before you next water. Otherwise, similar requirements apply as in the open field.
The water bottle trick
The more evenly you water, the less risk of tomato peels bursting. Within the protected conditions in the greenhouse, you can optimize the water supply with a simple trick: cut off the bottom of a PET bottle. You stick this upside down next to a tomato plant to refill the water in the bottle every day.
Watering in a bucket – avoid deadly waterlogging
Tomato plants in pots require special sensitivity when watering. On the one hand, the entire root ball should be moistened, but on the other hand, waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. The thumb test alone doesn't help here. How to tell what condition the tomato roots are in:
- do not create an opening in the bottom of the pot
- drill a hole on the side instead
- close this with a conically ground dowel
By pulling out the dowel, you can determine the moisture content in the root area. Any water that may accumulate can simply be drained through the side opening.
Find out more about fertilizing tomatoes.
Tips & Tricks
Just leave the shoots lying on the ground after pinching out. Here they not only serve as useful mulching material, but also release valuable nutrients to the roots. At the same time, the plant parts serve as an effective defense against pests.
