Plant Name: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Tomatoes, a botanically classified fruit, but considered as a vegetable by nutritionists and most of us. Yummy as it is or as an ingredient of a dish, they are a common item on our market shopping list.
Tomatoes are mostly water, are a great source of carbs that are mainly simple sugars and insoluble fibers. It is the major dietary source of lycopene, the antioxidant that is linked to reduce the risk of some diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Tomatoes are also a great source of Vitamin C that helps the immune system to fight illnesses. It contains Vitamin K, an important vitamin for blood clotting and skeletal well-being. Potassium can also be found in tomatoes. It is an important mineral for controlling blood pressure and the prevention of heart diseases. An important vitamin for pregnant women, Vitamin B9 (folate) is also in tomatoes. It helps in cell function and normal tissue growth. That's a whole lot of health benefits that we can get from tomatoes, now, let's get planting!
How to plant:
Tomatoes can be planted in containers or directly on the ground. "Ber" months are the best time to start planting tomatoes as they love cold weather but are able to withstand the summer heat. It is ideal to use a seed tray when sowing the seeds. Dampen the soil then push the seed about 1 cm deep. Then cover it with soil and then water it. It's best to put the tray in a safe place away from birds, an area that receives an ample amount of sunlight, especially the morning sun.
When the seedlings are about 12inches tall, start hardening them off by exposing them gradually to the permanent area where they will be transferred in.
Transfer the seedlings to their permanent area 30 days after planting. Place one seedling per 2-gallon container pot, or at least 50 cm apart when planting on the ground. Be sure to monitor for any sign of wilting.
Tomatoes love being watered at least twice a day. Make sure to do it while having well-draining soil to avoid root rot. When the heat of the sun kicks in, be proactive in providing your plants with a shade so they would not wither.
How to harvest:
According to the Department of Agriculture, 55 to 65 days after transplanting, or 15days after flowering, you should see the shiny fruits of your labor. Grab a basket and start plucking your fresh tomatoes. Get ready to make delicious dishes with the tasty produce of your backyard!
Bonus care tips:
Tomato plants are heavy feeders, meaning they get more food from the soil as compared to other plants. There are two ideal timings when you should fertilize your tomato plant-- soon after planting and just before fruiting heavily. It is best to use an organic fertilizer like worm castings and pure compost as these are plants that bear fruits that we will eat. Applying a balanced compost at the bottom of the planting hole will help the plant have a good start as they grow. But if you are using soil that has balanced levels of nutrients (NPK), you can delay the first application until the first month. The second round of fertilizer should be applied as the plant starts fruiting. This will give the plant the boost it needs to produce bigger, better fruits before harvesting.
Growing your first tomato is rewarding! Cooking your own harvest will double the trophy!
Easy Wins in Vegetable Gardening: Tomato
Posted by Jewel Sebastian on
- Tags: easy wins, soildepot, tomato, vegetable gardening