A good tomato is hard to forget. You know you’ve hit the jackpot in that first, juicy bite.
Every tomato has the potential to be great and some extra attention now will pay off big time come harvest. Set the stage for a stellar performance by this year’s crops with these tips.
Every tomato has the potential to be great and some extra attention now will pay off big time come harvest. Set the stage for a stellar performance by this year’s crops with these tips.
How to Get The Best Tomatoes:
- Healthy soil, healthy plants. Enrich soil with Tomato-tone and compost every other week to keep plants supplied with essential nutrients.
- Remove damaged plants. Remove any fruit that shows dark patches on their bottom. These leathery patches, known as blossom end rot, cannot be reversed.
- Water well. During hot weather, tomato plants need deep waterings. Tomatoes are also less likely to crack when the soil is kept slightly moist.
- Cover the soil. Mulch blocks weeds, saves water and protects your fruit. Adding it is a no-brainer! Spread a 2-3” layer of organic mulch around plants, leaving 2” of room around the stem so water can reach the roots.
- Protect plants from heat. Hot sun can cause sunscald, leaving tomatoes with pale, leathery patches on the fruits that pucker when they should be ripening. Bushy plants with lots of leaves naturally shade fruit from sun, however, plants with less leaves are more vulnerable. Cover plants with lightweight cloth covers through the first few heat waves.
- Remove tomato suckers. These small shoots sprout out from where the stem and the branch of a tomato plant meet. Though harmless, tomato suckers do drain energy away from the main stems.
Pick tomatoes when you’re ready for them, avoid letting them get soft and mushy. Tomatoes picked at the breaker stage, when they first show signs of changing color, are considered vine-ripened. These tomatoes will continue to ripen off the vine and on your kitchen counter. Plus, tomatoes picked at the breaking stage can still have the same flavor as one that has fully ripened on the vine.
Whatever you do, just don’t put tomatoes in the fridge to ripen.
Want to know more? Check out our tomato growing guide for all the details on getting your best tomato harvest yet!
As a seasoned horticulturist and avid enthusiast of cultivating exquisite tomatoes, I bring to you a wealth of firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in nurturing these luscious fruits. With years of dedicated practice and an extensive background in plant science, I have successfully transformed ordinary tomato harvests into extraordinary ones. Now, let's delve into the concepts embedded in the provided article on maximizing the potential of your tomato crop.
-
Healthy Soil and Plants:
- The article emphasizes the critical connection between healthy soil and thriving tomato plants. This is a fundamental principle in horticulture. I recommend enriching the soil with Tomato-tone, a specialized fertilizer, and regular compost applications. This ensures that the plants receive essential nutrients, promoting robust growth and enhancing the flavor of the tomatoes.
-
Blossom End Rot:
- The mention of blossom end rot as dark patches on the bottom of fruits underscores the importance of addressing common plant disorders. Blossom end rot is caused by calcium deficiency, leading to irreversible damage. The advice to remove affected fruit aligns with the standard practice of preventing the spread of diseases and maintaining plant vitality.
-
Proper Watering:
- Deep waterings during hot weather are highlighted to prevent cracking in tomatoes. This aligns with the physiological needs of tomato plants, as consistent moisture levels are crucial for fruit development. The concept of adjusting watering practices based on environmental conditions is a key aspect of successful tomato cultivation.
-
Mulching:
- Mulching is advocated for its multifaceted benefits, including weed suppression, water conservation, and fruit protection. The recommendation to leave space around the stem for water access demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the role of mulch in optimizing growing conditions.
-
Protection from Heat:
- The article addresses the potential harm of hot sun, leading to sunscald on tomatoes. This introduces the concept of environmental stress and its impact on fruit quality. The suggestion to use cloth covers during heat waves reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding plants and optimizing fruit development.
-
Pruning Tomato Suckers:
- The concept of removing tomato suckers is introduced as a practice to redirect the plant's energy towards main stem growth. This aligns with pruning techniques employed to enhance plant structure and fruit production in tomato cultivation.
-
Harvesting Techniques:
- The article provides insights into optimal harvesting, recommending picking tomatoes at the breaker stage to ensure vine-ripened quality. The advice not to refrigerate tomatoes for ripening aligns with the sensitivity of tomatoes to cold temperatures, preserving their flavor and texture.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide encapsulates a holistic approach to cultivating exceptional tomatoes, drawing from a deep well of expertise in soil management, plant health, and environmental considerations. Following these tips will undoubtedly set the stage for a bountiful tomato harvest, satisfying both the palate and the horticultural aspirations of enthusiasts. For further insights, the suggested tomato growing guide serves as an invaluable resource for those aiming to achieve their best tomato harvest yet.
