For fear of rainy and cool summertomatoesare usually planted in greenhouses. However, they are not as he althy, tasty and fragrant as sun-ripened vegetables. I would like to debunk the myth about the hardshipfield cultivation , large amounts of work associated with it and low yields.
Favorite varieties
TomatoesI sow for the inspection when it starts to get a little warmer and the first rays of the sun appear on thewindowsillThis is usually at the end February or early March. When the young plants get older, I transplant them into small containers, e.g.after kefir or cream. I choose determinate, stiff-stemmed varieties that do not require staking. They include very fertile'Rumba Ożarowska'For tall varieties, supports in the form of stakes, slats or thicker branches are necessary. Such treatments will be required, for example,'Malinowy Warszawski'The variety'Koralik'- with small and sweet clusters similar to bunches of grapes will also be a pleasant diversion in the vegetable garden .
Fertilization and mulching
Tomatoeslove well-dug, sunny and nourished soil. I use compost or manure for feeding. I put a handful of such fertilizer under each newly planted bush. I also carefully mulch the ground with freshly cut grass and nettle. This prevents the top layer from drying out on hot days.
Staking
SaplingstomatoesI place in the soil at intervals of 50 cm so that they have plenty of light and air.When they are a bit older, I attach their stems to the supports. I usually use an old sheet for this, which I cut into narrow pieces. Soft rags or rags do not allow the plants to damage themselves, e.g. in strong gusts of wind.
Watering and disease prevention
TomatoesI water regularly every other day, from time to time also using the preparednettle manureI always water in the afternoon. I am careful not to get the leaves wet, as it has a negative effect on plants and may cause a fungal disease - potato blight. For this reason, right after planting, I tear off all the dangling leaves that touch the ground.
During the season I look aftertomatoesand, if necessary, I will remove the side shoots growing in the leaf axils. This allows the plant to bear fruit well.
The neighborhood for tomatoes
Close to the flower bedstomatoesI plant colorful flowers to attract the insects needed to pollinate them.The right choice of plants has a dual role - decorative and protective. Tagetes planted next to tomatoes attract soil nematodes, which immediately lose interest in other plantings.
The best because it is ecological!
I recommendtomatoesfrom our own organic cultivation - they contain a lot of vitamin C and antioxidants that prevent, for example, cancer. They taste best when picked straight from the bush, served with olive oil and basil.
As a secret, I can tell you that I often say a lot of warm words to my plants. Maybe that's why they reciprocate, giving such a good harvest.
Samanta Malinowska
