How to Look After Tomato Plants
Tomatoes are a fantastic crop to grow, but need a little care and attention, these plants may be more demanding than some others but the results are worth it.
Step 1
Keep your tomato plants tied in to supports to prevent them collapsing under the weight of their fruit. Pinch out the side shoots of cordon (single stem) tomatoes. Bush tomatoes can be left to grow with abandon and may tumble or may need staking.
Step 2
Don’t scrimp on the food. You’ve invested time and money into your plants; they need the right nutrients to go the whole mile. Tomato Food is called tomato food for a reason; it’s specially formulated to feed tomatoes. Tomatoes have exacting needs and are susceptible to nutrient deficiencies; a good tomato food will contain essential trace elements and everything else your plants need. Use Gro-Sure Super Enriched Tomato Food to give your plants the boost they need.
Step 3
Keep your watering consistent and don’t let the roots dry out completely. Irregular watering can lead to split fruits and other problems
Step 4
Tomato flowers need to be pollinated to form the fruit. If your plants are in a greenhouse you need to provide access (and escape) for pollinating insects. You can also hand pollinate the flowers if insect access is restricted, but insects do a much better job.
Step 5
Keep a watch for greenhouse pests such as red spider mite, white fly and tomato moths. Low levels should not pose a problem. If you choose to spray, then ensure that the product is suitable for edible crops and observe the harvest interval, use Plant Rescue Ready to Use Fruit & Vegetable Bug Killer. Companion planting is another good way of controlling bugs, try growing marigolds alongside your tomato plants.
Step 6
Remove the lower leaves carefully when the plants are mature to let the light (and air) around the lower fruits. Don’t overdo it; the plant needs some leaves to thrive. Remove any that are yellowing or starting to die back too. If ripening is slow, hang a banana skin near the fruit to speed the process.
