Vegetable gardening has come back in a big way this past year. These 21st-century victory gardens are helping people to eat and feel better! If you want to try growing your own but are a total beginner to gardening, we have one word for you: tomatoes.
Tomatoes are one of the easiest plants to grow outdoors. Even if you have zero gardening experience, you’ll be on your way to blooming beauties with these tomato gardening tips. A few pieces of advice will lead you to a bountiful harvest.
Tomato Gardening Tips for Beginners
Tomato plants are hardy and produce fruit easily. But there are a few guidelines to follow when planting!
Of course, this list is an introduction to tomato gardening. There are several websites, such as Pro Gardening Help, where you can talk to professional gardeners and get great advice.
But let’s begin with these five tips:
1. Pick the Right Type of Tomato
When shopping for seeds or seedlings, do some research into the breed that will be best for your climate. Some tomatoes are hardier than others and do best in cool weather; other plants will freeze up if the temperature goes below 60. Make sure you’re growing plants that will do well in your area.
2. Give them Plenty of Light
This may seem like obvious advice, but tomatoes need a lot of direct light. If you’re growing from seed, make sure there’s a grow light directly above your pots. This will prevent your stems from becoming leggy.
Plant your tomatoes in a spot that receives direct sunlight for at least 8 hours a day. Any less and the plants may end up stunted! Sunlight is also essential for making sure your tomatoes ripen.
3. Wait Till It’s Warm
Wait to plant your tomatoes outside until it’s steadily above 60 degrees each day. Keep the seedlings indoors to prevent any chill or frost damage!
Tomatoes have a quick grow time, so don’t worry if it doesn’t get warm enough until May or June. They’ll pop up quickly all the same.
4. Always Support Your Stems
Your tomato plants will require a stake or tomato cage to stand upright. Though the stalks are thick and hardy, the weight of a large tomato can weigh it down. To ensure your plants grow tall, support them right!
5. Give them Space
Even when they’re small, keep your plants 8-10 inches apart. Tomato plants thrive when they can set up an intricate root system, and being crowded with their brothers and sisters is a recipe for wilted plants. Give them room!
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor!
We hope these tomato gardening tips have you feeling more confident as we go into the growing season. You’ll feel the unique fulfillment of bringing life forth from the dirt! Even if you’re a beginner gardener, tomatoes will be a gratifying endeavor.
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