Bush tomatoes score points with convincing attributes, such as a stable habit, aromatic fruits, undemanding care and a rich harvest. Get to know all the relevant aspects here about the uncomplicated planting of the tomato powerhouses.
When and how should you plant bush tomatoes?
Answer: Plant bush tomatoes after the ice saints in mid-May in a sunny, wind-protected location in nutrient-rich, loose soil. Maintain a planting distance of 60-80 cm and use trellises to tie up the shoots. Then water generously and lay out a layer of mulch.
When is the earliest planting date for bush tomatoes?
Once the Ice Saints have passed, the planting time for bush tomatoes begins. The heat-loving vegetable plants should not be grown outdoors before mid-May because a single frosty night will ruin all hopes of a bountiful harvest.
What requirements should the location meet?
In terms of their preference for warm sunshine, bush tomatoes are no exception among tomato varieties. The higher the temperatures, the sunnier the chosen location in the bed and on the balcony should be.
What should the soil and potting soil be like?
Bush tomatoes limit their height growth from the fourth or fifth flower cluster. The plants compensate for this by branching profusely. The nutrient requirements are therefore at the level of a heavy eater. Therefore, offer these soil qualities to bush tomatoes:
- nutritious, loose soil, richly populated by soil organisms
- fresh-moist and preferably a little chalky
- still well drained and without the risk of waterlogging
In the planter, bush tomatoes prefer commercial vegetable or potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon), enriched with compost and horn shavings.
What should you pay attention to when planting?
With the right location and an appropriate substrate, two central premises for the successful planting of bush tomatoes are met. Now it's all about the following steps:
- Weed the bed soil, loosen it thoroughly and improve it with compost
- create a drainage made of pebbles in the planter above the bottom opening
- Insert young plants so deep that the soil forms a turtleneck around the cotyledons
- While the root ball is still visible, place a climbing aid next to it
- tie the first shoots, then spread the remaining soil and press it down
- consider a planting distance of 60-80 centimeters to the next pit
Finally, water generously without wetting the above-ground parts of the plant. Ideally, you should spread a layer of mulch that releases nutrients and reduces splash water.
Tips & Tricks
Since bush tomatoes dry out more slowly due to their dense growth, experienced hobby gardeners prefer a place in the main wind direction when choosing a location. In Central Europe the wind blows predominantly from the west. So this side of the garden is on the shortlist, provided it is sunny enough there.
