There are a few different methods for growing tomatoes. Some methods use Raised beds or window boxes. Others use compost or deeper planting. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, there are several tips you should follow to increase your tomato yields. Read on for some of them.
Raised beds
Raised beds are a great way to grow garden vegetables, especially tomatoes. Tomatoes thrive in the rich top soil of a raised bed. The best size for a raised bed is about four feet by eight or ten feet. This size provides easy access on both sides of the bed. To learn more about raised beds, check out this fact sheet from OSU Extension.
Raised beds require good soil that drains well and has a pH of 6.5. You should purchase the soil in bulk, since this is usually cheaper than purchasing it in bags. When you are buying soil for a raised bed, calculate the length, width, and depth of your bed. Generally, it will take about eight cubic feet of soil to fill one raised bed.
Window boxes
A window box provides an opportunity to grow fruits and vegetables outdoors. You can reuse an old window box or create a custom one using upcycled materials. It is important to make sure your window box has drainage holes and to add a slow-release fertiliser. Window boxes tend to use up the limited nutrients in compost rapidly, so you’ll need a fertiliser that will gradually release nutrients throughout the growing season.
If you’re growing tomatoes in a window box, you will need to plant them at a depth of about six to twelve inches. The depth of the soil is critical when growing edibles, as vegetables need a strong root system.
Deeper planting
Planting tomatoes deeply in the ground will allow them to grow deeply into the soil and develop stronger, more drought resistant roots. Tomato plants can grow up to 2 feet in diameter and a large portion of their root mass is located in the top 12 inches of soil. When planted deeply, the roots can multiply many times over, making for a larger, stronger plant. Deeper planting also helps keep tomato seedlings from becoming leggy and spindly.
Tomatoes are typically planted in a trench or deep hole. When planting them in a trench, be sure to plant them deep enough to bury the majority of the stem and two-thirds of the plant. Then, remove any low branches that may be on the stem and add soil to the hole to aid in the process.
Composting
One of the best ways to plant tomatoes is to use compost. It is a naturally occurring soil amendment that provides basic nutrients for plants. It also improves the structure and drainage of the soil. Compost can be made at home or purchased and added to the soil before planting. It will also add a layer of beneficial microbes.
One of the best ways to add nutrients to the soil is to make a compost tea. This is basically a rich mix of compost, manure, or poultry manure. You can even pour the tea directly onto the roots of your tomato plants. Regardless of the method you choose, remember that the soil is as important as the plants themselves.
Upside-down planting
Growing your tomatoes upside-down is an increasingly popular gardening method. Its popularity is based on the innovative design of a tomato planter known as a Topsy Turvy planter, which was first sold in 2005. It holds up to two tomato plants and is extremely easy to use. This method allows you to keep your soil moist while the tomatoes grow. In addition, the container’s design makes it easy to water the plants.
However, there are some varieties that do not do well in upside-down systems. This is due to the fact that their stems tend to curve upward, and they break at the “elbows” where they turn skyward. The Indeterminate tomato plant is better for upside-down gardening, as the stems are flexible and will produce fruit throughout the season.