Tomatoes have become one of the main vegetable crops in many parts of the word, and global production is estimated at around 60 millions MT per year.
Seed is normally planted in nurseries, indoors in temperature climates, and transplanted some 4-6 weeks later when the plants are 15-20 cm tall.
Direct seeding is the most common planting method for processing tomatoes, but use of transplant has increased dramatically in the past decade.
Considering the cost do the transplant and getting them into the field, stand establishment costs are higher than for direct seeding.
Soils should be fertile and both composed and manure are highly beneficial. Lighter soils usually signify shorter and fruiting periods than heavier, more retentive soils. Optimum pH is about 6-7.
Tomatoes plant need at least 2 feet apart – plants are too close produce few fruit.
Tomatoes require a lot of nutrients; it is recommended adding 2.3 – 2.7 kg of compost for very square foot of garden space.
Tomatoes also need sun, and they will need to receive 7 hours of sunlight each day.
Traditionally tomatoes plants are supported either side on a stake or on a trellis with the plants trained to grow into the support by removing some of the branches. Pruning the tomatoes plants can increase fruit size of improve yield.
Tomatoes are not particularly labor intensive, but they need a lot of regular attention. As plant mature remove old, tatty leaves towards the bottom of the plant when they turn yellow. Also, to cut odd leaves and to let light penetrate through and reach developing fruit trusses.
Harvesting begins about 70 -90 days after transplanting. Harvest tomatoes no sooner than when the bottom of the fruit begins to run pick.
Fruits set well on theory own. Leaves fruits on the plants until they are fully ripe and then pick them by snapping the bend in the old flower stalk, so that the fruit comes off easily with calyx attached.
Fruits picked fully ripe have a better flavor.
Cultivation of Tomatoes
