Growing Tomatoes - Benefits and Instructions
Benefits of Growing Tomatoes
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Medicinal - Tomatoes contain a large amount of lycopene which is believed to help reduce the risks of certain cancers, increasing heart health and improve skin health.
- Nutritional Profile - An excellent source of vitamin C , a good source of fibre.
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Use in: Fresh, soups, salads, salsas, pickling, canning, sauces, stews.
Growing Instructions
Culture:
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil: Use a peat based soilless mix that contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage when starting seedling. Heavy feeders, prefer a warm, well-drained soil of good fertility and cultivation when planted outdoors. Add plenty of compost and well-rotted manure prior to planting.
Moisture: Provide even moisture during fruit set and development. Excessive watering can increase fruit size but decrease flavour.
Planting: Tomatoes are tender plants and are very susceptible to frost damage. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Once plants are up, a growing light is necessary or seedlings will become tall and spindly. After plants develop 1-2 sets of true leaves, transplant into 3 inches jiffy pots. Handle the plug by the root ball, never by the stem. Gradually adjust your plants to outside conditions over a period of a week or two. Removing 1-2 sets of leaves from each stem or “pinching” may help some varieties stay bushy and produce more flowers.
Spacing: Plant 1 Tomato plant per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method. Or plant in rows 24-36 inches apart.
Sow seeds: Sow 2-3 seeds in 1x1 inch cells and thin to 1 plant after germination.
Harvesting:
Pick fruit when fruit is firm and turning red. Green varieties often develop slightly blushed spots when ready to be harvested.
Storage/Preparation:
Do not store tomatoes in the refrigerator unless fully ripe, the cold temperature stops the ripening process. Unripened tomatoes can be stored in a cupboard or basement to continue ripening.
Tomatoes are perfect for turning into sauces or canned for long term storage. Tomatoes can also be frozen whole and stored in plastic bags for later use.
Companions:
Asparagus, basil, bush bean, cabbage, carrot, celery, chive, cucumber, lettuce, onion, pepper.