Growing tomatoes

Growing tomatoes at home allows households to save money and potentially earn additional income. Families who produce more tomatoes than they need can sell the extras at local markets or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

These programs connect growers directly with people looking for fresh, locally grown produce. In some places, governments or local organizations encourage urban gardening by offering small grants or other forms of support to backyard growers.

For those interested in making the most of their tomato production, choosing unique varieties like heirlooms can make their produce stand out. These types often fetch a higher price because of their flavor and appearance. Besides selling, growing tomatoes also reduces household expenses. Instead of buying tomatoes from the store, families can use their home-grown supply for meals, lowering their grocery bills.

Follow these steps to grow tomatoes:

    • Bury tomato plants deeper, up to a few top leaves. 15 cm (6 inches) is usually a good amount. Plant deep down, or sideways. They can grow roots all along their stems. This builds better roots.
    • Mulch. If in a cold climate, leave mulching to later so the sun can warm the ground. Plastic mulch may be good in early stages, to protect soil and warm it.
    • Remove bottom leaves. Once they reach about a meter (3') tall, remove leaves from the bottom 30 cm (1') of stem. These leaves more easily develop fungus problems, which can then spread upwards. Spraying weekly with compost tea may also help.
    • Pinch and prune. Shoots that develop in the joint of two branches won't bear fruit and will take nutrients away from the parts that are fruiting. Pinch and remove these. Don't prune the rest of the plant very much, but thin any leaves that are shading fruit that is ripening.
    • Water deeply and regularly while plants are developing. Irregular watering leads to blossom end rot and cracking.
    • Ease off the watering as fruit begins to ripen. This will encourage the plant to concentrate its sugars. Keep watering, just not as much - don't let them wilt.
    • Some varieties ("indeterminate type" tomatoes) will set set fruit earlier if you pinch off the tips of the main stems in early summer.

Consuming grid power during off-peak hours

Tomato growers can use electricity during off-peak hours to reduce the cost of running tools like grow lights or irrigation systems. Setting up timers for these tools ensures they only run when energy rates are lower. This not only saves money but also helps the grid by avoiding high-demand times.

See also

This article is issued from Appropedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.