What's the big deal about planting tomatoes? Everyone has their own special way, and I believe that your method is just as correct as anyone else's. I do have a few tricks that I've used and found success with over the years.
Know Your Tomato
When you're getting ready to plant tomatoes, understanding the difference between determinate and indeterminate varieties can make a big difference in how you support them. Let's break it down:
Determinate tomatoes are like the sprinters of the tomato world. They have a predetermined height they'll reach, usually around 3 to 4 feet, and once they hit that mark, they stop growing upward. These types of tomatoes are great for container gardening or small spaces where you need compact plants. An example of a determinate tomato variety is the "Roma" tomato. Roma tomatoes are perfect for making sauces and canning because they tend to ripen all at once, making for a convenient harvest.
On the other hand, indeterminate tomatoes are more like marathon runners. They keep growing and vining indefinitely, as long as you give them the support to do so. These tomatoes can reach heights of 6 feet or more and will continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season. An example of an indeterminate tomato variety is the "Cherokee Purple." These tomatoes have a rich, sweet flavor and are prized by gardeners for their heirloom qualities and prolific fruit production.
So, when choosing which type of tomato to plant, consider your space and gardening goals. If you're short on space or want a quick, abundant harvest, go for determinate varieties like Roma. If you have room to let your tomatoes roam and want a steady supply of fruit all season long, indeterminate varieties like Cherokee Purple are the way to go.
Give them support
In my first year of gardening, I made the mistake of using those flimsy tomato cages you find at most stores. They seemed fine at first, but as my tomato plants grew taller and heavier with fruit, the cages couldn't handle the weight, and everything ended up tangled and falling over. So, the next year, I upgraded to heavier-duty cages, thinking they would do the trick. But alas, they too failed to provide the support my tomatoes needed, and I was left with another mess.
Frustrated, I searched for a better solution and stumbled upon the cattle panel trellising system. This system uses sturdy panels typically used for fencing, providing robust support for even the largest tomato plants. Not only do my tomatoes get the support they need to grow tall and strong, but the open design also improves airflow around the plants, reducing issues like powdery mildew and pest pressure.
Now, I swear by this trellising system for both determinate and indeterminate tomato varieties in my garden. It's a game-changer that ensures my plants stay healthy and productive throughout the growing season.
What's in the hole
I've heard about the idea of burying a whole egg in your soil, but honestly, I think it's just another gardening myth. While it might seem like a good way to add nutrients to the soil, plants don't absorb nutrients in the same way humans do. So, sticking an egg in the ground won't magically feed your plants. If you've got a surplus of eggs from your chickens and need to get rid of them, tossing them into your compost pile is a better bet. Let them decompose there, and then use the compost in your garden.
As for other DIY soil additives like Epsom salt, I'm a bit skeptical. While some folks swear by adding Epsom salt to their tomatoes for stronger growth and pest resistance, it's important to be cautious. Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, and unless your soil is deficient in these nutrients, adding more can actually cause problems.
Personally, I follow the no-dig method, so I rely on high-quality compost to provide all the nutrients my plants need. Once my plants are in the ground, I focus on maintaining healthy soil by regularly adding compost and mulch. It's a simple approach that works for me and keeps my garden thriving without any extra fuss.
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Prep your plant
So what the special trick, what are you suposed to do to grow amazing tomatoes. Is there some secret that gardeners are not telling? Not at all! Every gardener you speak to will have their own tips and tricks. I literally let my kids help me plant my tomatoes and I get an amazing yield year after year.
Here is a picture of my daughter pinching off the lower branches of the tomato plant and prepares to plant it deep in the soil, it's worth noting those tiny "hairs" along the stem. These little bumps along the stem are called adventitious roots, and they're pretty amazing. They have the potential to grow into new roots when buried under the soil, giving the plant an extra boost in stability and nutrient absorption.
By planting the tomato plant deeper into the soil, you're encouraging the development of more roots along the buried stem. These additional roots not only provide a stronger anchor for the plant but also increase its ability to take up water and nutrients from the soil. As a result, your tomato plant will be better equipped to support the weight of its fruit and withstand environmental stresses like wind and rain.
So, while it might seem a bit unconventional to plant tomatoes deeper than usual, it's a strategy that can pay off in the long run by promoting a healthier and more resilient plant. Plus, it's a fun gardening technique to try with your daughter, teaching her about the wonders of plant biology and giving her a hands-on role in growing delicious tomatoes.
All along the stem, the plant will produce roots and this will establish a strong base. This will help keep your tomato plant stand strong when they start bearing fruit.
You're almost there
Alright, so you've got your plant snug in the hole, but we're not quite done yet! After covering it up with some good-quality compost and giving it a gentle pat down, the final touch is to water it in with a light fertilizer. I like to stick to a weekly routine with fertilizing, and over the years, I've experimented with different organic options. Fish emulsion has been a trusty go-to, but I mix things up depending on how the plants are doing. This year, I'm giving Fox Farm Grow Big a shot, and once those blooms start popping up, I'll switch over to Fox Farm Big Bloom. Remember, this is just a guideline – the best way to fertilize is by keeping an eye on what your plants need and adjusting accordingly. So feel free to tweak things based on your own plant and soil conditions!
Happy planting
No matter what you try, the best way to figure out what works is by experimenting. That's how you learn and become a pro in your own garden. We all have the potential to grow beautiful gardens – it's all about trying, making mistakes, and trying again. There's no one right way to garden, so go ahead and find what works for you. Once you do, stick with it and watch your garden flourish!
~Nikki
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