Tomato Growing Tips: For Happy and Healthy Plants

Growing tomatoes can be a very enjoyable experience, whether you have a small garden or a few pots on your balcony. With the right practices, you can enjoy delicious, juicy tomatoes all summer long and boost your home's sustainability. Below, we share useful and practical tips to keep your plants healthy and productive.

🌞 1. We Choose the Ideal Location

Tomatoes love the sun. Ideally, our plants should receive 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If we grow on a balcony or patio, we make sure to place the pots in a spot with direct sun exposure.

🌿 2. We Use Quality Substrate

A rich, well-drained soil is the key. Choose organic potting soil enriched with compost or fertilizer. A mixture with perlite or vermiculite helps with proper drainage and oxygenation of the roots.

💧 3. Be careful with watering

Proper watering is vital. We water our plants regularly, especially during the hot months, but without overdoing it. The soil should be moist but not muddy. We prefer watering early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

🌸 4. Pruning and Support

To enhance growth and fruiting, we remove the side shoots that grow in the leaf axils. We use canes or spiral supports to keep the plants upright and prevent the fruits from touching the ground.

🐛 5. Protection from Diseases and Insects

Tomatoes are susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew and phytophthora. We regularly observe the leaves and remove any that show signs of disease. We use natural insect repellents, such as garlic extract or soapy water, to keep aphids and other harmful insects away.

🌱 6. Fertilization with Natural Materials

Tomatoes love nutrition. We apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, preferring natural solutions such as compost, manure or liquid seaweed extracts. Proper fertilization enhances the taste and yield of our fruits.

🧺 7. Harvest at the Right Time

We harvest our tomatoes when they have acquired a bright color and are slightly soft to the touch. If they over-ripen on the plant, there is a risk of them bursting or attracting insects.

✨ Bonus Tip: Companion Planting

We plant basil, marigolds or garlic near tomatoes. These plants act as natural insect repellents and enhance the flavor and growth of our tomatoes.

📌 Conclusion

Growing tomatoes does not require specialized knowledge, but a love of nature and passion. With these simple but effective tips, we can create a small but productive vegetable garden at home.

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