Almost every gardener grows tomatoes in his summer cottage. As a rule, this is done in a greenhouse, and in the southern regions and in the open field. However, I know a few unusual ways to grow tomatoes and get a high yield. I want to share them with you.
In boxes
This is a great method that I recommend for small plot owners.
For this event, I took the Dwarf Tomato variety and sowed it on seedlings in mid-February. By the beginning of April, I had already received a strong, healthy seedling, ready for planting in a greenhouse. However, the conditions of the middle region at this time are not yet suitable for growing such heat-loving crops as tomatoes, since plants prefer a temperature of at least 25 ° C.
Then the idea came to me to make boxes of a small volume, to fill there with soil of a suitable composition and to plant seedlings. I wrapped the boxes with black foil so that a small amount of soil in them warms up faster.
The optimal size for such an idea is 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.5 m.
The tree was treated with a special compound against rotting and the appearance of fungus, the outside was painted with dark paint in one layer. He laid a film inside and made a small hole for water to drain so that moisture does not stagnate at the roots.
I made legs at the bottom to improve aeration.
I planted 2 plants in each box so that there was enough space, air and light.
Watering was carried out as soon as the lower leaves slightly wilted. Periodically fed with potassium humate and herbal infusions. Periodically carried out treatments for late blight.
The top layer was mulched with a layer of straw, as moisture quickly evaporated.
After a while, I enjoyed a delicious, juicy harvest.
In pots
For this method, I use 20L containers. At the bottom I laid a non-woven material that prevents the active growth of weeds. Then I filled it with a suitable soil mixture.
I arranged a double bottom for planting so that there was water in it, and the soil remained moist for as long as possible.
As they grow, I feed the tomatoes every other day with complex fertilizer in liquid form - this way the composition is absorbed faster by the root system.
By autumn, 3 stems 2.5 m high are formed in each pot. Each bush has an excellent harvest with high taste.
Another advantage of using large pots is that the root system does not suffer from overheating. If you take small containers, the roots fill them completely and will be located at the side, in contact with the hot surface.
On the balcony with flowers
When I did not yet have a summer cottage, I actively practiced growing tomatoes in pots with flowers on the balcony.
Preferred compact plants with low height. The varieties came up:
- Betalux;
- Aztec;
- Venus.
Watering was carried out every day, I used only soft, well-settled water. I used complex fertilizers.
For planting, I used ready-made soil mixture purchased at the store. I added only one part of vermicompost to make the soil more fertile.
Tomatoes got along in the same pot with flowers such as:
- lobelia;
- petunia;
- seaside cineraria.
With constant care and supervision, the plants coexisted perfectly and did not oppress each other.
So, in order to enjoy the taste of juicy and sweet tomatoes, it is not at all necessary to plant a plantation in a greenhouse. The culture is not capricious, suitable for growing in small pots, tubs, containers, and even for balcony planting with flowers. The main thing is to water on time, to feed the necessary amount of nutrients, to protect the root system from overheating.
Read also: Let's figure out whether it is worth leaving the polycarbonate greenhouse open in winter or not.
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