Tomatoes have the reputation of being rather easy plants to grow, but they can also be quite slow-growing at times. However, there are several tasks you can do that will help speed them up. These simple, but vital, tasks will have your tomatoes speeding their growth in no time.
These tasks, shared by gardening experts at gardeners.com, can help counter the temperamental weather that comes with the British springtime. They’ve shared just five simple things you can do that will ensure you are the first one in your neighbourhood to welcome ripe tomatoes.
Warm up the soil
Warm soil is the perfect condition for tomato plants, while chilly soil will only slow their growth. The experts suggest warming up your soil by pulling back any mulch in the spring. You can also place a clear plastic sheet over the soil for this.
They add: “The soil in raised beds drains and warms up faster than in-ground garden soil — raised beds and containers are ideal for heat-loving tomatoes!”
Harden off plants
To acclimate to outdoor conditions, you will need to harden off your tomato plants.
The pros advise that about a week before you plan to plant them outside, you should place them in a protected and shady outdoor area for a few hours, bringing them in at night.
Protect young plants from wind and chill
Low temperatures can dramatically slow the growth of tomato plants, while wind can dry them out and even break their stems.
To ensure their growth is not impacted, tomato plants should be planted on the south side of your home, where there will likely be a warmer microclimate.
Wait to apply mulch
The experts suggest keeping the soil around new plants bare for the first month or so, as this will allow the soil to warm up quicker.
They added: “Once summer weather arrives in earnest, you can apply a two-inch layer of straw or shredded bark to help conserve soil moisture.”
Support Plants
The final task is to simply ensure that they are well supported, which you can do by installing sturdy cages, ladders or other supports at planting time to keep plants upright.