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How to Raise Tomatoes

By Anthony Barone

Real Estate Agent with Balistreri Real Estate SL3337434

October 14, 2008 01:13 PM

There are two generally accepted methods of raising tomatoes. The most common is to surround the plant with a wire frame and just let the plant grow, and the other is to stake the tomato plant and pull the "suckers" to keep it growing tall and on one stem. (A "sucker" is the formation of a new stem in the apex between the main stem and a leaf. They should be removed at least twice a week.) Either way will produce good results providing you manage all other growth aspects well.

Watering too little or too much is one of the primary causes of a poor tomato crop. Wrinkles and splits in the tomato skin is an indicator of improper watering. Plant you plants in a well-drained soil containing a good amount of organic material. Water adequately, without soaking, twice a week. It may be a good idea to add a soluble fertilizer about every second or third watering for greater growth.

Seaweed solution sprayed on every two weeks will organically control many tomato diseases. Your local independent garden center is a good source of powders which can be "dusted" on to your plants to control disease. They should be applied weekly during the tomato production season and also following rain