Tips for Tomato Success

Investing the time and energy into growing tomatoes in your own garden or patio space can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. Not only will you save money at the grocery store, but you will be eating tomatoes that are superior on many levels. Vine ripened tomatoes are healthier, fresher and more flavorful. Read on for some tips on how to successfully grow your own tomatoes with little effort.

Knowledge is essential to success in everything, including growing tomatoes. Know what varieties of tomatoes are specifically recommended for your location and climate. Check your growing zone and choose the plants accordingly. Do not be fooled into thinking that all tomatoes are the same and will thrive in any locale. There are dozens of tomato varietals, so get to know them before investing in them for your garden.

Unless you are growing straight from seeds, you will be choosing plants that are already established. Look for ones that are healthy and have deep green leaves. Inspect them for signs of disease and fungus, which will be very hard to get rid of. Even if the affected areas are only on the leaves, it can harm the tomatoes themselves. Remember that they will be going directly into your food chain, so take precautions. The disease can also spread to other plants and flowers in your garden.

Always keep your plants moist, watering often and deeply. A mere sprinkling on the top will not suffice; give them a good soaking at least once per week or more often in the hotter months. Be careful not to over-water, as this could have an adverse affect on proper growth and nutritional value. You don't want to see standing water on the surface or excessive runoff from beneath the pots.

The quality of your soil is important, since this is where the nutrients for your plants will come from. Try out different organic soil additives to see which one has the best effect on flavor and size of the final tomatoes when picked. Avoid additives with chemicals or a long list of ingredients. Look for labels that certify the product as organic. Read up on what organic actually means and know how to read the labels correctly. Just using the word "natural" does not mean it is organic or certified as being so.

Harvest new crops of tomatoes on a regular basis. This will encourage new growth and keep your garden evolving in healthy ways. Let the tomatoes ripen on the vine but not sit there too long afterwards. Have a tomato harvesting party with friends and family, letting them take some home afterward. Alternately, use the excess tomatoes for making party drinks, salsas and dishes. Simmer them for a huge pot of marinara sauce, and crush cold ones for Bloody Mary cocktails on the deck.

If you liked this post and it has inspired you to start a vegetable garden, then you could try speaking to Barmekin Groundcare. We offer a range of garden services in Aberdeen, including hard landscaping  garden remodeling and tree pruning.

Use these ideas to fully embrace the experience of having your own tomato garden. Incorporating fresh healthy tomatoes into your daily life will be a benefit enjoyed by the whole family.