Before we start talking directly about the care and cultivation of tomatoes, first of all, let’s distinguish and consider the stages of vegetative growth of tomatoes, these are:

Indeterminate – a tall growing plant, used in greenhouses, the fruits ripen gradually, which allows harvesting in stages.

Determinant – a low-growing plant, used for growing in open ground, the fruits ripen at the same time, and the harvest is done simultaneously.

We can combine the growth phases into 6 main periods:

  1. From sowing to germination
  2. From germination to seedling transplanting
  3. From transplanting to bud formation
  4. From bud formation to flowering
  5. From flowering to fruit formation
  6. From fruit formation to maturity

*On the other hand, the demand for food elements in these periods is also different

The duration of each phase depends on the characteristics of the hybrid or variety as well as environmental conditions.

Advice on the care and cultivation of tomatoes
Advice on the care and cultivation of tomatoes 2

Soil selection

Tomatoes are grown both in open and closed ground. Light loam and loamy soils are best. Optimum pH 6.0-6.5. In the case of higher or lower pH, the absorption coefficient of nutrients decreases.

temperature

The temperature required for tomato growth, from germination to maturity, is 10 ℃ – 30 ℃.

Along with the temperature, the light intensity is important, which determines the course of photosynthesis and the accumulation of sugars in the plant. In good lighting conditions, the plant is energetic and, accordingly, the yield increases.

irrigation

Tomato is a heat-loving plant and is resistant to mild droughts, but water supply is necessary. The plant has a special need before flowering.

The water requirement of tomatoes in the open field ranges from 4000-6000 m3/ha, up to 10000 m3/ha in the greenhouse. 70% of the root system is developed up to 20 cm soil layer. The best of the storage systems is to use a drip type storage system. In the case of rainfall irrigation, the risk of spreading fungal diseases increases significantly. The mode of watering also depends on the mechanical composition of the soil. If the soil or water is saline, it is necessary to increase the amount of water by %-30% , or to use special preparations that reduce salinity.

Plant protection

The pest-disease complex is one of the biggest challenges for any farmer, regardless of the agricultural culture. In the case of tomatoes, this problem is common and it is necessary to take timely and reasonable measures. Contact, contact-systemic and systemic drugs are used to fight against fungal and bacterial diseases.

feeding

In order to obtain a high and quality harvest, it is necessary to feed the plant correctly. Basic N-Nitrogen P-Phosphorus K-Potassium In addition to macroelements, secondary macro- and microelements are needed, such as Mg-magnesium, Ca-calcium, Fe-iron and others. Fertilizers and their doses are selected based on soil analysis. Feeding is carried out from soil and leaves at different stages of vegetation.

The Baraka company offers the best quality seed material, soil and foliar fertilizers, plant protection products, involvement of professional agronomists from planting to harvesting and other necessary services that will enable the farmer to get a healthy and abundant harvest.

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For more information on these and other topics, see Agrocompany Baraka’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@baraka.georgia2230