Hobby gardeners with a tight time frame favor growing bush tomatoes for good reason. The varieties are less maintenance-intensive because there is no need for any special measures. How to care for bush tomatoes professionally and save time.
How do you properly care for bush tomatoes?
The care of bush tomatoes includes sufficient watering directly at the roots, regular fertilizing with organic fertilizer, avoiding thinning, protection against diseases through a balanced supply of nutrients and moisture protection, as well as supporting the shoots on tomato sticks.
How to water bush tomatoes?
Because bush tomatoes branch heavily, they develop a considerable biomass. The evaporation is correspondingly high. How to pour in the right amount:
- water thoroughly early in the morning
- water again in the late afternoon on hot summer days
- Always water directly at the roots and never over leaves and flowers
- empty a coaster after 30 minutes at the latest
When should bush tomatoes be fertilized?
The nutrient supply starts from the second week outdoors. Fertilize bush tomatoes every 14 days with an organic fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) in stick form or as a liquid preparation. After fruit set, apply the fertilizer weekly to varieties with a growth height of 100 centimeters and more.
Are bush tomatoes being squeezed out?
The special growth habit of bush tomatoes requires branching to be as lush as possible. In order for these tomato varieties to produce the desired small fruits in large numbers, any thinning would significantly reduce the yield. You can therefore do without this time-consuming care measure for bush tomatoes.
Is there any protection against disease?
With a balanced supply of nutrients, you create the foundation for a vital bush tomato. Diseases caused by deficiency symptoms have little chance here, such as blossom end rot or green collar. However, the only protection against the dreaded late blight or other fungal infections is adequate protection from moisture on leaves and flowers. Here are some tried and tested methods:
- Growing bush tomatoes under a rain cover
- ideally plant in the greenhouse or on the windowsill
- cultivate individual plants under the protection of a tomato cover
Do bush tomatoes need a climbing aid?
In contrast to other types of tomatoes, bush tomatoes usually grow upright. Nevertheless, it is recommended to support the shoots. To prevent the weather or the weight of the fruit from pressing the branches to the ground, tie bush tomatoes to special tomato stakes.
Tips & Tricks
Bush tomatoes in the bucket have a good chance of overwintering successfully. Bring the non-hardy plants into the house in good time to place them on the bright, warm windowsill. You can compensate for the lack of light using plant lamps or a large mirror.
