Tag: tomatoes

Growing tomatoes is one of the most rewarding garden projects, delivering fresh flavor impossible to buy at stores. From determinate varieties perfect for containers to indeterminate types that produce all season, success with tomatoes requires understanding their needs for sun, support, water, and nutrients. Our tomato growing guides cover variety selection, proper planting techniques, staking and pruning methods, and managing common problems like blossom end rot and early blight. Learn about fertilizing schedules, watering strategies, and succession planting for continuous harvests. Whether you’re growing cherry tomatoes in pots or beefsteak varieties in raised beds, we’ll help you produce abundant, delicious tomatoes.

  • Best Fertilizer for Tomatoes: Complete 2026 Guide

    Best Fertilizer for Tomatoes: Complete 2026 Guide

    Nothing ruins a gardener’s summer faster than yellowing tomato plants and a disappointing harvest. You’ve done everything right—started seeds indoors, hardened off your transplants, picked the perfect sunny spot—but your tomatoes still look anemic. The culprit? Almost always, it’s fertilizer (or the lack thereof).

    Here’s the truth most beginner gardeners learn the hard way: tomatoes are hungry plants. Really hungry. They need specific nutrients at specific times, and getting this wrong means the difference between a handful of small, bland fruits and bushels of juicy, flavorful tomatoes that make your neighbors jealous.

    In this complete guide, we’ll break down exactly what fertilizer tomatoes need, when to apply it, and which products actually deliver results. Whether you’re growing heirlooms in raised beds or determinate varieties in containers, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to feed your tomato plants for maximum yield.

    Why Tomatoes Need Special Fertilizer

    Tomatoes aren’t like lettuce or herbs that can get by on mediocre soil. These plants are what horticulturists call “heavy feeders”—they extract massive amounts of nutrients from the soil throughout their growing season.

    Think about what a tomato plant actually does: it grows from a small transplant into a 6-foot vine, produces dozens of flowers, and converts those flowers into pounds of fruit—all in about 90 days. That kind of explosive growth requires serious fuel.

    Here’s what makes tomatoes particularly demanding:

    • Long growing season: Unlike quick crops like radishes, tomatoes occupy soil for 3-4 months, depleting nutrients continuously
    • Fruit production: Each tomato contains nutrients the plant pulled from the soil—more fruit means more nutrient demand
    • Continuous harvest: Indeterminate varieties keep producing until frost, requiring sustained feeding
    • Calcium requirements: Tomatoes need consistent calcium to prevent blossom end rot, a common frustration

    Generic “all-purpose” fertilizers often fall short because they don’t account for tomatoes’ shifting nutritional needs throughout the season. A fertilizer that’s perfect for leafy growth early on can actually hurt fruit production later.

    Understanding NPK for Tomatoes

    Every fertilizer bag displays three numbers—like 10-10-10 or 3-4-6—called the NPK ratio. Understanding these numbers is the key to feeding tomatoes correctly.

    What NPK Means

    • N (Nitrogen): Drives leafy, vegetative growth. Essential early in the season when plants are establishing themselves.
    • P (Phosphorus): Supports root development and flower/fruit production. Critical once plants start blooming.
    • K (Potassium): Strengthens overall plant health, disease resistance, and fruit quality. Important throughout the season.

    The Ideal NPK Ratio for Tomatoes

    Here’s where many gardeners go wrong: tomatoes need different NPK ratios at different growth stages.

    Early season (transplant to first flowers): A balanced or slightly nitrogen-heavy fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or 5-5-5) supports strong stem and leaf development. You want robust plants before they start fruiting.

    Flowering and fruiting: Switch to a lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus formula (like 5-10-10 or 3-4-6). Too much nitrogen now produces beautiful foliage but fewer tomatoes. Phosphorus and potassium drive fruit production.

    This two-phase approach is why dedicated tomato fertilizers outperform generic options—they’re already formulated with the right balance for fruiting plants.

    Beyond NPK: Secondary Nutrients

    The best tomato fertilizers also include:

    • Calcium: Prevents blossom end rot (that black, sunken spot on the bottom of tomatoes)
    • Magnesium: Essential for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis
    • Sulfur: Contributes to disease resistance and flavor development

    When comparing products, check for these secondary nutrients—they make a real difference in plant health and fruit quality.

    Best Organic Fertilizers for Tomatoes

    Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly as soil microbes break them down, providing steady nutrition without the risk of burning plants. They also improve soil structure over time. Here are the top organic options for tomato growers:

    1. FoxFarm Liquid Nutrient Trio

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    FoxFarm’s trio system (Grow Big, Big Bloom, and Tiger Bloom) is the gold standard for serious tomato growers. The three-bottle system lets you adjust nutrition as plants mature—Grow Big for vegetative growth, then transitioning to Tiger Bloom and Big Bloom during flowering and fruiting.

    Why it works: The liquid format provides quick nutrient uptake, while the organic ingredients support beneficial soil biology. It’s particularly effective for container tomatoes where soil nutrients deplete quickly.

    Best for: Container gardening, hydroponic setups, and gardeners who want precise control over nutrition at each growth stage.

    2. Espoma Tomato-tone

    Tomato-tone is a granular organic fertilizer with a 3-4-6 NPK ratio—ideal for fruiting tomatoes. It contains 15 essential nutrients plus beneficial microbes that enhance nutrient uptake.

    Why it works: The slow-release formula feeds plants for weeks, reducing the frequency of applications. The added calcium helps prevent blossom end rot without separate supplements.

    Best for: In-ground tomatoes and gardeners who prefer a “set and forget” approach to fertilizing.

    3. Dr. Earth Organic Tomato Fertilizer

    Dr. Earth combines fish bone meal, feather meal, and kelp with their proprietary blend of beneficial soil microbes. The 4-6-3 formula emphasizes phosphorus for abundant flowering.

    Why it works: The diverse organic ingredients create a complex nutrient profile that mimics rich, natural soil. The probiotics help plants access nutrients more efficiently.

    Best for: Gardeners focused on building long-term soil health alongside immediate plant nutrition.

    4. Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer

    This liquid concentrate combines fish hydrolysate with seaweed extract for a nutrient-dense organic option. The 2-3-1 NPK is supplemented by over 60 trace minerals from kelp.

    Why it works: The seaweed component provides natural growth hormones and stress-resistance compounds. Plants fed with fish-seaweed fertilizers often show improved disease resistance.

    Best for: Gardeners dealing with stressed plants, poor soil, or those wanting to boost overall plant vitality.

    Best Synthetic Fertilizers for Tomatoes

    Synthetic (chemical) fertilizers deliver nutrients in immediately plant-available forms. They work faster than organics and allow precise control over exactly what your plants receive. Here are the top synthetic options:

    1. Miracle-Gro Tomato Plant Food

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    The classic choice for millions of gardeners. Miracle-Gro’s tomato formula (18-18-21) delivers high concentrations of all three macronutrients plus calcium and micronutrients. It’s water-soluble for quick uptake.

    Why it works: Immediate availability means you’ll see results within days, not weeks. The balanced-but-potassium-heavy ratio supports both growth and fruiting.

    Best for: Gardeners who want fast, visible results and don’t mind frequent (every 1-2 weeks) applications.

    2. Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food

    Osmocote’s coated granules release nutrients gradually over 4-6 months based on soil temperature and moisture. One application can last the entire growing season.

    Why it works: The controlled-release technology prevents nutrient burn and eliminates the need for repeated applications. It’s nearly impossible to over-fertilize with Osmocote.

    Best for: Busy gardeners, container tomatoes, and anyone who tends to forget regular feeding schedules.

    3. Jobe’s Tomato Fertilizer Spikes

    Pre-measured fertilizer spikes that you push into the soil around your plants. The 6-18-6 formula is heavily weighted toward phosphorus for maximum fruit production.

    Why it works: Zero measuring, zero mixing, zero mess. Push them in every 8 weeks and you’re done. The nutrients release directly into the root zone where plants need them.

    Best for: Absolute beginners, gardeners with just a few plants, or anyone who wants the simplest possible fertilizing routine.

    4. Jack’s Classic Tomato Feed

    A professional-grade water-soluble fertilizer with a 12-15-30 ratio. The extremely high potassium content promotes exceptional fruit quality and flavor development.

    Why it works: Originally developed for commercial greenhouse production, Jack’s delivers professional results. The high potassium drives sugar production in fruits, resulting in better-tasting tomatoes.

    Best for: Experienced gardeners focused on fruit quality, greenhouse growers, and those with demanding indeterminate varieties.

    When to Fertilize Tomatoes: Timing by Growth Stage

    Proper timing is just as important as choosing the right fertilizer. Here’s a stage-by-stage breakdown:

    At Transplanting

    Mix a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost into the planting hole. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers right at transplant—they can burn tender roots and push top growth before roots establish.

    Pro tip: Add a handful of crusite or eggshells to the planting hole for extra calcium.

    Two Weeks After Transplanting

    Once plants show new growth (indicating root establishment), begin regular feeding. Start with a balanced fertilizer to support continued vegetative growth.

    When Flowers Appear

    This is the critical transition point. Switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus/potassium fertilizer. Continuing heavy nitrogen feeding now results in massive plants with few fruits.

    During Fruit Development

    Maintain consistent feeding every 2-3 weeks with your flowering/fruiting formula. This is when plants need the most nutrition—they’re simultaneously growing, flowering, and ripening fruit.

    Late Season

    For indeterminate varieties, continue feeding until 4 weeks before expected first frost. For determinates, you can reduce or stop fertilizing once most fruits have set, as the plant’s job is essentially done.

    How to Apply Tomato Fertilizer

    Application method matters as much as the product you choose. Here’s how to get the most from your fertilizer:

    Granular Fertilizers

    • Sprinkle around the drip line (edge of the leaf canopy), not against the stem
    • Scratch lightly into the top inch of soil
    • Water thoroughly after application
    • Reapply every 4-6 weeks depending on product

    Liquid Fertilizers

    • Dilute according to package directions (more is NOT better)
    • Apply to moist soil—never fertilize dry plants
    • Water at the base, avoiding leaves to prevent burn
    • Apply every 1-2 weeks during active growth

    Foliar Feeding

    Some liquid fertilizers can be sprayed directly on leaves for rapid absorption. This works well for addressing specific deficiencies quickly but shouldn’t replace soil feeding.

    • Spray early morning or evening (never in hot sun)
    • Use diluted solutions—half strength or less
    • Cover both tops and undersides of leaves

    Container Tomatoes: Special Considerations

    Container-grown tomatoes need more frequent fertilizing because:

    • Limited soil volume means limited nutrient reserves
    • Frequent watering flushes nutrients out the drainage holes
    • Roots can’t spread to find additional nutrients

    Plan to fertilize containers at half-strength twice as often, or use slow-release granules to maintain consistent nutrition.

    Signs of Over-Fertilization and Under-Fertilization

    Learning to read your plants helps you adjust your feeding program in real time.

    Signs You’re Under-Fertilizing

    • Yellowing lower leaves: Nitrogen deficiency—older leaves yellow while new growth stays green
    • Purple-tinged leaves/stems: Phosphorus deficiency, especially in cool weather
    • Brown leaf edges: Potassium deficiency, often called “leaf scorch”
    • Stunted growth: General nutrient deficiency across the board
    • Poor fruit set: Flowers drop without forming fruit, often from phosphorus shortage
    • Blossom end rot: Calcium deficiency (though inconsistent watering also contributes)

    Signs You’re Over-Fertilizing

    • Lush, dark green foliage but few flowers: Too much nitrogen—plants put energy into leaves instead of fruit
    • Leaf tip burn: Brown, crispy leaf tips indicate fertilizer salt buildup
    • White crust on soil surface: Visible salt accumulation from excess fertilizer
    • Wilting despite moist soil: Root damage from fertilizer burn
    • Blossom drop: Excessive nitrogen can cause flowers to abort

    Recovery tip: If you’ve over-fertilized, flush the soil with plain water (several times the container volume for potted plants). Skip the next 1-2 scheduled feedings to let plants recover.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use regular fertilizer on tomatoes?

    You can, but you’ll get better results with tomato-specific fertilizers. General-purpose fertilizers like 10-10-10 work during early growth, but they often have too much nitrogen for the fruiting stage. Tomato fertilizers are formulated with the right nutrient ratios and usually include calcium to prevent blossom end rot.

    How often should I fertilize tomatoes?

    It depends on the fertilizer type. Liquid fertilizers typically need application every 1-2 weeks. Granular fertilizers last 4-6 weeks. Slow-release formulas like Osmocote may only need one application per season. Container tomatoes generally need more frequent feeding than in-ground plants.

    Is organic or synthetic fertilizer better for tomatoes?

    Both can produce excellent results. Organic fertilizers improve soil health over time, release nutrients more slowly (reducing burn risk), and support beneficial soil organisms. Synthetic fertilizers work faster, offer precise nutrient control, and cost less per application. Many successful gardeners use both—organics as a base with synthetic supplements when plants need a quick boost.

    Should I fertilize tomatoes when it’s hot?

    Apply fertilizer in the morning or evening, not during peak heat. Water before and after granular applications. Avoid foliar feeding when temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C)—the combination of fertilizer and heat stress can damage leaves. During extreme heat waves, plants may benefit from reduced fertilizer concentrations since stressed plants can’t efficiently use nutrients.

    What’s the best fertilizer for tomatoes in containers?

    Liquid fertilizers like FoxFarm’s nutrient trio or water-soluble Miracle-Gro work well because they deliver nutrients immediately and you can easily control the concentration. Alternatively, slow-release granules like Osmocote provide steady nutrition without the need for frequent applications. The key is fertilizing more often than in-ground plants since containers lose nutrients through drainage.

    Final Thoughts: Feed Your Tomatoes Right

    Growing amazing tomatoes isn’t complicated once you understand their nutritional needs. Start with a quality fertilizer, time your applications to match growth stages, and pay attention to what your plants tell you.

    Remember the key principles:

    • Balanced fertilizer early, low-nitrogen/high-phosphorus once flowering begins
    • Consistent feeding beats heavy occasional doses
    • Include calcium to prevent blossom end rot
    • Container plants need more frequent feeding than in-ground tomatoes
    • Watch your plants and adjust based on what you see

    Whether you choose organic options like FoxFarm and Espoma or synthetic choices like Miracle-Gro and Osmocote, the most important thing is consistency. Feed your tomatoes regularly throughout the season, and they’ll reward you with a harvest worth bragging about.

    Now get out there and grow some incredible tomatoes!

  • Aphids on Tomato Plants: How to Naturally Get Rid of Them

    Aphids on Tomato Plants: How to Naturally Get Rid of Them

    If you have ever grown tomatoes in your garden, you will know that tomatoes are very susceptible to aphid infestations. These little critters can cause incredible damage to your crop if you do not take care of them early. In this article, we will be talking about aphids on tomato plants: How to naturally get rid of them.

    If you have kept tomatoes for long enough, there’s a high likelihood of finding aphids on the plants. Aphids are common, even in an organic garden. They can quickly take over the garden and can be frustrating to deal with. If you are faced with this problem, do not despair. We have a lot of tips, tricks, and control methods that we will give to you.

    What Are Aphids?

    Aphids are small pests that belong to the family Aphididae. Worldwide, there are more than 4000 species of aphids. They occur mostly in moderate and warm climates.

    Aphids have tiny bodies that are soft and pear-shaped. A lot of them are similar in size, which is about an eighth of an inch; aphids vary in size. They come in different colors. Depending on the type, they can be pale green, or black aphids on tomato plants, red, yellow, or white aphids on tomato plants.

    They usually occur in clusters at the base of leaves and stems of plants. They then bite into these plant parts and suck out the liquids inside.

    Tomato plants usually get infested with potato aphids. This type is usually red aphids on tomato plants. Tomatoes can also get infested with peach aphids, which appear as green bugs on tomato plants.

    Early in the spring, aphids migrate to tomato fields from hosts in the wild, and then they establish their colonies on the plants. Aphids have a very high rate of reproduction. A single aphid can easily lay up to a maximum of 100 eggs in its lifetime. Because of this, colonies of aphids increase very quickly in population.

    Aphids in small populations are not a very big problem, however, if they are left untreated, they can completely destroy your crop.

    Symptoms of Aphid Infested Tomatoes

    Once aphids are present in high numbers in an area, they develop wings that help them spread to form colonies in other areas with susceptible plants, such as a tomato garden. They may be hard to spot if you are not paying attention to them. There are some symptoms that you can look out for.

    Because aphides like to colonize the bottom parts of leaves, they can easily suck up the sap from the leaves unnoticed. This will cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. New growth on the plant may have become stunted growth. The result of this is that the tomato yields will be reduced and the fruits may become deformed.

    Stunted leaves with a deformed appearance or curled edges are a clear sign of aphid damage on tomato leaves. When these pests suck the sap and nutrients from the leaves and stems of the plant, the leaves will not grow properly.

    Aphids produce honeydew, a clear and sticky substance that coats the areas that the aphids have been on. Because honeydew is sugary, it attracts ants. If you notice populations of ants on your tomatoes, it could be a sign that you have an aphid infestation.

    If the leaves and/or stems of your tomato plants appear black, it could be another sign that aphids have been infested. The honeydew produced by aphids can be a haven for sooty mold which paints the plant black.

    Other symptoms of aphid-infested tomatoes include the wilting of plant stems from the loss of sap by the aphids feeding on them.

    Although aphids are noticeable to the naked eye, it’s a fact that they can still be very small and difficult to see. The signs and symptoms listed above can help you identify when your tomato plants have been infested so that you can take care of the issue before it becomes a big problem.

    Do Aphids Like Tomato Plants?

    Tomatoes are great at attracting aphids into gardens. They especially enjoy sucking the sap from young plant leaves and fruits.

    While aphids are generally attracted to tomatoes, they are not going to cause any damage if they are in small populations. But as soon as the infestation increases and takes over, the destruction of the plant tissues will begin and can eventually kill the plants.

    In cases where aphids do not kill the plant, they can stunt the growth of plants. This would be a better scenario for the outcome of an infestation. Usually, an aphid infestation kills the plants by overfeeding the sap and transmitting diseases. Aphids feed on the plant sap by sucking it out with their piercing and sucking mouthparts.

    Tomatoes are quite resilient to large numbers of aphids without suffering much damage. In severe cases, however, symptoms of damage such as leaf curling and stunted plant growth may be observed. The reduced leaf area will expose the fruit to sun scald, which will ultimately reduce yield.

    Aphids are vectors of certain plant viruses. This means that even if they are not in high enough populations to damage the plants by overfeeding on the sap, they can transport certain viruses that may cause damage or even kill the plants. It is therefore best to take care of an aphid problem because it causes irreversible damage.

    How to Get Rid of Aphids on Tomato Plants

    Fortunately, there are numerous options you can choose from to get rid of aphids on your tomato plants. There are biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods you can use. But if you want to be safe and not introduce any potential threats to your crop, it is best to stick to natural options and biological methods such as;

    Manual removal

    If you spot aphids on your tomato plants while they are still only a few, you can simply pick them and put them in a bucket filled with soapy water to kill them. Check the undersides of tomato leaves to make sure that you get all the pests off.

    After the first time picking off the aphids, repeat the inspection daily for a few days to check whether or not you may need to take further steps to get rid of them.

    Water spray

    A water spray with a garden hose is another great way of getting rid of aphids. Use a sharp but gentle blast of water to knock them off the tomato leaves and stems. This will surely decrease the aphid populations. Check every few days again to determine whether you need to repeat the process.

    Be careful when using a water hose as it may also knock off beneficial insects from your plants, and may break the branches of the plant, especially the young ones.

    Bug repellent

    Instead of buying store-brand bug repellents, you can use garlic, rosemary, peppermint, water, and dish soap to make your own at home. These are all-natural ingredients and will safely get rid of aphids from your tomatoes, as they are gentle.

    This mix does not kill the bugs, but what smells will mask the scent of the tomato as the host plant so they will not be able to locate it.

    get rid of aphids on tomato plants

    Water and dish soap

    A mixture of water and dish soap will also work fine to repel aphids from your tomato plants. Mix a few teaspoons of liquid dish soap with one quart of water. Simply spray this mixture on the plant leaves and it will kill the bugs by suffocating them.

    Introduce predatory insects

    The introduction of predatory insects into a garden that aphids have infested is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of or control them. Many people introduce insects such as ladybugs and lacewings into their gardens.

    Birds such as hummingbirds are another great predator of aphids as they love to snack on them. Invite birds into your garden by strategically placing bird feeders in various places and they will help you out a lot.

    Diatomaceous earth

    Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from fossilized algae that are rich in silica. It can be deadly to aphids. The edges of the DE grains cut into the soft bodies of aphids, causing them to dry up and die.

    Sprinkle some DE onto both the soil and your tomato plants to kill aphids. Be careful to select food-grade DE when your purchase it from the store. It is safe for humans and can be used on plants, unlike filter-grade DE which is not. Only apply DE early in the morning or later in the evening when the dew has dried, as it does not work when wet.

    Neem oil

    Neem oil is a natural bug repellent that is useful against many different types of bugs and insects. It works similarly to insecticidal soap, that is by suffocating the aphids when sprayed on them. It also works systemically by interfering with the hormone receptors in the insects, hence it is referred to as a broad-spectrum insecticide.

    Alcohol sprays

    Rubbing alcohol is an easily available, affordable, and simple solution to aphid infestations. Mix equal parts water and alcohol in a sprayer bottle, add a teaspoon of soap to make the mixture more effective, and spray it on your infested plants.

    Humus

    Adding humus as a soil amendment around your tomato plants will control infestations, as aphids do not like it.

    Pruning

    If you notice that only certain leaves of the tomat0 plant are heavily infested, and perhaps have started showing signs of damage, pruning them off may be the best way to get rid of the clusters of aphids and will stop them from breeding.

    In summary, natural options such as rubbing alcohol and neem oil are great products to use for treating aphid infestations on tomato plants. If these are unavailable to you, mix a few teaspoons of liquid dish soap with one quart of water. Always make sure to check the undersides of tomato leaves to get rid of aphids efficiently.

    How to Prevent Aphids on Tomatoes

    As you probably know, prevention is better than cure. Instead of waiting until you get an infestation to deal with, there are certain proactive steps you can take to prevent or minimize the risk of getting an aphid infestation on your tomatoes;

    Healthy soil and healthy plants

    Insects and other pests prey on weak plants that are growing on low-quality or degraded soil. The best way to avoid this is to build up healthy soil in your garden by mulching or adding organic matter so that there is a constant availability of nutrients to your plants.

    Companion planting

    Planting fragrant flowers and herbs alongside tomatoes can help control pests. Plants such as marigolds and basil are great insect and pest repellents that can ask the scent of tomatoes, hiding and protecting them from aphids.

    Sticky traps

    Aphids are attracted to bright colors such as yellow. You can purchase yellow sticky boards and place them around your tomatoes. The aphids will get attracted to them and will get trapped before they get to the plants.

    Attract more aphid predators

    Aphids have natural predators such as lady beetles, syrphid flies, and lacewings. If you can find a way to grow these insects in your garden, they will do a great job of helping you out with pest control.

    Setting up birdhouses and feeders in the garden before there is any noticeable infestation may be a great idea t keep it at bay.

    Row covers

    Place row covers over your tomato plants immediately after planting them. This will help to protect them from extreme weather conditions and changes that could potentially hurt the growth and health of their plants, making them susceptible to opportunistic pests.

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    Conclusion – Aphids on Tomato Plants

    Aphids can cause great destruction to tomato plants if left unchecked. It is therefore best to tackle them as soon as you notice them in your garden before they cause devastating that they are very well capable of in large populations. Another great way to deal with a possible infestation is by being proactive and placing systems and measures in place that will prevent infestations from taking place.

    Use the tips and tricks provided in this article to get rid of aphid infestation problems in your tomato plants so you can get a good harvest.

    Happy growing!

  • Tomatoes Not Turning Red? 14 Tips for Ripening Tomatoes

    Tomatoes Not Turning Red? 14 Tips for Ripening Tomatoes

    Are your tomatoes not turning red despite being big enough to be ripe and have been in the ground for long enough? This is a common frustration that many tomato gardeners face. Do not despair, there are ways to diagnose this problem and solutions to it. In this article, we will give you 14 tips for ripening tomatoes.

    Tomatoes are some of the most common and versatile vegetables that are used in every household. Fresh garden tomatoes are some of the best and freshest you can ever taste. So it can be discouraging when your tomatoes don’t ripen when you expect them to. Keep reading this article to learn all about tomatoes not turning red.

    Tomatoes

    Tomatoes are described as edible berries of the plant Solanum lycopersicum, which is commonly referred to as the tomato. The tomato plant originates from South America, Mexico, and Central America.

    Many different types and varieties of tomatoes are used for different purposes, such as cooking, salads, pickling, etc.

    Indeterminate tomato plant varieties are perennials in their natural habitat, however, they can be cultivated as annuals. Depending on the cultivar, plants can grow up to 1/2-4 inches in width.

    Tomatoes can come in different colors too, with most of them turning red when ripe. As a result, it can be quite frustrating when tomatoes don’t turn red when you expect them to.

    Why Are My Tomatoes Not Turning Red?

    There are different reasons why tomatoes are not turning red.

    The first and most obvious reason is that they may not be ripe yet. Tomatoes have a long growing season. Depending on the variety, they may take anywhere between 60 to more than 100 days from the day they are transplanted to when they are ready for harvest. If you are not sure what the exact timeframe for the ripening of your plants is, check the packaging, as this information is usually provided.

    Another reason is that some tomatoes are just not red when ripe, so they can not be expected to turn red even when they are ready for harvesting. Some tomatoes have unique colors. Examples of these include;

    • Sungold cherry, garden peach, and Persimmon, which are yellow when ripe
    • Black krim, which is a beautiful black color
    • Green zebra, which is a modern heirloom tomato that is known for its lime green color.

    While these tomatoes have unusual colors, they are great to grow if you want to try something different.

    As tomatoes mature in the summer, they can become big and overgrown. When it happens, the plants direct most of their energy toward producing more leaves and flowers, instead of ripening the tomatoes.

    The number one cause of tomatoes not turning red when the time is right is temperature. Regular tomatoes will not turn red if the temperatures for their ripening are off. Temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit are too high, and anything below 50 degrees Fahrenheit is too low. The bigger risk of the two, however, is the high temperatures that can often occur during a heatwave.

    Outside the temperature range of 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit, the tomato plant is unable to produce enough carotene and lycopene that cause the color change for the ripening process. The best temperature for tomato ripening is 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Although tomatoes love heat, too much of it can be bad. Extended periods of heat stress can cause plants to stop developing and this may prevent the tomatoes not to turn red. Too much cold temperatures stop the production of the carotene that is needed for the ripening of the tomato. This usually happens at the end of the growing season.

    Excessive watering and feeding of the plants can also be bad. If tomato plants are provided with more nutrients than they need, it can cause them to direct their energy towards producing new growth instead of ripening the fruit.

    When Do Tomatoes Turn Red?

    Tomatoes have a long growing season. To be a tomato gardener, you must have a lot of patience. Tomatoes will turn red when ripe, provided all their growing and ripening conditions are being met. If you are unsure when exactly this time should be for the particular variety of tomatoes in your garden, check the packaging that the seeds or seedlings came in. The growth period of the tomatoes should be given there. If you do not have access to the packaging, a quick Google search might be helpful to estimate the approximate time you should expect your tomatoes to ripen.

    Generally, most tomatoes take between 60 to just over 100 days to ripen. This is between the day they are transplanted into the soil and the day they are ready to harvest.  The speed with which they ripen will depend on variety, environmental conditions, and the size of the tomato fruit. For example, cherry tomatoes ripen faster than larger tomatoes.

    To get them to ripen at the right time, you have to plant them in the soil at the right time. The best time to do so is to start the seeds about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.

    Keep in mind that not all tomatoes will turn red. Some tomatoes are yellow, orange, purple, or even green when ripe. Know what the variety of the tomatoes you are planting is, so that you know what they should look like when they are ripe.

    What to Do When Your Tomatoes Are Not Ripening

    Both larger and small tomatoes such as cherry tomatoes not turning red can be due to various reasons, as we have already discussed. Here are 14 tips for ripening tomatoes when they won’t ripen.

    1. Stop the plant from growing

    One of the major reasons this happens is the result of overgrown plants. This then causes the plant to divert more energy into producing new plant growth, instead of toward the fruit and seed. One way to deal with this is to stop the plant from inefficiently utilizing energy. Do this by pinching or cutting off the top point of the plant that is growing, so that the plant will not get any bigger.

    Also, cut off any new flowers that have not produced any fruit yet. They will never be able to do so as there is not enough time left in the growing season.

    2. Cut off the outside shoots

    Tomatoes are very strong growing plants and produce a lot of foliage. Even if you keep trimming them, shoots keep reappearing. You should always pinch off or cut off any side shots that develop after the plant has matured. Always keep an eye out for them and remove them as soon as they appear. This will save the plant from using energy for growth, which it should rather direct towards fruit ripening.

    3. Trim back plant foliage

    Like all other plants, tomatoes need light for good growth and health. If there is too much foliage that covers the plant and minimizes the amount of light that it gets, the plant will not grow very strong. Trim off as much of the foliage as you can without damaging the plant. This will enable the plant to get direct sunlight that will warm it up, helping to speed up ripening.

    tomatoes not ripening

    4. Provide heat 

    If you can provide your plants with some form of heat, it will help ripen them. If you can install grow lights that can increase the temperatures even slightly, the ripening process would speed up.

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    5. Move plants to an indoor area

    Tomato plants are great for growing indoors. If your tomatoes were planted in a movable grow bed or pot, moving them indoors where you can control the temperature to make them more suitable for ripening will greatly benefit the plant.

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    6. Cut back on fertilizing

    Excessive fertilizing of tomato plants can do more harm than good. Ideally, tomatoes should only be fertilized about 2-3 times during their entire growth cycle. Do not fertilize the plants when they are close to harvest, and this will cause them to direct energy towards growth and not ripening.

    7. Reduce watering

    Excessive watering can also delay tomato fruit ripening. Reduce the rate of plant watering by only watering when you notice signs of wilting on the plant. This can help to push the plant towards fruit ripening.

    8. Wait for cooler temperatures

    If your tomatoes are not turning red because of high temperatures, you may just have to wait until the weather cools and ripening resumes.

    9. Hang the plant upside down

    Uproot whole plants when tomatoes won’t ripen. Hang the plant upside down in a warm and dry room where it will be protected from extreme temperatures and frost. The fruit can ripen as the plant dies. When trying out this method, try to get some of the soil out with the root.

    10. Put the tomatoes in a bag with a banana

    If you still can’t get your tomatoes to ripen, try this trick of putting them in a bag with a ripe banana. The ripe banana releases ethylene which is a great promoter of tomato fruit ripening. If you choose to try this method, check your tomatoes regularly for any sign of rot. If you notice that any are starting to rot, remove them before they damage the others in the bag.

    11. Put the tomatoes in a bag with a ripe apple

    This method is the same way as the previous method described, just with a different fruit.

    12. Pick individual tomatoes to ripen

    You can also pick tomatoes individually to ripen them by placing them on window sills, and they will eventually turn red.

    13. Plant the next crop of tomatoes on time

    As more of a proactive way to ensure that your tomatoes ripen, plant them at the right time so that they have enough time in the growing season to grow and ripen before the temperature gets bad.

    14. Pick the green tomatoes

    If all efforts of ripening your tomatoes fail, you can pick them green. Green tomatoes are great for pickling.

    Can Tomatoes Ripen Off the Plant?

    Normally and ideally, plants should be left on the plant until they ripen, and then they can be picked off, However, some conditions occur that may require you to pick them off the vine and attempt to ripen them indoors. These factors are usually associated with environmental conditions such as temperature and frost.

    You can pick unripe tomatoes and ripen them off the plant, provided that you can give them good ripening conditions as described above.

    Why Are My Tomatoes Not Ripening? – Summary

    Tomatoes are very easy plants to grow, as long as you know the variety and their ideal growing conditions. Key points to remember are that tomatoes won’t turn red if it’s too hot (above 85°F) or too cold (below 50°F), If your tomatoes do not grow well, they may be stressed and this may affect ripening.   Smaller tomatoes are the result of stressed tomato plants.

    Tomatoes produce carotene and lycopene which will promote ripening at the end of the growing season. Make sure that your plants are provided with good growing conditions so that they can produce enough carotene and lycopene.

    Tomatoes are slow to ripen on the vine because they are overfed, overwatered, overgrown, or the weather is too cold. Adjust your maintenance schedules to get the best out of your plants.

    We hope this article provided you with enough information, tips, and tricks that you will use to ripen your tomatoes that may not be turning red on their own.

    Happy growing!

  • Bone Meal for Tomatoes: Best Uses & How Much?

    Bone Meal for Tomatoes: Best Uses & How Much?

    How much bone meal per tomato plant? This article will help you determine how much bone meal you should give per tomato plant and how to effectively use bone meal for tomatoes. 

    Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require a lot of nutrients. Bone meal is one of the easiest ways to give an extra boost to your tomato’s health and growth. Let’s take a closer look at using bone meal for tomatoes.

    Bone Meal Nutrition Facts

    Bone meal made from animal bones is rich in phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen. It can be used as fertilizer for tomato plants. Both fresh and dried bone meals are available on the market; however, make sure that you buy organic bone meals without any chemical fertilizers or fillers added.

    Fresh bone meal contains a high amount of water (moisture) which can cause problems if not removed before storage. The dried form provides more nutrient content than the fresh form because it has fewer moisture contents; thus, making it easy to store for a long time without spoiling.

    One tablespoon of bone meal provides seven grams of phosphorus and nine grams of calcium, which equals 13% of the recommended daily value (RDA) for phosphorus and 18% RDA for calcium.

    Bone meal supplies important nutrients that help encourage health in plants because it contains both phosphorus and calcium. The ratio between these two minerals can affect how each nutrient contributes to your plants’ overall health. Using too much phosphorus can cause growth problems, especially for seedlings. Excessive phosphorus can stunt a plant’s root growth and interfere with how well a plant absorbs other nutrients.

    Bone meal is an organic fertilizer that contains a high amount of calcium, an essential nutrient for promoting strong cell wall development in new blossoms and fruits. Calcium also helps fruit to mature properly after harvest.

    You should use bone meal as soon as possible after opening the package because the moisture from the soil or environment may cause it to become moldy or change color over time.

    Is Bone Meal Good for Tomatoes?

    Bone meal is good for tomato plants. It contains a high amount of calcium that helps in fruit formation. It contains nitrogen and phosphorus which are required by plants to produce chlorophyll while the growing stage and calcium during the fruiting stage.

    Please note: you can add bone meal directly to the soil without any preparation or cooking process. However, if you want it cooked before adding it to the soil, you can add it to the compost because raw bone meal contains a high amount of ammonia that can burn roots once mixed with soil.

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    How Much Bone Meal Per Tomato Plant?

    How Much Bone Meal for Tomatoes? 

    Now that we know the benefits of this organic fertilizer to tomatoes, how much bone meal per tomato plant?

    Use 3 pounds of fresh or 1 pound of dried bone meals for 100 square feet of garden space. For example, how much bone meal per 10 tomato plants? You will need 1/2 pound of bone meal per tomato plant.

    Can You Add Too Much Bone Meal?

    It is possible to add too much bone meal and hurt your crops. Do not add too much bone meal to the soil because it will cause phytotoxicity in tomato plants. Excess amounts of nitrogen contained in it can damage leaves and slow down fruit formation or growth.

    You should avoid adding more than 0.25% nitrogen level to the soil because even if it contains plenty of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, sulfur, and other nutrients, an excess amount of nitrogen will burn the roots after absorption by the soil.

    Bone Meal for Tomatoes Benefits 

    Ways to use bone meal for tomato plants:

    • To boost the health of tomato plants, you can give it every week during the first couple of months of growth. You can also use it as transplanting fertilizer or seedling fertilizers at half the rate of how much you would give to mature plants later on. Bone meal works well for this purpose because it is rich in phosphorus which helps with root formation and healthier stem structure.
    Bone Meal Tomatoes Benefits
    • Bone meal gives a calcium source that is beneficial for both humans and soil microbes. Calcium accelerates the decomposition speed of dead materials, thus increasing nutrient availability to growing tomatoes faster than compost alone. Organic matter content also improves due to the presence of calcium in bone meal.

    Can You Add Bone Meal After Planting?

    Bone meal can be added after planting tomatoes if it is dry. However, do not add bone meal to the soil until you are ready to transplant seedlings into them because tomato plants cannot grow properly when nitrogen levels are too high. Especially for seeds that have just emerged, adding too much bone meal will result in yellow leaves or stunted growth.

    If you want to use bone meal for tomatoes as fertilizer, it is better to mix organic fertilizers with soil before planting tomatoes.

    Bone meal can be used with other organic fertilizers. For example, blood meal, cottonseed meal, and kelp extracts. This combination will provide essential nutrients needed by growing tomatoes. If bone meal is added directly into the garden or container without mixing with other ingredients first, soil microbes may not be able to absorb them properly which can lead to loss of nutrients in time.

    Bone meal works best when mixed with compost piles because they allow microbes to break down the materials slowly over time.

    You should always water your tomato plants after adding any kind of fertilizers into the soil because soluble nitrogen releases quickly into roots which affects how well it absorbs water. Watering your plants first will allow them to take up the nutrients gradually without getting too much nitrogen.

    Can You Add Bone Meal After Planting

    Using Sugar, Epsom Salt, and Bone Meal for Tomatoes

    You may be wondering how else you can use bone meal for your tomatoes. I’ve found that the use of bone meal, along with sugar and Epsom salt works very well. These three are a good trio because the sugar adds sweetness to your tomatoes, the Epsom salts add both sulfur and magnesium and the bone meal adds phosphorus.

    To plant your tomatoes, you’ll need to make a hole larger than you usually would for your tomatoes. Then you’ll need to add a cup of bone meal and a cup of sugar, along with a reasonable amount of mulch. Mix them and place them in your hole, evenly distributing them in the soil.

    Carefully place your tomato plant into the soil; be sure to bury it reasonably deep. Once planted, add around a cup of Epsom salts on top and mix them into the top of your soil using your hands. Finally, water your tomato plants with a good amount of water – and your tomatoes are ready to go.

    Disadvantages of Bone Meal

    We’ve already looked at the benefits of using bone meal for your tomato plants, but you may be wondering if there are any disadvantages. While there aren’t too many negatives, there are a few that you may want to be aware of. Let’s take a closer look.

    You can only use bone meal in soils below 7 on the pH scale. This may not be ideal. However, a good alternative is rock phosphate, which we’ll be taking a look at later in this article.

    If you’re looking for a quick fix, then this probably isn’t the best choice for you, as it’s a fertilizing choice that releases slowly.

    If used too much, overfertilization can occur. If this happens, problems may arise for your tomato plants such as yellowing leaves. It can also lead to deficiencies in other nutrients, like zinc and iron.

    If not used correctly, the smell can attract unwanted wildlife. However, as long as it’s adequately mixed in, this should not be a problem.

    Bone meal is only a good source of phosphorus, so you’ll need to use other fertilizers too, to ensure your tomato plants are receiving all of the nutrients they need.

    Rock Phosphate vs Bone Meal

    Earlier, we mentioned rock phosphate, which is a great alternative to bone meal, if you’d prefer. However, there are quite a few differences between the two. Let’s take an in-depth look at the two.

    They’re similar in that they both contain phosphorus. However, that is where the similarities start and end. The differences between the two are that for the short supply of phosphorus, bone meal is best, whereas, for a long-term supply, phosphorus is best, as it’s slower.

    Another main difference between the two is the price. Bone meal starts at around $13 per lb, whereas rock phosphate starts at around $30 per lb. So if you’re looking for a more affordable option, it’s best to use bone meal.

    Rock phosphate works best on flowers and other leafy plants, whereas bone meal works best on rooted plants, such as carrots and onions. However, you can choose to use both together, if you’d prefer – and reap the benefits of both.

    Rock Phosphate vs meal bone

    Final Thoughts: Bone Meal for Tomatoes

    Bone meal for tomatoes is beneficial in most cases. Adding too much nitrogen to the soil will hurt plants, although you can add it if your plants are mature enough. You should only use bone meal after preparing the soil with compost or manure and not mix it directly into planting holes.

    It s evident that bone meal provides your tomatoes with plenty of benefits like boosting up the nutrient content of the soil, by adding calcium source which creates healthier stem structure and roots.

    FAQs

    How should you mix bone meals for best results?

    You should not mix it directly with planting holes because adding too much phosphorus can affect how healthy tomatoes grow even if they are combined with other organic fertilizers. Therefore, it is better to prepare compost piles or manure before mixing into the soil or using as transplant fertilizer after seeds have germinated and grown some roots.  

    When should I start fertilizing my tomato plants?

    Bone meal should be added to the soil when the first set of tomatoes starts growing. Wait until your plant is about 6 – 8 inches tall before adding bone meal fertilizer. If you add it too early, it will affect how healthy or how tall they grow. 

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  • Tomatoes High or Low Humidity: How Best to Store

    Tomatoes High or Low Humidity: How Best to Store

    Should you store tomatoes in high or low humidity in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life, or where is the right place to keep them?

    There is no joy like going to the farmers market or the grocery store and shopping for your week or months-long groceries. However, before you spend a ton of money on these expensive fruits and vegetables, be sure you know how to them fresh for the longest.

    Let’s learn the proper humidity of vegetables that will enable us to store our fresh produce in the right place in the refrigerator.

    The Refrigerator

    A refrigerator has many compartments to store different kinds of foods. The two drawers in the bottom of your refrigerator are called crisper drawers, and they preserve your vegetables. If you want your vegetables and fruits to last long, it matters where you put them.

    Most vegetables should go into the high humidity drawer, while most fruits should go into the low humidity.  Of course, there are some exceptions to this, so let’s look into it.

    The Refrigerator

    Some crisper drawers are labeled fruit and vegetable making it easy to know where to keep your supplies. You can adjust the humidity level of the drawer by moving the slider. The high setting allows the slider to close the window and hold more air and moisture inside. At the same time, a low humidity setting allows the slider to open the window, letting in more air out of the drawer.

    So Why Does it Matter: Vegetables Low or High Humidity?

    It matters because of ethylene. Ethylene is a plant hormone available in fruits and vegetables. Lots of fruits and vegetables release this hormone as a sign for fruit vegetables to ripen.

    Not all vegetables respond to Ethylene the same. For susceptible vegetables, this gas makes them get over-ripe and go bad very fast. For example, suppose you trap an ethylene-sensitive vegetable like lettuce inside a high-humidity drawer when it’s closed with an ethylene-producing fruit like an apple; in that case, the lettuce will go bad fast.

    Now you know why your veggies have been going bad too fast. It’s because you mixed them with the wrong vegetables and fruits, and kept the drawer closed.

    However, opening the little window in the drawer to make it a low-humidity drawer is enough to let the Ethylene out. The rest of the refrigerator is big enough to dilute this gas for a limited effect on the rest of the produce in the refrigerator. Ethylene is a plant hormone and does not affect people at all.

    So Do You Store Tomatoes in High or Low Humidity?

    That said, what should you store in a low-humidity-open window drawer? Fruits and vegetables that produce Ethylene should be stored there. These include apples, tomatoes, avocadoes, citrus fruit, kiwi fruit, blueberries, green onions, melons, okra, peaches, mushrooms, nectarines, plums, grapes, and pears.

    What about the high-humidity closed window drawer? In this drawer, you should store fruits and vegetables that are sensitive to the effects of ethylene. They include – zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, cucumbers, leafy greens, green beans, lettuce, peppers, peas, spinach, and summer squash.

    The humidity settings on both of these drawers work best when the drawers are 2/3 full. Ensure that you do not stock up on these drawers too full.

    Now to answer the question, should you store tomatoes in high or low humidity? If you have to keep them in the refrigerator, store them in low humidity with an open window. However, the best way to store them is out at the counter.

    The Best Way to Store Your Produce 

    It is best to store your produce in the packaging you bought them in. If you need to change it, loosely wrap it in paper or perforated plastic bags. Allow your produce to breathe. This allows the ethylene gas to escape, keeping away any extra moisture from getting trapped inside. Extra moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria and can make your produce go bad fast.

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    There are plastic vented containers that you can buy to help you store your produce in better condition. They help keep your fruits and vegetables in a healthy state, away from any danger of rot. They have a tray that collects the water sitting in a puddle of water, and the lid is invented to let the Ethylene out. These two qualities keep your produce fresh.

    Is Everything Else Stored in the Refrigerator?

    Please note, not everything belongs in the refrigerator! Some fruits and veggies will do best when left on the counter. And the best thing is the more you see them, the much you are bound to eat them.

    Bananas and tomatoes are some of the food that should never go into the refrigerator. The refrigeration temperatures keep bananas from getting any riper and sweeter. Tomatoes will get a mealy texture and lose their natural flavor when refrigerated. Keeping your tomatoes out of the compressed humidity helps them last longer.

    Citrus fruits can also be stored at room temperature on the counter for 7-10 days. If they are refrigerated, they pick up some odors from the refrigerator.

    Melons, summer squash, cucumber, eggplant, and zucchini all do better on the counter at room temperature. Once melons ripen, consume them within 7 days. The vegetables can only last a couple of days on the counter, so use them as soon as you can.

    Is Everything Else Stored In The Refrigerator

    Some fruits and vegetables even ripen better if you leave them on the counter. If you are not ready to eat them when they get ripe, you can now put them in the refrigerator to extend them a few days. Fruits like avocados, apples, kiwis, peaches, nectarines, pears, and plums all fall into this category.

    Once you cut your fruit and vegetables, all the remaining pieces should be refrigerated and used within 2 to 4 days.

    Best Humidity for Vegetable Drawer

    You may be wondering what the humidity should be for your vegetable dray. Well, the truth is, the refrigerator vegetable drawer humidity setting all depends on which fruit and vegetables you’re storing. For example, some prefer high humidity, while others prefer low.

    Generally, it’s best to keep your drawer at low humidity. This is to stop the food from perishing too quickly. If your food is prone to rotting quickly, opt for low humidity. If your food is prone to wilting quickly, opt for high humidity. Let’s take a closer look at some examples.

    Some foods that should be kept in a high-humidity drawer are as follows:

    • strawberries
    • watermelon
    • asparagus
    • eggplant
    • green beans
    • okra
    • peas
    • cucumber
    • lettuce (and other leafy greens)
    • peppers
    • cauliflower
    • broccoli
    • carrots
    • Brussels
    • herbs

    Some foods that should be kept in a low-humidity drawer are as follows:

    • peaches
    • pears
    • plums
    • avocado
    • bananas
    • figs
    • mangoes
    • melons
    • apples
    • papayas
    • kiwis

    What Should the Humidity of Refrigerator Be?

    You may be curious as to what the humidity of your refrigerator should be. It may surprise you that many factors can affect the humidity of your fridge, which is why you should be careful where you store certain foods. For example, foods that are prone to wilting should be kept in a high-humidity drawer. Whereas foods that are prone to rotting quickly should be kept in a low-humidity drawer.

    The humidity can change when:

    • You open your fridge. If you leave your fridge open for more than a few seconds, warm air will enter the fridge and even when closed, the humidity will have risen dramatically.
    • Contents. This is why it’s recommended to allow food to come to room temperature before you place it in the fridge. If you place hot food into the fridge, the humidity will rise dramatically.

    All you need to know is the best places to store certain foods; at either high or low humidity. The temperature of your refrigerator often changes slightly throughout the day, so there is no set humidity in your fridge should be.

    tomatoes stored in the refrigerator

    Humidity Control in Fridge for Vegetables

    You may be curious about how to control the humidity in your fridge for foods like fruits and vegetables. The best way is to use the zones in your fridge correctly. For example, foods prone to perishing quickly such as plums and pears should be kept in low humidity. Whereas foods prone to wilting, such as asparagus, need to keep in high humidity.

    You should also only leave your fridge open for very short bursts of time, and never place hot food directly into the fridge. Both of these will help to control the humidity in the fridge.

    Should Tomatoes Be Stored in the Refrigerator?

    It is not recommended to store tomatoes in the refrigerator, but that’s not to say you can’t if you want to. It’s not recommended because it can alter both the flavor and texture – and not for the better! However, if you opened your tomatoes, or chopped them pre-emptively, you should keep them in the fridge, in an airtight container, for best results.

    Conclusion: Tomatoes High or Low Humidity?

    It is essential to learn the nitty-gritty of every sector of life, and learning about high or low humidity for veggies is part of our daily life. The last thing we want is for you to spend all the money shopping only to lose half of the stuff you bought because you stored them in the wrong place.

    Remember always to keep your refrigerator clean and well-stocked for that quick dinner when you are running late from work. Besides, appreciate your counter and pantry where you also store other types of foods. Keep your potatoes in the pantry in a cool, dry place away from moisture.

    I hope this post has helped to answer the question of whether it’s best to keep tomatoes in high or low humidity. If you have any tips or tricks when it comes to storing tomatoes, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    What is the best way to store tomatoes?

    The best way to store tomatoes is in a cool, dark place. Tomatoes are sensitive to light and heat. So what you should do is store them in an open window drawer that has low humidity.

    However, the answer to this question depends on your needs and goals. If you just want to store tomatoes for a few days, there are several ways that can work. I have found the easiest way is to simply put them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will keep them safe and preserve their flavor. If you want to store tomatoes for longer periods of time, then you will need to use something different.

    Generally speaking, a refrigerator is not a very good place for storing tomatoes. They will shrivel and lose flavor if left at room temperature.

    The first thing I do with any produce is cut it into slices.

    Then I place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I then cover the whole thing with a plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. This helps keep the produce from drying out and keeps it fresh for longer.

    How does the ripening process work?

    When the tomato is ripe it releases a chemical into the pod. This chemical causes the pod to ripen. It also allows the fruit to be eaten. This process is called “ripening” or “de-greening.” The skin of the tomato is made up of two layers, the exocarp and the endocarp. The exocarp is the outermost layer of the fruit. The endocarp is the innermost layer. The exocarp is what you see when you pick up the tomato. It is the part that has been cut off from the stem. The endocarp is the part that is left on the stem. It is the part that is used in canning. It is important to note that both layers are edible.

    This is the best way I’ve found to keep my tomatoes from turning green. The idea is to keep them in the refrigerator. As long as they are kept cool and out of direct sunlight, they should remain fresh for a week or two.

    What’s a good alternative to canning them?

    If you don’t want to can them, your best bet is to freeze them.

    You’ll want to let them thaw out first, then place them in the fridge. This should keep them from getting moldy.

  • Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural?

    Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural?

    Tomatos or tomatoes? What should more than one tomato be called? You may sometimes find it not so easy to remember how to spell some words because pluralization in English can at times be complicated. But you can still find an easy way to remember how to spell most of these words.

    Tomatoes are one delicious fruit that contains a good amount of essential nutrients for human development. It is often believed that tomato is a type of vegetable. But technically speaking, it is a fruit that is derived from the tomato plant.

    Most people often get the spelling of the delicious red food that goes by the name tomato wrong, especially when it comes to the plural spellings. When it comes to the spelling of some words in English, there are different rules to be followed, especially when it has to do with the construction of plural words.

    In this post, we will compare tomatos and tomatoes and find out which is the correct spelling. So, let’s delve into this.

    Some Info About Tomato – Tomatos or Tomatoes

    The big, round, pulpy, tomato berry is from the genus Solanum of the nightshade family. There are more than ten thousand tomato varieties you can find.

    The tomato is mostly red. However, some varieties can be yellow, orange, pink, black, green, or purple. But what we mostly see is usually red tomatoes.

    If you wish to see or find a multiple-color variety of tomato, you can just head to your local farm shop or greengrocer.

    Some Info About Tomato

    As we mentioned earlier, tomato is a type of fruit but sometimes it can be regarded as a type of vegetable. So, it is an edible fruit that can be eaten raw and integrated into foods like salads, or you can cook them in different meals.

    This tomato fruit is loaded with many great nutritional benefits. This includes being a great source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and vitamin K. They are also rich in antioxidants that can help get rid of toxins.

    This great-tasting fruit is also rich in lycopene which is available to us naturally. This lycopene is a very strong antioxidant that is crucial for the health of the prostate gland that is found in men. Also, some reports have claimed that lycopene can minimize and protect against certain types of cancer.

    Tomatos or Tomatoes: Which is the Correct Plural Form?

    It’s general knowledge to always add –s to noun words when you’re referring to the word in the plural. However, this may not be the case for some words.

    Generally, when it comes to spelling nouns in English words that end with –o, the plural form of the word often ends with –s added to the words. For example, we have words like -zoos, patios, radios, studios, embryos, avocados, tacos, videos, and so on that end with –s. However, this is not the case for words like a tomato that ends with –s.

    Correct Plural Form - Tomatoes Or Tomatos

    Some people usually make the mistake of adding –s to tomato when it comes to using tomato in the plural. But this is wrong. This is mostly because the singular word for ‘tomato’ doesn’t contain –e at the end of the word. So, it can be understandable when some people get the plural spelling wrong by just adding –s to the end of the word.

    However, the ideal or correct way of spelling tomato in the plural form is to add –es. Hence, the correct spelling for the plural of tomato is tomatoes.

    Other words ending with –o, just like a tomato, also fall into this same category of adding –es to form plural words. Below is a list of other words apart from tomato that also ends with –o that needs –us to be added to the end of their words to form the plural word:

    • Potatoes
    • Heroes
    • Torpedoes
    • Mosquitoes
    • Echoes
    • Vetoes
    • Buffaloes

    Tomato or Tomatoe: Which is the Correct Singular Form?

    It’s understandable if some people get the spelling of tomato confused. This is why we need to know what the right spelling is.

    The correct singular spelling is “tomato.” The singular form or spelling of tomato doesn’t require the addition of ‘e’ to it.

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    Tomatoes Or Tomatos

    Health Benefits of Tomatoes – Tomatos or Tomatoes

    Tomatoes are wonderful food that can offer us great nutritional benefits that can aid in proper body functioning. Some of these benefits include:

    • Tomatoes are a wonderful source of vitamin C and vitamin K. It is also rich in potassium and folate (or vitamin B9).
    • Tomato can be beneficial to your blood pressure control and it can serve as a protection against heart disease. So, regular consumption of tomatoes can help reduce or protect against heart disease; which includes heart attacks and strokes.
    • They are a great source of fiber that can provide around 1.5 grams per average-sized tomato.
    • These fruits are great antioxidants that can help flush out toxic radicals from your system.
    • The lycopene found in tomatoes can help reduce the risk of cancer as well as give some protection against cancer.
    • Your skin can also benefit from tomato use. For instance, food that is based on tomatoes is rich in lycopene as well as other plant compounds that may protect against sunburn. Some studies have even shown that individuals that consume 1.3 ounces (i.e. 40 grams) of tomato paste get about 16 grams of lycopene. Now, when this is combined with olive oil every day for 10 weeks, it can cause 40% fewer sunburns.

    Nutritional Value of Tomatoes

    You may be wondering what the nutritional value is when it comes to tomatoes. Let’s take a closer look. Every 100g of tomatoes contains the following:

    • calories: 18
    • fat: less than 1g
    • cholesterol: 0mg
    • sodium: 5mg
    • carbohydrates: 3.9g
    • fiber: 1.2g
    • protein: less than 1g

    Popular Varieties of Tomatoes

    There are hundreds of varieties of tomatoes; big and small, ranging in color and flavor. But some varieties are more popular than others. Let’s take a closer look.

    • Roma Tomatoes. You may know Roma tomatoes better than plum tomatoes. These types of tomatoes are usually somewhere between small and medium in size. They’re usually sweet, plump, and flavorful. Perfect for soups and salads.
    • Cherry Tomatoes. They’re small tomatoes that tend to explode with flavor as you eat them. I find that these tomatoes work well as a snack, or in sauces.
    • Beefsteak Tomatoes. These are large and plump in size. These work great for when you’re looking for tomato slices to add to your burgers. They’re often mild in flavor, but very juicy.
    • Heirloom Tomatoes. These tomatoes aren’t typically uniform, coming in a selection of sizes and colors. These tomatoes are usually sweet and rich in flavor. These tomatoes work well in any dish and are known as the “purest” tomatoes.
    • Vine Tomatoes. As the name suggests, they grow on the vine and are then sold that way. This means that they’ll be as fresh as possible when you pick them off the vine. They’re versatile and can be used in many dishes.
    • Green Tomatoes. Green tomatoes can either be ripened or unripened; depending on the variety. Green tomatoes are surprisingly common in the US. They have a different taste from usual tomatoes and they can even be quite sour. They’re typically firm, but not as juicy as other varieties.
    • Grape Tomatoes. These are the smallest cherries. They aren’t particularly juicy, but because of their size, you may not want to use them in cooking and they may be best suited as a snack.

    Tomatoes Tomatos Saying

    You may have weird the expression, “tomato, tomahto”, or, “potayto, potahto”; both of which are used interchangeably. It simply means that you have differences, but you’ll have to agree to disagree.

    As well as this, it was also made famous in a popular song by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, called Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off. The lyrics are, “you like potayto, I like potahto, you like tomayto, and I like tomahto, potayto, potahto, tomayto, tomahto, let’s call the whole thing off”. This is essentially saying that we have our differences, but let’s settle this now and stop.

    It is also a cultural difference. British people tend to see “tomahto”, whereas Americans tend to say “tomayto”. Either way is correct!

    Do You Say: Some Tomato or Some Tomatoes?

    If you have more than one tomato, you should say some tomatoes, rather than some tomato. Some tomato does not make grammatical sense and should not be used when you have more than one tomato.

    Tomato Plural Dictionary – What Does the Dictionary Say?

    If you take a look at dictionary.com, tomato is described as a noun, and the plural for a tomato is to·ma·toes.

    tomatoes tomatos saying

    Final Say – Tomatos or Tomatoes

    Even though there may be different ways of tomato pronunciations, the right spelling must be followed. So, when it comes to spelling tomato, there is only one way to spell this word. The word tomato is often misspelled and this is common when it comes to their plural spellings.  But ‘tomato’ is the correct singular spelling, while ‘tomatoes’ is the correct plural spelling.

    Do you know of any other words that end in -o, that are then added with an -es plural? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    Which is correct tomatos or tomatoes?

    People often misuse or misspell the word ‘tomato particularly when it has to do with the plural spelling. Even though most words that ends with -o usually have s added to their back when it comes to their plural spelling, this isn’t the case for tomato. So,’Tomatoes is the correct spelling for the plural of the word tomato.

    How to spell tomatoes or tomatos?

    The singular spelling for tomato is ‘tomato’ then the plural is spelled ‘tomatoes.’ So, take note not to get these confused.

    Do you say tomatoes or tomatos?

    Often times words that ends with -o have -s added to them when we want to spell them in their plural form. For example, videos, radios, tacos, and so on. But for the case of tomato that also ends with -o, the plural form is totally different. The correct plural word is tomatoes.

    Why is tomatoes spelled with an E?

    Tomatoes is spelled with E because this is the way the plural of tomato is spelled. Instead of adding -s to the back of the ‘tomato’ word, -es is added to form the plural word for tomato.

  • Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?

    Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?

    Ever wondered: are beefsteak tomatoes determinate or indeterminate? Let’s look into this. The bulky meaty beefsteak tomato fruit is one loved tomato variety that can be a great addition to your home garden.

    One common classification you may come across on the label of a tomato plant or a tomato seed packet is indeterminate or determinate. What these two terms are majorly talking about is the growing style of the tomato plant.

    So, regarding the beefsteak tomato, most people would like to know if this tomato variety is determinate or indeterminate so they can select the appropriate tomato for their garden. Not to worry because we will be enlightening you by looking more into this.

    About Beefsteak Tomato Plant

    Beefsteak tomatoes are huge, bulky, meaty, and juicy tomato variety and it is botanically named Solanum Lycopersicum.

    They are one of the largest types of tomato in terms of weight. They can weigh up to a pound or even more. Their color ranges from vibrant red to pink, and then orange. The majority of beefsteak tomatoes have a smooth shape but we can also have ribbed varieties such as Coustralee and Red Ponderosa.

    Beefsteak has this classic tomato flavor and with their different varieties, they can offer a different sweet taste.

    About Beefsteak Tomato Plant

    This tomato plant tends to grow up to 6 feet tall and their late-maturing plant will yield an abundant harvest around 85 days after planting. The size of the beefsteak tomato variety makes it a perfect choice for summer sandwiches or sliced snacks with a sprinkle of sea salt.

    Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?

    So the question we would like to know is: are beefsteak tomatoes determinate or indeterminate? The answer is beefsteak tomato variety is primarily indeterminate.

    But let’s further look into what determinate and indeterminate tomatoes are to understand their characteristics.

    Determinate tomato

    Determinate tomato growth is mostly fixed. They will grow and mature to a fixed size and their growth will cease once and they will produce their fruits all at once. But they are still highly productive.

    Therefore, they have a limited growth pattern. This makes them perfect for container gardening or for planting in areas with limited growing space.

    The majority of determinate tomato varieties tend to grow about 4 to 5 feet long. They are also regarded as a bush-type variety because of their small and compact size. Hence, they usually do not require support or staking, or a cage.

    Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Red Heirloom Cherry Tomato Seed Pod Kit

    81ZfIPMMgQL. AC SX569

    Indeterminate tomato: Is beefsteak tomato determinate or indeterminate?

    Beefsteak tomatoes are indeterminate. Indeterminate tomatoes on the other hand tend to grow in a vining manner. They will continue to grow and yield fruits throughout their growing season. So their growth won’t cease until frost kills them.

    This tomato plant variety can also grow in a bulky shrub manner. Therefore, indeterminate tomatoes usually need staking or caging.

    They really don’t have a particular growing length. But we can roughly say they can grow up to 3 feet long in a place that has a short growing season. They can also grow more than 6 feet long in an area with a long growing season.

    You can grow indeterminate comfortably in places where this tomato variety can have the chance to grow upwards and as long as a trellis. Indeterminate tomato variety is also ideal for farmers who wish to have smaller batches of tomatoes spread across their growing season.

    Growing Beefsteak Tomato

    The majority of beefsteak tomato variety often takes up to 85 days to attain maturity and harvest. This is usually unachievable in most parts of the United States. Therefore, we recommend you begin your seedlings indoors.

    Seedlings should be commenced indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before your region’s first frost of spring. They should be ready for transplanting by this time. Around March is usually the best time to plant beefsteak tomatoes indoors.

    Seeds should be sown in flats and you should continue to care for them until they attain a height of at least 8 inches. Make sure you harden off the seedlings before you transplant them.

    Once it’s time to transplant, select a sunny spot and a properly draining garden bed. Supply beefsteak tomato plants with direct sunlight of at least 8 hours or even more daily. Also, ensure no shadows are cast from any nearby trees or buildings.

    Remember before planting, you should work in compost or other organic amendments into the soil. You should also integrate a starter fertilizer just to get your little plants off to a good start.

    There should be adequate spacing to encourage good air circulation. Spacing should be around 19 to 36 inches apart. Beefsteak tomato usually requires lots of spacing as well as training and support.

    Caring For Beefsteak Tomato

      • One major part of caring for beefsteak tomatoes as they grow is staking. Staking is important to train your plant the right way or else they will begin to bend towards the ground.

      • Ensure you minimize weed growth by removing unwanted weeds and mulch between the rows. You will also be conserving moisture by doing this.

      • Apply fertilizer every 3 weeks.

      • Water is about 1 to 2 inches deep per week.

      • You should know that all beefsteak tomato varieties are susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, we encourage you to always monitor your plant so you can identify and solve the problems as soon as you notice them.

      • Prune your plants appropriately once they begin to grow. Ensure you trim off any sucker, leaves, as well as stems just below the first branch that has fruits or clusters. This will keep leaves off the ground and doing this can reduce the chances of disease and pests. This should be done weekly all through their growing season and make sure the plant doesn’t grow more than one or two main stems. Doing this will make the plant grow easier with a trellis and will encourage better branching.

    Caring For Beefsteak Tomato

    Why Are My Beefsteak Tomatoes Small?

    Unfortunately, beefsteak tomatoes growing on the small side is one of the most common problems that occur when growing them. This can happen for a range of reasons, including lack of water, pests, disease – and so much more! These reasons can then cause stunted growth. Let’s take a closer look.

    • Wrong variety. It may be that you’ve done nothing wrong at all and that you have simply purchased the wrong seeds. If this is the case, they’ll definitely be on the smaller side if they’re not beefsteak tomatoes!
    • Lack of water. Tomatoes are very thirsty plants and they need plenty of water to keep them moist and juicy. So much so, that the top 4-6 inches of water need to be kept moist at all times. It’s also best to water in the morning.
    • Root problems. When transplanting your tomatoes to a garden, root problems can occur if you do not do this gently enough. The roots of beefsteak tomatoes are very prone to breaking, so as long as you’re careful, this shouldn’t happen.
    • Not enough sunlight. Tomatoes need lots of direct sunlight, to thrive. If you plant them in shade, or somewhere that doesn’t receive much light, this is sure to stunt the growth and end with smaller tomatoes.
    • Too much fertilizer. While small amounts of fertilizer will help your tomatoes to thrive, too much can have the complete opposite effect. Not only can it stunt growth, but it can also change the flavor too! Using a low-nitrogen fertilizer is ideal.
    • Suckers. Too many suckers can cause the growth of your tomatoes to slow down rapidly. This is why it’s best to remove as many as you can from your tomato plant to encourage plump tomatoes.
    • Heat. The temperature of your environment is very important when it comes to beefsteak tomatoes. The hotter it is, the less likely they are to survive. If it is particularly hot, just ensure your tomatoes are kept watered and offer them adequate shade.

    Beefsteak Tomato Sprouts – How Long Does It Take?

    You may be wondering how long it will take for your beefsteak tomatoes to sprout from a seedling. If cared for correctly, you’ll notice signs of sprouting from around 5-10 days after planting.

    Beefsteak Tomato Plant Flowering – How Long Does It Take?

    You may be wondering how long it will take for your beefsteak tomatoes to flower. The truth is, it all comes down to the variety that you’re growing. However, it can be anywhere from 20-60 days. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the variety, the longer they’ll take to flower.

    Beefsteak Tomato Varieties

    There are over 50 different varieties of beefsteak tomatoes. Ranging from orange in color, to pink, to deep red. However, some are tastier than others. Let’s take a look at my top 6.

    • Orange Wellington Hybrid. This type of beefsteak tomato is medium in size and doesn’t have many seeds at all. They’re bright in color but have a sweet flavor profile. What I love about this type is that they can last all season, in all types of weather; when cared for correctly.
    • Delicious. Bursting with flavor, but it has quite a traditional taste. It’s not too sweet and it’s not too acidic. Perfect for slicing and it should go without saying – absolutely delicious!
    • Cherokee Purple. The perfect combination of sweet, yet smoky. As the name suggests, this tomato is extremely dark in color. They are large and extremely tasty.
    • Big Pink Hybrid. This type of tomato is medium in size and as the name suggests, is a blush pink color. It’s slightly sweet in flavor.
    • Darkstar Hybrid. These can come in a range of colors but are on the smaller side of beefsteak tomatoes. It’s a rich tomato flavor but doesn’t have much acidity.
    • Brandywine Pink. If you’re a fan of sweet tomatoes, this is the variety for you. This is known as one of the sweetest, if not the sweetest, beefsteak tomatoes.

    Beefsteak Tomato

    Conclusion: Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?

    So, we have concluded that the beefsteak tomato is an indeterminate plant variety and not a determinate variety. Indeterminate tomato variety tends to grow in a vining manner and they will keep growing and yielding fruits all through their growing season.

    Do you have any other useful facts about beefsteak tomatoes? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    How do I know if I have determinate or indeterminate tomatoes?

    Tomatoes are an easy-to-grow plant that can be grown indoors or out. Some varieties are determinate, which means they grow to a certain size, while others are indeterminate, which means they continue growing until the plants are harvested.

    A determinate tomato is a small, round tomato. Indeterminate tomatoes are larger, and they keep growing for many years. Indeterminate tomatoes tend to be more popular in warm climates. They are also more prone to fungal diseases than determinate tomatoes. Determinate tomatoes need to be transplanted at least twice a year. Determinate tomatoes are generally considered to have fewer diseases than indeterminate tomatoes.

    Determinate tomatoes are usually less expensive than indeterminate tomatoes.

    Can you tell which kind a tomato is by looking at it?

    You can’t tell by looking at a tomato plant if it is determinate or indeterminate. It is determined by the number of nodes on the stem. Indeterminate means that the plant will keep growing, producing more leaves, until it reaches a certain size. Determinate means that the plant will stop growing once it reaches a certain size. The main difference between the two types of tomatoes is the time to maturity. Indeterminate tomatoes will take longer to mature than determinate ones, so they are more productive over the long run. Beefsteaks are determinate, so they don’t keep growing. Indeterminate tomatoes will produce for several weeks and then stop producing. Determinate tomatoes will only produce for a few days.

    Are beefsteak tomatoes determinate or indeterminate?

    The answer is that they are indeterminate, and there are many reasons for this. First of all, the tomato plant does not have a single determinate fruit in the usual sense of the word. Instead, it produces a variable number of fruit, which can be anywhere from 1 to about 20 or 30 depending on the variety.

    Are beefsteak tomatoes easy to grow?

    Beefsteak tomatoes are easy to grow and can be harvested at the end of summer. They are a good choice for beginners because they are hardy, long-lasting and have a compact growing season. In addition, they are easy to grow and maintain, and they are available at most grocery stores.

    Beefsteak tomatoes are the largest tomato that can be grown in the home garden, and they have a compact growing season. Their fruits are usually harvested when they are ripe and red, and they do not require much care to produce large amounts of fruit. They are a good choice for beginning gardeners because they are relatively easy to grow, and they are available at most grocery stores.

    In general, you can plant beefsteak tomatoes in late spring or early fall. You can also plant them in the fall if your soil is still cool enough. If your soil is too warm, you may get more heat stress.

  • Heart Shaped Tomato Variety – A Lovely Tomato

    Heart Shaped Tomato Variety – A Lovely Tomato

    Have you had any experience with or consumed the heart-shaped tomato variety? Do you know about these tomatoes? In this article, we will discuss these beautiful tomatoes. Why they are great and why you should plant them.

    Oxheart Tomatoes

    If you are not familiar with the heart-shaped tomato variety, the oxheart, you may think that is some new kind of tomato but that could not be further from the truth. These tomatoes have been around for nearly a century.

    They can be mid-season to late-season tomatoes and are similar to the beefsteak varieties, and are also just as versatile.

    Oxheart tomatoes are known for their characteristic large size and pointed bottom that resembles a beef heart, hence the name oxheart. Because of their unusual and interesting shape and large size, they are becoming popular with home gardeners as an alternative to the regular beefsteak varieties.

     "What is bull heart tomato?

    Characteristics of Oxheart Tomatoes

    Characteristics of oxheart tomatoes that enable us to differentiate them or make them unique to other varieties include;

    • large size with tapered bottom, creating a shape that resembles a heart
    • when consumed, they are very meaty
    • they have relatively small seed cavities
    • they usually grow to sizes over 1 Ib, with some reaching over 2 lb and even 3 lb.
    • they can be red or pink, but can also be found in yellow, orange, green, and purple just like other tomatoes
    • they are an indeterminate variety of tomatoes, meaning that they produce all season and require constant pruning and support or they will get out of hand

    Varieties of Oxheart Tomatoes

    In addition to the regular size, oxheart tomatoes also have dwarf varieties. One variety, the dwarf purple oxheart tomato will produce all season round, like an indeterminate tomato but will not get as tall in a regular growing season.

    Because these dwarf versions do not get too tall or too large, they can be grown in containers of sizes from 5 – 15 gallons.

     Are ox heart tomatoes heirloom?

    Uses Of Oxheart Tomatoes

    Oxheart tomatoes can be used for anything that regular beefsteak tomatoes can be used to make. They make an excellent addition to salads and sandwiches, because they are great slicing tomatoes that maintain their structural integrity when sliced.

    Because they come in such a variety of colors, they are great for adding a splash of color to your summer salads.

    These tomatoes also store well and are suitable for canning.

    Are Oxheart Tomatoes Easy To Grow?

    Oxheart tomatoes are very easy to grow. They are extremely low maintenance and can produce enormous fruit. They can be grown and treated the same way you would grow any indeterminate, mid-season or late-season tomato.

    Most oxheart tomato varieties take between 70 to 90 days to harvest. To get the best crop, start your seeds indoors, about 4 to 8 weeks before your last average frost date. Transplant your seedlings outside after the night temperatures stay consistently above 50°F.

    Tomatoes are generally heavy feeders so you will need to provide them with sufficient nutrition during their growing season. Apply an all-purpose fertilizer to your garden beds before you transplant your seedlings, or a fertilizer formulated for blooming and fruiting. Carefully follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging to get the best results.

    You will also need to use a soil that is specifically designed for tomatoes. If you are unsure, ask your local gardening expert.

     Are oxheart tomatoes easy to grow?

    What Is Bull Heart Tomato?

    Bull heart tomatoes are an heirloom tomato variety. A very old Russian variety that bears large pink oxheart type tomatoes. This tomato produces fruit with an excellent taste, and sweet flavor. They produce abundantly and their sizes can reach up to 2 lbs.

    It is an indeterminate variety that is best grown in a greenhouse for optimum growth and production

    Are Ox Heart Tomatoes Heirloom?

    Sometimes referred to as beef heart tomatoes, ox heart tomatoes are heirloom varieties that can be found in a number of vibrant colors.

    Heirloom tomatoes are those that have not been hybridized to improve qualities such as shelf life, color, and a uniform appearance. They may sometimes be referred to as “ugly” due to their deep cracks and bumps. Whether you think these tomatoes are ugly or beautiful, their unique appearance and wide range of colors definitely make them interesting

     Heart shaped tomato variety

    How Do You Grow Hungarian Heart Tomatoes?

    If you enjoy growing quirky or unusual-looking tomatoes in your garden, the Hungarian heat tomato is just the tomato for you.

    These tomatoes grow quite large, like other heirloom tomatoes. A single tomato can weigh anything between 8 and 16 ounces since fully mature.

    The best growing conditions for them include full sun exposure, a minimum of six hours a day. This can be natural or artificial light. They prefer moist, well-draining, loamy and slightly acidic soil (with a pH of 6.2 – 6.8), ideally amended with organic compost. They require 1-2 of rain per week for maximum growth, you will therefore need to provide them with the appropriate amount of water. Be careful with the material because they are very sensitive to watering, therefore an efficient watering schedule is important.

    If you provide them with the best growing conditions, your tomatoes will be ready for harvest 85 days after planting.

    Conclusion – Heart-Shaped Tomato Variety

    We hope this article has inspired you to learn more and hopefully go and grow your own heart-shaped tomato variety. With so many varieties to choose from, it will be nothing but joyous to grow these plants in your garden.

    Growing them will be a great way to try a different tomato variety that the regular ones we find at the shops. So why not go ahead and try to grow them? They will brighten up our summer salads and add interesting colors to your everyday dishes.

    They are extremely easy to grow and will produce a good crop for you to enjoy.

    If you enjoyed reading this article or found it helpful, please share it with your family and friends.

  • The Best Tomato Potting Mix Recipe For 2023!

    The Best Tomato Potting Mix Recipe For 2023!

    Finding the best tomato potting mix recipe can take time and effort. All gardeners believe they have the winning one! You’ll have to experiment with a few to get one that works in your garden.

    Tomatoes are a popular crop to grow. They’re easy to maintain, and a healthy harvest is plentiful. You need to know what tomato plants need to thrive for a better chance at success. While suitable soil is essential, tomato plants have other needs too.

    In this article, I share some valuable tips for growing tomato plants. You’ll also read about the best potting soil for tomatoes and which soil mix I suggest! 

    Tips For Growing Tomatoes In Containers

    Tomatoes are a great addition to any salad or macaroni dish. We don’t all have large backyards to grow our tomatoes, so we often opt for the alternative: growing our tomatoes in containers.

    Container growing isn’t complex, but small mistakes could be fatal to your plants. Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks that you can follow to ensure your tomatoes are healthy. 

    • Pot Size: Tomatoes like their personal space since they have rather wide-spreading roots. The pot or container you choose should have enough room for the roots to grow fully. 
    • If the pot isn’t large enough, the soil will retain too much moisture. Excess moisture can cause the roots to rot, which could be detrimental to the health of your tomatoes. 
    • Keep The Leaves Dry: Small drops of moisture that accumulate on the leaves of your plant can cause some issues. Fungal growth on tomato leaves is a severe issue you don’t want to face.
    • Small Tomato Varieties: Stick to the smaller types when choosing tomatoes to grow. Only some tomato varieties are suited for small containers and will grow to their full potential. 

    • There’s a wide variety of container tomatoes that you can choose from, including Roma, cherry, and grape tomatoes. These varieties may be small, but they carry a lot of fruit. 
    • Potting Mix: You can make your own soil mix by sourcing the internet and local nurseries for a tomato potting mix recipe. There are also ready-made options available that you add to your containers. 
    • The right mix should have the perfect balance of organic and inorganic materials. Some additions to your mix can include peat moss, sand, compost, and vermiculite.
    • Drainage Holes: Tomatoes do best when planted in containers with large drainage holes. Poor drainage can cause root rot and other problems. 
    • Support: Tomato plants grow high and carry heavy fruits. If they don’t have sufficient support, the stems will start to lean towards one side. Provide some support for your plants by using a stick or trellis. 

    The Best Potting Soil For Tomatoes In Containers

    Tomato plants are picky when it comes to their soil requirements. Someone at your local plant nursery should be able to advise you on the best mix and soil additives for tomatoes. 

    There are some conditions that the perfect soil should meet. The best potting soil for tomatoes in containers should possess the following qualities: 

    • Loose and Airy: Tomatoes have a lot of roots that need fresh air. The nutrients need to reach the roots freely, and the water should drain quickly. 
    • Water Retention: You should water your tomatoes every day. The soil should be able to hold some water, but it needs to drain fast enough, so it’s slightly dry when the next watering session takes place. 
    • Potassium and Phosphorus: All plants need minerals and nutrients to thrive. The best soil for tomato plants contains enough potassium, phosphorus, and other necessary minerals.

    WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil | Ready to Plant Coco Coir Fully Loaded with Nutrients

    Tomato Potting Mix Recipe
    • pH Level: Tomatoes need a slightly acidic potting soil mix. An ideal pH level is between 6.2 and 6.8. They are hardy to any pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. 
    • Clay Content: Clay can make a potting mix too hard and tight. Opt for a tomato soil mix with little to no clay because it causes too much water retention. 
    • Sunlight: Tomatoes don’t like shade, and they thrive in well-lit areas. Your plants need at least 8 hours of indirect sunlight daily. 

    You Might Want to Read these Related Articles:

    Perlite Or Vermiculite: Which Is Best For Tomatoes? – Tomato Potting Mix Recipe

    Perlite or vermiculite for tomatoes? Well, the choice between these two depends on the gardener. However, they both have qualities that make them better suited for tomato plants. 

    Tomato Plant Requirements PerliteVermiculite
    Tomatoes need a slightly acidic pH level between 6.2 and 6.8. Perlite has a neutral pH level between 7.0 and 7.5.Vermiculite has a neutral pH level between 7.0 and 7.5.
    Tomatoes need a soil mix that doesn’t hold too much water since it’s sensitive to root rot. Perlite is known for its ability to drain very well. Vermiculite holds a lot more water than perlite. It can hold up to 4 times more water than its weight. 
    The roots of tomato plants need enough aeration to absorb nutrients.Perlite improves the aeration of most soil mixes.There is less aeration in vermiculite mixes than in those containing perlite. 

    Take Out Time to Also Read:

    The Best Tomato Potting Mix Recipe

    As you can see, choosing between perlite and vermiculture is a personal preference. Neither of them have the exact needs of tomato plants, however, both are still a good choice. 

    I suggest choosing perlite. It offers better drainage and aeration that’ll ensure your tomato plants stay healthier. If you want, you can also add both perlite and vermiculite to your tomato potting mix. Select a ratio that’ll serve your plants best. 

    The Best Tomato Potting Mix Recipe

    Before You Go – Tomato Potting Mix Recipe

    Growing tomatoes in containers is perfect if you have a small area to plant. If you encourage them to grow upward using a cage or trellis, you’ll get a lot of fruit in limited space. This crop is low maintenance and matures within 100 days. 

    Container gardening has one rule: pick the right soil! Without doing this, your chances of success decrease. Since the plant roots will have such a small space to develop, having suitable ground is essential. If you nail this, your tomato plants are likely to thrive.

    I hope this article was helpful. If you have more questions about growing tomatoes, ask them in the comments!

  • Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants: Why And How

    Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants: Why And How

    Adding coffee grounds on tomato plants may benefit your crops. Here’s a few reasons to try it!

    Organic gardening can seem impossible when you’re starting out. The market is flooded with synthetic fertilizers, and gaining knowledge about organic ones takes time. Coffee grounds are a quick, easy-to-use organic fertilizer that even beginners can master.

    In this article, I explain how you can keep your garden organic with coffee grounds on your tomato plants, what coffee does for your soil, and how tomatoes can benefit if you add it to your soil mix. 

    Organic Gardening With Coffee Grounds As Fertilizer For Tomatoes

    Although not scientifically proven, many gardeners believe coffee grounds benefit their tomato plants.

    There’s no concrete evidence to show coffee grounds make tomatoes grow faster or kill pests around them. However, gardeners have taken it upon themselves to test this theory out. 

    Many tomato plant enthusiasts report a difference in their tomato gardens compared to when they weren’t using coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are a popular fertilization method for organic gardening.

    Will Coffee Grounds Kill Plants?

    Coffee grounds won’t necessarily kill your plants, but they may hold some disadvantages. 

    Tomato plants love acidic soil. Coffee grounds bring the pH balance of soil down, making it perfect for this red fruit. The plants next to them don’t like this as much. You might want to skip the coffee grounds if you grow different crops in the same beds as your tomatoes. 

    Coffee grounds can leave other crops without the nutrients they need and suck the water in the soil up. This can stunt growth. 

    Your plants may even dehydrate. Coffee grounds group together to form a thick, hard layer. This can stop water from running through the soil to your plant’s roots. 

    Do Coffee Grounds Add Nitrogen To Soil?

    Apart from making the soil acidic, one of the biggest advantages for tomato plants is the nitrogen present in coffee grounds. Most gardeners use coffee grounds in their organic gardens because of this. 

    Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These vital minerals fertilize the soil and help you grow healthy tomatoes. Coffee also acts as a slow-release fertilizer to ensure your tomato plants are fed for a longer period.

    Reasons To Add Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants

    Although none of these benefits have been proven, you can still add coffee grounds to the soil around your tomato plants for the next reasons.

    Coffee Grounds Contain Vital Minerals

    Coffee grounds are packed with minerals like nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Adding them to your soil will slowly release these to your plant roots.

    Coffee Grounds Contain Vital Minerals

    Tomato plants need these nutrients for healthy growth. Potassium helps them photosynthesis while nitrogen encourages stronger leaf growth. Magnesium improves fruit quality. 

    Coffee Grounds Make Soil More Acidic

    Tomatoes thrive in acidic soil. Adding coffee grounds will lower the pH level of your soil to help it meet your plants’ requirements. 

    You should use coffee grounds mixed into peat moss for the best results. The acidity in the coffee grounds will reduce over time.

    Take Out Time to Also Read:

    Coffee Grounds May Prevent Fungal Diseases – Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants

     Some harmful fungal diseases that affect tomato plants include anthracite fruit rot and early flight. Many gardeners claim that coffee grounds help combat these diseases and keep their plants healthy. 

    Coffee Grounds May Keep Pests Away

    The love slugs have for tomato plants is one-sided. These critters can harm your harvest, leaving ugly and inedible tomatoes behind.

    Researchers tested the effect coffee grounds have on slugs, and it turns out that they don’t want to come near it. There’s no reason to not give this slug repellent a try!

    Cats also don’t like the smell of coffee, so they won’t use your soil as a litter box if you use grounds. 

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    Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants

    How Do You Add Coffee Grounds To Tomato Plants?

    There are many options if you want to add coffee grounds to your organic garden. Here are some ways you can use it to benefit your tomato plants:

    Mixing Coffee Grounds Into The Soil

    You can simply mix some coffee grounds into your soil before planting your tomato seeds or seedlings. This will allow it to act as a root fertilizer.

    The coffee grounds will ensure nitrogen levels in your soil rise. It will also help keep pests away and make the soil more acidic and favorable for tomato growth.

    Just be careful to not add too much to your soil. Doing this can cause drainage issues and harm other plants nearby.

    Use Coffee Grounds In Your Compost – Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants

    Mixing coffee grounds into your already established compost is the best and safest way to use it. This will ensure your plants receive the benefits of coffee grounds and the compost you choose.

    Your final compost mix should contain a 1 to 4 green to brown ratio. Coffee grounds are considered a green compost material.

    Use Coffee Grounds As A Mulch

    Mulch helps keep moisture in the ground, prevents weed growth, and promotes a healthy composition. Mixing coffee grounds into your regular mulch will ensure your tomato plants get extra nitrogen.

    Add Coffee Grounds In The Water

    You can create a liquid fertilizer by making coffee with coffee grounds and water. You should add no more than 2 cups of ground with 5 gallons of water. 

    I suggest spraying it on your tomatoes at least once a week.

    How Do You Add Coffee Grounds To Tomato Plants

    Wrapping Up – Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants

    Coffee grounds are relatively cheap, easy to get, and even easier to use in an organic garden. Adding it to your tomato beds can greatly benefit them and help you harvest more healthy tomatoes than ever before!

    While no concrete evidence has been penned about the use of coffee grounds on tomato plants, many gardeners live by it. It’s a key ingredient in keeping tomato plants healthy when organic gardening. If you keep the ratio of coffee grounds to other soil nutrients balanced, you have nothing to lose by at least trying.

    I hope you found this article helpful and enjoyed reading it. If you have more questions about using coffee grounds in your garden, ask them in the comments.

  • How To Grow Tomatoes Upside Down – Can You Do This?!

    How To Grow Tomatoes Upside Down – Can You Do This?!

    So, you want to grow tomatoes upside down? You’re in the right place – find all the information you need here!

    Whether you consider it a fruit or veggie, we can agree that tomatoes taste great. This summer crop grows easily and requires little maintenance. If you’re limited on space or want to try a new way to plant yours, using the upside-down method might be what you’re looking for. 

    In this article, I share how you can grow tomatoes upside down in your backyard, list some tips to help you succeed, and explain the benefits you’ll see when planting this way. 

    How To Grow Tomatoes Upside Down

    Growing tomatoes upside down is relatively easy if you have the right equipment and care instructions. Here’s some tips!

    Equipment you’ll need:

    • 5 Gallon bucket
    • Hand drill
    • Tomato plant seedlings
    • Lightweight soil mix
    • Coffee filter or a few sheets of newspaper
    • Sturdy frame
    • Mulch or peat moss

    Create your own upside-down tomato plant hanger by hanging buckets from a sturdy frame of your choice. 

    1. Drill hanging holes at the sides of each bucket and draining ones at the bottom. 
    2. Secure the bottom holes with coffee filters or newspaper.
    3. Fill your pots with soil and mix mulch or peat moss in.
    4. Spread your seedlings and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
    5. Water your tomato seedlings every day and watch them grow!

    Tips For Growing Tomato Plants

    Choose The Right Planter

    You can’t grow your upside-down tomatoes without the right planter! Buy a pre-made one at your local nursery or build it according to your needs. A 5-gallon bucket is a great size to work with. You should also buy sturdy gardening hooks to hang your pots. 

    Pick The Perfect Spot – Grow Tomatoes Upside Down

    The success of crops has a lot to do with their location. Your tomato plants will need at least 8 hours of daily sunlight. The spot you pick for growing your upside-down tomatoes should also be easy-accessible since you’ll need to water them frequently. 

    Use Fertile Soil

    Potting soil is nutrient-rich and works great for growing tomatoes in pots. You can fertilize your soil before you plant and again when your tomato plants are about 6 weeks old.

    Remember to replace your soil if you’re planting for the new season in the same buckets to avoid nutrient depletion. 

    Choose The Right Variety

    Not all tomatoes grow the same, and some varieties work better for upside-down gardening. For starters, smaller tomatoes grow better hanging than big ones. 

    Tumbling Toms: These yellow or red tomatoes are excellent for hanging pots. They produce fruit in about 70 days. 

    Yellow Canary: You can harvest this tomato variety in approximately 55 days, and they need less light than others to thrive. 

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    Quick Tips For Maintaining Healthy Tomato Plants

    • Avoid shady areas. Sunlight is your friend!
    • Keep your soil damp but not wet. 
    • Water your tomatoes twice on hot days.
    • Add fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. 

    The Benefits Of Growing Tomato Plants Upside Down

    Growing tomatoes upside-down definitely has its ups! Here’s some benefits of this method:

    Space Efficient: If you’re limited on space, you can hang your tomato plants wherever possible. Hanging pots don’t take up much space. 

    Control: Upside-down growing gives you more control over how much water your tomato plants receive. The risk of overwatering decreases, and you’re more likely to give enough water too. 

    Reduces Pests and Diseases: Root rot, infestations, and pest risks are decreased when planting tomatoes in hanging pots. These critters will have trouble reaching your plants, and since you’ll have control over how much water each pot gets, the chances of rotting roots are slim. 

    Extended Season: Hanging pots are easy to move around during seasonal changes. You can place them in different spots to ensure your plants still get enough sunlight. 

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    Issues And Solutions When Growing Tomatoes Upside Down

    Tomatoes love water, sun, and space to spread their roots. Consider these problems you can run into when growing this fruit upside down:

    Inadequate Moisture: Basic science tells us that gravity pulls water. If your soil drains too well, most water will run through the holes at the bottom of your pots, leaving little nutrients for your plants to soak up. 

    Add enough newspaper or coffee filters to cover these holes and slow gravity down. 

    Poor Production: Tomatoes need a lot of sun to produce healthy fruits. Heavy pots typically hang from roof overhangs or a tree with some shade to support their weight. This will influence your plant’s sunlight exposure. 

    Ensure you have a sturdy enough trellis to carry the weight of soil-filled pots and your tomatoes that you can place in direct sunlight.

    Issues And Solutions When Growing Tomatoes Upside Down

    To Sum It Up, Grow Tomatoes Upside Down

    Growing tomatoes in pots is always a good idea if you don’t have much space to work with. Hanging them in the air is even better!

    Your tomato crops will succeed if you have a sturdy enough trellis or hook, a good pot, and the right soil, water, and sunlight balance. Adding care and love to the mix will help you harvest fruits all season long and likely beyond.

    I hope this article was helpful. If you enjoyed reading it or have more questions, let me know in the comments.

    FAQ’s

    Which tomatoes grow the best upside down?

    Small tomato varieties like cherry and Roma grow the best upside down. Since their fruits aren’t big, your hanging pots will have an easier time carrying their weight.

    Do hanging tomato plants grow upside down?

    Tomato plants don’t really grow upside down. Instead, they hang. If you plant them in hanging pots, they’ll drape downwards, creating an upside-down effect.

    Why do you put tomatoes upside down?

    There are many benefits to growing tomatoes upside down. You may also choose to use this method if you have limited space or no backyard.

    Are used coffee grounds good for tomatoes?

    You can use coffee grounds to help keep your tomato plants healthy. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which benefit tomato growth.

  • How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole Is Ideal?

    How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole Is Ideal?

    Starting your own tomato from seeds at home can be a good way to save money. After all, most people would love to eat fresh fruits and vegetables made in the comfort of our homes. But do you know how to go about growing tomatoes from seeds? Is tomato easy to grow from seeds? How many tomato seeds per hole are ideal to be planted? We shall answer these questions and more here.

    Tomatoes are juicy and delicious and they are used in different cooking. Tomatoes are easy to grow but when it comes to sowing their seeds, you need to plant their seeds correctly. This is where the question of how many tomato seeds should be planted in each hole.

    Let’s look into planting tomato seeds. How many tomato seeds per hole will be discussed here and other related things so let’s begin.

    How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole?

    It may be fine to put one seed of tomato per hole. However, putting an extra seed or even up to three can serve as a backup plan in case one of the seeds doesn’t sprout successfully. This maximizes the chance of your seed emerging. Looking at the seed germination rate we can understand the reason why more than one seed is advised to be sown.

    How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole
    • Seed Germination Rate

    Seed germination rates are the probabilities that a particular seed will emerge and grow into a plant. Different plant species have various germination rates. This implies that you should consider seed germination rate when you’re growing any seed.

    Tomatoes for instance have a germination rate to be 75% which is fairly high. Therefore, if plant about 50 seeds, you should have about 37 of them germinate successfully. So, looking at this rate, it means that there is a one in four chance or 25% chance that the seed can fail to germinate.

    Other growing factors such as the age of seed, temperature, and so on, can affect the rate at which the seeds germinate successfully.

    Read more about How Long For Seeds To Germinate?

    Why More Than One Seed Is Recommended Per Hole

    Because each tomato seed has about 25% chance of failing, adding an extra seed can reduce the chance of both failing. So, with two tomato seeds, you have about 6.25% chance of both failings. This means you’ve further increased the germination rate.

    So, when you sow three tomato seeds per hole, you’ve drastically reduced the chances of the seed failing to 1.56%.

    However, we advise you don’t overcrowd the hole if you’re planting bigger varieties of tomatoes. Then if you’re short of tomato seeds, then two seeds should be fine.

    If after sowing two seeds and both germinate, just pluck out the weak or shorter one and leave the strong one.

    How Deep Should Tomato Seed Be Sown?

    How many tomato seeds per hole have been answered. Now, we would like to know how deep tomato seeds should be sown.

    Tomato seeds grown in containers should be sown half an inch deep into the soil. Make sure you don’t sow the seed deeper than this because it can make it hard for the seed to sprout successfully.

    Watering Requirements For Tomato Seeds

    Moisture is a crucial factor for the growth of tomato seeds together with nutrients. However, you need to avoid over-watering the seeds. Over-watering can cause the water to drain down the soil‘s nutrients. This can cause the germination rate to diminish.

    The soil only needs to be moist for seed germination and you can make use of sprinkler to wet the soil. Water in the morning and before evening. But during the cold season, water only once then you can increase watering if the soil surface is dry.

    Where Can Tomato Seeds Be Grown?

    Tomato seeds need to be grown where they can get full or maximum sun exposure. Growing tomato seed in a container is a good idea depending on your climate. However, if your region is in the colder part, you should position the container with the tomato seeds on a windowsill for it to receive maximum sun exposure.

    The container seed needs to be moist at all times and ensure the container has an adequate drainage hole to take out excess water. Also, ensure you provide the proper warm growing temperature for the seeds.

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    So, after the seeds have emerged into seedlings and the seedlings have attained at least 3 inches, they can be transplanted. You can transplant them into a bigger container or just transplant them outdoors in your backyard.

    Once you’ve successfully transplanted the tomato seedlings in your backyard, it’s recommended to give them some support with a wooden stick alongside the plant. Alternatively, you can build iron or wooden mesh to support your plant. Doing this can further help prevent the end rot of tomatoes.

    If you reside in a cold region, you need to protect your plant by covering them with polytunnel so that the growth of the tomato plan won’t be affected in an adverse way.

    When To Plant Tomato Seeds

    How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole? We recommend you sow your tomato seeds around late February to middle March if you will be growing them indoors or in a greenhouse. Then if you wish to sow tomato seeds outdoors, you should sow them around late March to early April.

    However, if you find yourself sowing tomato seeds indoors in the earlier part of the year, you need to ensure the plants are lined up against a window that is facing south.

    When To Plant Tomato Seeds

    Final Word

    To boost the chance of your tomato seed germinating, you need to sow more than one seed per hole. How many tomato seeds per hole need to be gotten right and we have established that sowing at least two seeds can help your plant emerge successfully.

    FAQ’s

    Can you plant 2 tomato plants in the same hole?

    It is not ideal to plant two tomato plants in the same hole because this can cause overcrowding which causes the root to tangle and reduce the growth. If you sowed two seeds in a hole and the two emerge successfully, simply pluck out the shorter or weaker one.

    How many tomato seeds do you put in the ground?

    We recommend you put at least two tomato seeds in the ground so that if one seed fails to grow, the second one can serve as a backup plan.

    How many tomatoes can one seed grow?

    One tomato seed can give rise to one tomato plant. it is important not to overcrowd your tomato plant so it can grow and flourish optimally.

    Can I put multiple seeds in one hole?

    Yes, you can put multiple seeds in one hole because this can further boost the chance of the seed emerging. However, if you’re growing a bigger variety of a plant, you should avoid overcrowding the hole with too many seeds.

  • In-depth Knowledge On What Ox Heart Tomatoes Is

    In-depth Knowledge On What Ox Heart Tomatoes Is

    Ox heart tomatoes are characterized by their huge and fleshy fruits. This type of tomato variety may sound new to you or not. But ox heart tomatoes have been around for a very long time (almost a century).

    Ox heart tomatoes are this type of versatile tomato variety that is similar to the beefsteak tomato variety. This tomato variety is quite easy to grow and it can take around 80 days for tomato fruits production. It is also a low-maintenance that can give rise to huge fruit.

    If you’ve ever wondered what an ox heart tomato is all about, here is where you can get some good info about them. We will be discussing some information about this amazing tomato variety and more so continue reading for some insight on them.

    Ox Heart Tomatoes: Some Info About Them  And Their Characteristics

    Ox heart tomatoes come in big sizes and they have this pointed bottom that looks like a beef heart which is where their name is derived from. This unusual shape of ox heart tomato is a result of a mutation that causes their blossom end to become elongated. However, you may find that some are deep ribbed ox heart tomatoes.

    Ox heart tomatoes are categorized to be under the group of beef tomato group and their fruit can weigh around 100 to over 1000 grams.

    This tomato variety is from mid-season to late season. They have a close resemblance to beefsteak tomato and because of this reason, some gardeners may be looking at them as an alternative to the regular beefsteak tomato variety.

    Ox Heart Tomatoes: Some Info About Them  And Their Characteristics

    It’s been suggested that the ox heart tomato originated from Russia as this was where it’s been first mentioned towards the end of the 19th century. Then this ox heart tomato got to the United States where it has been widely cultivated till date. This tomato variety is also popular in France and Italy where their fruits are usually sold at the markets of farmers.

    They are indeterminate and the majority of ox heart tomato comes in red or pink. However, you may still find some yellow, green, orange, or purple just like you can find in other types of tomatoes.

    Just like in most beef tomatoes, the seeds contained in ox heart tomato are usually small. The majority of ox heart tomatoes are heirloom and the newer varieties are hybrid and these tend to yield sterile seeds.

    The good thing is that if you’re able to find an heirloom ox heart tomato variety, then you can easily propagate your oxheart plant using their seeds.

    Check Out General Information About Grape Tomatoes vs Cherry Tomatoes

    What Does Ox Heart Tomatoes Taste Like?

    Ox heart tomatoes have this delightful aromatic sweet taste with a bit of acidic taste.

    Once the fruit of the ox heart plant ripens, it usually turns soft quickly. Therefore, it is best you eat it as soon as possible or process the fruit soon once you’ve harvested them.

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    Ox Heart Tomatoes

    Some Of The Best Ox Heart Tomato Variety To Go For

    There are many varieties of ox heart tomato. But here are some of the best varieties of ox heart tomatoes you can go for:

    • Orange Russian: this is one lovely ox heart tomato variety that is heart-shaped and orange-marbled. Their fruit can weigh up to 300 grams and they have this amazing taste that is fruity, sweet, and spicy. Also, this variety is best grown in a greenhouse.
    • Coeur de Boeuf: this ox heart variety is well-loved among growers and may even be one of the best known varieties of ox heart tomato. Their fruits form light red fruit with strong ribs. This variety of ox heart is from France and they ripen from the middle of July. They can grow as high as 200 cm and they are ideal for outdoor cultivation with a bit of protection from rain.
    • White Oxheart: this ox heart variety gives rise to light-yellow fruits and the plant can grow as tall as 200 cm. They usually do well and produce great in a greenhouse.
    • Anna Russian: this ox heart tomato variety yields large heart-shaped tomato fruits that changes to deep pink once they are matured or ripe.
    • Bulgarian Oxheart: this variety grows numerous pink heart-shaped tomato fruits during summer. The plant of this variety can grow as tall as 180 cm.

    • Hungarian Heart Tomato: this ox heart tomato variety originated from outside of Budapest Hungary, around 1900. They are characterized by their radiant reddish-pink tomato fruit and they can be almost a pound heavy. Their fruit is quite heavy and meaty just like every other ox heart tomato.

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    Applications Of Ox Heart Tomatoes

    Ox heart tomatoes are great to be used for slicing tomatoes in salads and sandwiches. They also work well when you incorporate them into soups and sauces.

    If by any chance you end up harvesting more ox heart tomatoes than you can consume, these tomatoes are blessed with adequate flesh that makes them ideal for processing and canning.

    But ox heart tomatoes aren’t pasted tomatoes. Hence, it might take longer for them to thicken into sauce or paste.

    Again, thanks to their huge size, these tomatoes are great for stuffing and their scooped-out and meaty innards a nice to be used for sauce and or add to your dishes.

    All in all, these huge ox heart tomatoes are wonderful flavor and versatile in the kitchen.

    Applications Of Ox Heart Tomatoes

    Conclusion On Ox Heart Tomatoes

    We have seen that ox heart tomato is another type of tomato you can go for. Ox heart tomatoes are as huge as beefsteak tomatoes and we have given some in-depth knowledge on what this wonderful tomato variety is.

    FAQ’s

    What does oxheart mean?

    When we talk about oxheart, we are referring to a huge variety of sweet cherries. Then oxheart tomato is a type of tomato variety that is huge and fleshy.

    What can I do with oxheart tomatoes?

    Oxheart tomatoes are nice to be used in our different cooking such as soups and sauces. You can also use them in your sandwich and salads. So, you can enjoy the delightful flavor of oxheart tomato in your kitchen.

    Is ox heart tomato heirloom?

    Most varieties of ox heart tomatoes are heirloom then the newer varieties of ox heart tend to be hybrid that gives rise to sterile seeds.

    Are oxheart tomatoes easy to grow?

    Yes, oxheart tomatoes are pretty easy to grow and it is pretty easy to be successful at growing them. just ensure you provide them with full sun, proper watering, and fertile soil.

  • General Information About Grape Tomatoes vs Cherry Tomatoes 

    General Information About Grape Tomatoes vs Cherry Tomatoes 

    In this article, we will look at the general information about grape tomatoes vs cherry tomatoes to learn their differences and similarities.

    It’s hard to think of a food that has been around longer than the humble tomato. It was grown in ancient Egypt and used by ancient Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians. It is believed to have originated in Central America and was brought to Europe from Mexico during the Spanish conquest of the Americas.

    Tomatoes are now grown all over the world. We are fortunate to live in a time when we can eat fresh tomatoes every day, from breakfast through to dinner. A tomato plant can grow up to 2 meters high and produce over 100 tomatoes per plant.  Let’s look at grape tomatoes vs cherry tomatoes.

    What Are Grape Tomatoes?

    Grape tomatoes are a type of cherry tomato. Grape tomatoes are also called “grape tomatoes” or “grapefruit tomatoes”. They are small round fruit with a smooth surface. The color of the flesh ranges from yellow, and green to red.

    Grape tomatoes can be eaten raw or cooked. They are delicious in salads and sandwiches. You can even make a dip out of them. Grape tomatoes have a sweet flavor and acidity that makes them an ideal addition to dips. You can eat your grape tomatoes raw, but most people prefer them cooked.

    • To cook, first, wash the tomatoes. If they have blemishes, cut them out or leave them as is.
    • If you plan to use them in salads, you need to remove the seeds. You can then dice or slice your tomatoes.

    There are many ways to cook your grape tomatoes.

    • You can add them to your favorite salad, pasta, pizza, or soup.
    • You can also serve them as a side dish or appetizer.
    • You can boil them in a pot of water with some salt or in a microwave oven.
    • You can also put them in the oven and roast or grill them.
    Which is sweeter grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes

    What Are Cherry Tomatoes?

    Cherry tomatoes have thick skin, unlike the thin skin of grape tomatoes.  Cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes can be confused with each other, but they are different in many ways.

    Cherry tomatoes are often available in different colors. Some varieties of cherry tomatoes are red, orange, yellow, green, or purple. They also come in various sizes, from small to large. The large cherry tomatoes are usually used for salad and the smaller cherry tomatoes are used for snacks.

    When buying cherry tomatoes, look for firm, unblemished tomatoes with stems attached. You may want to peel the tomatoes if you like the skin on your tomatoes. If the tomatoes are not ripe enough for eating, store them in the refrigerator until they are ready to use.

    There are several ways to cook cherry tomatoes. They can be grilled, roasted, fried, or steamed. Cherry tomatoes can also be added to salads, sandwiches, pasta, or pizza. If you want to add flavor to your cherry tomatoes, marinate them in a vinaigrette or olive oil, garlic, herbs, or other spices.

    Cherry tomatoes are delicious when they are fresh. If you are going to serve them, however, you will need to keep them refrigerated until you are ready to eat them.

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    Differences Between Grape Tomatoes vs Cherry Tomatoes

    As we have seen above, each tomato has its differences compared to the other.  The two most common varieties of tomatoes are the grape tomato and the cherry tomato. Both of these types of tomatoes are very popular, especially with home gardeners, because they are easy to grow, easy to maintain, and taste good. However, there are some differences between the two that you should know about before deciding which one is best for you. They include:

    • Grape tomatoes are generally more acidic than cherry tomatoes.
    • Cherry tomatoes are usually smaller than grape tomatoes.
    • Grape tomatoes have thicker skin than cherry tomatoes.
    • Grape tomatoes are usually red, while cherry tomatoes are usually yellow and orange.
    • Grape tomatoes are usually seedless, whereas cherry tomatoes are not.

    Similarities Of Grape Tomatoes vs Cherry Tomatoes

    • Grape tomatoes are the same size as cherry tomatoes, but they are slightly firmer. This makes them easier to pick, pack, transport and store.
    • The taste is also similar, but the texture is a bit different.
    • Both tomato varieties are very juicy and can be eaten whole with or without salt and pepper. They are delicious in salads and pasta dishes.
    • Both are easy to grow and enjoy.
    • These tomatoes are picked and sold in bunches.
    • They are commonly used by most people who love these tiny tomatoes for different recipes.
    • They both can be grown in the garden of pots
    • They require the same growing conditions

    Final Thoughts On Grape Tomatoes vs Cherry Tomatoes

    So next time you are thinking about grape tomatoes vs cherry tomatoes, think about what you want to use them for before growing.  Many gardeners enjoy growing either of these tomatoes, they enjoy using them in their kitchens because they are unique and sumptuous.

    FAQs

    Can I substitute grape tomatoes for cherry tomatoes?

    Yes, you can use grape tomatoes in place of cherry tomatoes but it depends on the recipe you are preparing.

    Which is sweeter grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes?

    Grape tomatoes are slightly sweeter than cherry tomatoes, the more reason why most home cooks use them.

    Are Grape tomatoes vs cherry tomatoes calories high?

    Cherry tomatoes have fewer calories per pound than grape tomatoes, and a pound of cherry tomatoes has about 150 calories. This is not as high compared to other tomato varieties.

    What is the main difference between grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes?

    The main difference is that the grape tomatoes are slightly sweeter than the cherry tomatoes. This means that you can eat more of them without getting sick. Grape tomatoes can be preserved by putting them in a plastic bag with a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar and then putting it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

  • How Deep Do Tomato Roots Grow?

    How Deep Do Tomato Roots Grow?

    These types of soil are composed of loam and sand, with low clay content. These soils are good for growing root crops such as beans, carrots, and lettuce. The rich, organic matter in loam soil will help your tomatoes grow large and flavorful.

    Loam soil is great for holding moisture while still providing proper drainage. It works well for a variety of plants.

    Type 2: Sandy soils

    Sandy soils are made up of gritty textures including sand and gravel, often with high sand content. These soils are pracical for growing root vegetables and herbs native to the Mediterranean. Tomatoes can grow in sandy soil that is slightly acidic. 

    Type 3: Clay soils

    These types of soil are composed of very fine mineral particles, with high clay content. Clay soil provides tomatoes with important nutrients to grow strong and healthy. However, clay soil can be heavy so it is best to mix it with another type of soil.

    Type 4: Peat soils

    Peat soil is made from organic materials that have been decomposed. They are good for growing root crops such as parsnips, turnips, radishes, beetroot, carrots, and potatoes. Peat moss can be a particularly great option for growing tomatoes. 

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    Growing Tomatoes

    As we have seen above, tomato roots are deep and need at least two to three feet. They can be grown in a variety of soils including loam, peat, clay, and sand. Planting tomatoes requires proper soil preparation and spacing.

    This is especially true if you want to get a yield of 10-20 pounds per plant.  In this case, you need to make sure that your soil has plenty of nutrients for the plants to grow well and that there is ample space between each plant.

    We have some great tips on how to prepare the soil and planting depth for your tomatoes.

    • If you are having trouble with your soil, then you may need to add compost or topsoil to it.
    • You should also make sure that your soil is well-drained. This means that you should not have standing water in your planting area. If you are unsure if the soil is well-drained, then you can test it by putting a small bucket in your planting area. If water drains out of the bucket quickly, then your soil is good for planting. If it does not drain, then you should add more compost or topsoil to your planting area.
    • If you are planting in pots, then you will need to make sure that your pot is at least two feet deep.
    • If you are planting directly in the ground, then you will need to make sure that you are planting a full 2/3 of the plant underground. This depth will give your plants plenty of room to grow and get bigger.
    • You should also make sure that you use fertilizer on your plants. 
    • If you want to plant your tomatoes indoors, then you will need to make sure that you keep your plant area at a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 
    • You will also want to make sure that you water your plants thoroughly. Watering your plants thoroughly will help your plants to get bigger and produce more tomatoes.
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    In Conclusion – How Deep Do Tomato Roots Grow?

    It is important to know deep do tomato roots grow before you get planting. The depth of tomato plants is generally between two to three feet. Different soils can be used and again even the type matters. 

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    FAQs

    How deep and wide do tomato roots grow?

    The roots can reach a depth of two to three feet, with lateral roots reaching up to two feet. In the field, they grow as a network of fine roots that are used to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

    Is 12 inches deep enough for tomatoes?

    You should provide tomato plants with at least two to three feet of depth to provide them plenty of room to grow.

    How deep should a raised garden bed be for tomatoes?

    The depth of the raised garden bed should be at least 12 inches deep.

    How deep do cherry tomato roots grow?

    Cherry tomatoes roots will grow to be around two feet deep.

    If you are thinking of growing tomatoes, it is important to know just how deep do tomato roots grow to prepare your soil before planting.

    Tomatoes are a warm-season vegetable and like most plants, they need to be grown in the right type of soil to perform at their best.  This article will help you understand how deep your roots should be planted. This will help ensure that you prepare the correct soil for your tomato plants to grow in.

    You can use this information to ensure that you plant your tomatoes in the correct soil. In addition, you can also ensure that your plants are growing in the right way.

    How Deep Do Tomato Roots Grow?

    So, how deep do tomato roots grow? The depth of your roots depends on the type of soil you are planting in. 

    In most cases, tomato roots will grow between two to three feet. It is important to know just how deep you need to plant your tomato roots so that you can ensure that the soil is prepared correctly before planting.

    Here are some of the types of soil you can plant your tomatoes in.

    Type 1: Loam soils

    These types of soil are composed of loam and sand, with low clay content. These soils are good for growing root crops such as beans, carrots, and lettuce. The rich, organic matter in loam soil will help your tomatoes grow large and flavorful.

    Loam soil is great for holding moisture while still providing proper drainage. It works well for a variety of plants.

    Type 2: Sandy soils

    Sandy soils are made up of gritty textures including sand and gravel, often with high sand content. These soils are pracical for growing root vegetables and herbs native to the Mediterranean. Tomatoes can grow in sandy soil that is slightly acidic. 

    Type 3: Clay soils

    These types of soil are composed of very fine mineral particles, with high clay content. Clay soil provides tomatoes with important nutrients to grow strong and healthy. However, clay soil can be heavy so it is best to mix it with another type of soil.

    Type 4: Peat soils

    Peat soil is made from organic materials that have been decomposed. They are good for growing root crops such as parsnips, turnips, radishes, beetroot, carrots, and potatoes. Peat moss can be a particularly great option for growing tomatoes. 

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    Growing Tomatoes

    As we have seen above, tomato roots are deep and need at least two to three feet. They can be grown in a variety of soils including loam, peat, clay, and sand. Planting tomatoes requires proper soil preparation and spacing.

    This is especially true if you want to get a yield of 10-20 pounds per plant.  In this case, you need to make sure that your soil has plenty of nutrients for the plants to grow well and that there is ample space between each plant.

    We have some great tips on how to prepare the soil and planting depth for your tomatoes.

    • If you are having trouble with your soil, then you may need to add compost or topsoil to it.
    • You should also make sure that your soil is well-drained. This means that you should not have standing water in your planting area. If you are unsure if the soil is well-drained, then you can test it by putting a small bucket in your planting area. If water drains out of the bucket quickly, then your soil is good for planting. If it does not drain, then you should add more compost or topsoil to your planting area.
    • If you are planting in pots, then you will need to make sure that your pot is at least two feet deep.
    • If you are planting directly in the ground, then you will need to make sure that you are planting a full 2/3 of the plant underground. This depth will give your plants plenty of room to grow and get bigger.
    • You should also make sure that you use fertilizer on your plants. 
    • If you want to plant your tomatoes indoors, then you will need to make sure that you keep your plant area at a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 
    • You will also want to make sure that you water your plants thoroughly. Watering your plants thoroughly will help your plants to get bigger and produce more tomatoes.
    How deep should a raised garden bed be for tomatoes

    In Conclusion – How Deep Do Tomato Roots Grow?

    It is important to know deep do tomato roots grow before you get planting. The depth of tomato plants is generally between two to three feet. Different soils can be used and again even the type matters. 

    Read more about Timber Grow Lights For Plants – Grow Light Info.

    FAQs

    How deep and wide do tomato roots grow?

    The roots can reach a depth of two to three feet, with lateral roots reaching up to two feet. In the field, they grow as a network of fine roots that are used to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

    Is 12 inches deep enough for tomatoes?

    You should provide tomato plants with at least two to three feet of depth to provide them plenty of room to grow.

    How deep should a raised garden bed be for tomatoes?

    The depth of the raised garden bed should be at least 12 inches deep.

    How deep do cherry tomato roots grow?

    Cherry tomatoes roots will grow to be around two feet deep.

  • Major Reasons For Yellow Leaves On Tomato Plants In Containers

    Major Reasons For Yellow Leaves On Tomato Plants In Containers

    Tomato plants are pretty easy to grow and you can even grow them in containers. But not everything tends to go rosy when it comes to growing plants generally. Yellow leaves on tomato plants in containers are one of those issues that any gardener can experience when it comes to growing tomatoes.

    When it comes to growing tomato plants in containers, there are some things you need to do right so you can have a smooth and successful growth of your tomato plant. If you fail to properly take care of the tomato plant, it can stand the risk of giving rise to leaves that changes to yellow.

    Different reasons can be responsible for why your tomato plant is turning yellow. Yellow leaves on tomato plants in containers may be a natural cause that doesn’t need too much worrying about. However, it may also mean something serious.

    Whichever situation this plant may be, we will be looking into the reasons why your tomato plant may be turning yellow. We will also look into how to resolve the issues if possible.

    Yellow Leaves On Tomato Plants In Containers: The Major Reasons

    So, below are some of the major reasons why your tomato plants in containers may be turning yellow. We have also looked at how you can fix the situation.

    1.    Overwatering

    One common reason why your tomato potted leaves may be changing colors to yellow is if they have been overwatered.

    Plants in pots have their limit to spreading their roots in the soil to draw moisture required by the plant. So, this may cause some growers to continue watering their tomato plant because tomato needs a good amount of water to thrive.

    However, when the watering is in excess, it can drown the roots of the plant. This may cause oxygen, nutrient, as well as moisture to be limited in their movements from the soil through the roots of the plant.

    Hence, this results in stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. So, when there is too much moisture in your potted tomato plant, it can cause humid conditions that usually attract fungal diseases. Then the tomato roots will begin to rot and begin to turn brown or brown then it can give a soggy texture.

    Solution

    It is important you avoid over-watering in the first place. So, when you want to water, ensure you check the moisture level to know if watering is needed. An easy test is to dip your finger into 1 to 2 inches of the soil then water only if your finger is dry. Also, ensure there are enough drainage holes for easy flow of water.

    However, if you already have rotten rot from over-watering your tomato plant, it is necessary you take the plant out of the potting soil. Then trim the dead, soggy, and black roots and leave out the healthy white roots.

    So, you should re-pot in a fresh batch of potting soil using a sterilized pot.

    2.    Under-Watering – Yellow Leaves On Tomato Plants In Containers

    Alternatively, under-watering your potted tomato can lead to the yellowing of leaves. This is because the plant isn’t receiving adequate water. Hence, the lack of water can result in a lack of nutrients and oxygen from the roots to the leaves.

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    Yellow Leaves On Tomato Plants In Containers

    Solution

    Under-watering can be solved easily and what you need to do is simply water the plant as needed. You can make it a habit to check your container tomato plant every day in the morning to see if the soil is dry.

    Do an easy moisture check by dipping your finger into 1 or 2 inches of the soil. Then if you see your finger looks dry, it is an indication that your potted tomato plant needs watering.

    3.    Sunlight Deprivation

    When your tomato plant isn’t receiving enough sunlight it can show signs of yellowing of leaves. The plant tomato requires full sunlight to thrive and a duration of around 6 to hours of daily sunlight is required.

    Lack of sunlight can cause your potted tomato plant to struggle to produce nutrients through photosynthesis thereby turning the color of your leaves to yellow.

    Solution

    Ensure your potted plant isn’t growing near a shade or ensure there are no obstructions around your plant that can block sunlight. Also, when it is required you can adjust or move your container tomato to a spot it can receive adequate sunlight.

    4.    Inadequate Nutrients Or Lack Of Nutrients

    Just like other vegetable plants, tomatoes are also heavy feeders. Therefore, a sufficient amount of nutrients needs to be supplied to your plant. Else, the leaves can begin to turn yellow.

    Inadequate Nutrients Or Lack Of Nutrients

    Solution – Yellow Leaves On Tomato Plants In Containers

    So, adding compost to your potting soil when you prepare it can be beneficial to your tomato plant. A slow-releasing fertilizer that is high in nitrogen can also be used. This fertilizer will release the required nutrients into your potting soil whenever you water your plant.

    The nitrogen-rich fertilizer you have been supplying your tomato plant should then be reduced once the tomato plant has matured. If not, the nitrogen will keep encouraging leaves to grow and you have more leaves rather than tomato fruits.

    Therefore, switch to a low nitrogen fertilizer once the plant has matured and use higher potassium. Doing this will help boost the container tomato plant to develop flowers that will end up producing tomato fruits.

    Conclusion – Yellow Leaves On Tomato Plants In Containers

    Yellow leaves on tomato plants in containers can be a result of different things and we have listed some of them from the above. We have also helped you figure out some possible solutions when you experience any of the listed effects on your tomatoes plant.

    FAQ’s

    How to stop yellow leaves on tomato plants in containers

    You can stop yellow leaves on your tomato plants in containers by first determining the cause of the yellowing of leaves. Then you can find the solution according to what you have figured out.

    Why are my potted tomatoes leaves turning yellow?

    Your potted tomato plants may be turning yellow due to different reasons. Some of these reasons can include over-watering, under-watering, lack of sunlight, inadequate nutrients, over-fertilization, or poor potting soil.

    How do you fix yellow leaves on tomato plants?

    The first thing to do when it comes to resolving or fixing the yellowing of tomato leaves is to figure out what the cause of the problem is. Once, you’ve determined the issue, you can proceed to fix your tomato plant by facing the problem they have.

    Should I remove yellow leaves from tomato plant?

    You can decide to remove the yellow leaves you may notice on your tomato plants. But generally, when the plant has attained a height of 12 to 18 inches, you can remove any yellow leaves.

  • A Detailed Guide On What Type Of Fertilizer For Tomatoes

    A Detailed Guide On What Type Of Fertilizer For Tomatoes

    Tomato being a heavy feeder tells us that the plant is a hungry plant that likes to be fed with fertilizer for them to flourish. What type of fertilizer for tomatoes do you think is best considering the fact that tomato is a nutrient-loving plant?

    Tomatoes will thrive well when you supply them with lots of fertilizer or nutrients to grow throughout their season. No matter the type of fertilizer you use (organic or chemical), it can boost the growth and production of tomatoes by providing extra nutrients required for tomato plants to flourish.

    But the question we would like to know and discuss is what type of fertilizer for tomatoes is best? We would also discuss about the best type of fertilizer for container tomatoes.

    What Type Of Fertilizer For Tomatoes? The Ideal NPK Ratio

    When it comes to choosing the ideal fertilizer for tomato plants, go for a fertilizer that has a balanced ratio of the three main elements. These main elements include the regular NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium). So, they should be balanced in a ratio such as 10-10-10.

    Alternatively, you can choose a fertilizer where the middle value (which is phosphorous) is greater than the first number (which is nitrogen). An example is a fertilizer ratio value of 2-3-1.

    What Type Of Fertilizer For Tomatoes? The Ideal NPK Ratio

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    What To Consider Before Deciding The Type Of Fertilizer To Use For Tomatoes

    But one important thing to note when considering what type of fertilizer for tomatoes is to know the status of your soil. Get to know the current nutrient content of your soil and you can know this by simply doing a soil test.

    After testing your soil, the result gotten will determine the type of fertilizer to use. For instance, if your soil is correctly balanced or high in nitrogen, a fertilizer that has a low value of nitrogen should be used. Then the phosphorus value should be higher. An example of this type of fertilizer is 5-10-5 or a 5-10-10 fertilizer mix.

    On the other hand, if the result of your soil test shows it lacks nitrogen or it is a low nitrogen, then a balanced fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 should be used to prepare the soil of your tomato plant.

    However, if you don’t have the capacity to have a soil test, you can just assume the soil you have is balanced and make use of a higher value of phosphorous tomato plant fertilizer. But make sure the soil has not had any experience of a sickly tomato plant in the past or this may not interfere with your result.

    Another important thing to be aware of when it comes to fertilizing tomato plants is to avoid using too much nitrogen. The results of excess nitrogen supplied to tomato soil usually give rise to lush, green leaves, with very few tomatoes.

    Therefore, if you have experienced the problem stated above (very few tomato yield), then you can consider providing a bit more phosphorous to the plant rather than a balanced tomato fertilizer.

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    Fertilizer For Tomatoes: The Nutrients Needed

    As we have mentioned, tomato requires 3 major nutrients and they are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The tomato plant also requires lots of other nutrients apart from the regular NPK as each of these nutrients serves some crucial tasks for plants.

    Let’s briefly look at some details on these major nutrients as well as some other nutrients:

    • Nitrogen: Supplying your tomato with nitrogen fertilizer is important and it will help maintain the leaves of the plant. However, when you use excess nitrogen, the resulting tomato plant usually gives rise to more leaves rather than more tomato fruits. Therefore, you may notice a bushy tomato plant and little tomato fruit yield when you use too much nitrogen.
    • Phosphorus: Another crucial fertilizer needed for the tomato to grow adequately is phosphorous. Phosphorous is required by your tomato plant for the growth of roots and fruits. This nutrient is an essential component for the first phase and last phase of the development of the tomato plant.
    • Potassium: Potassium assists your tomato plant to grow rapidly and produce flowers. It is these flowers that end up turning into fruits.

    So, apart from the major NPK nutrients, tomato plants also require other small nutrients and elements to grow and some of them include calcium, magnesium, zinc, boron, and so on. Let’s look briefly into some of these smaller nutrients.

    • Magnesium: magnesium helps your tomato plant to remain green and it can help enhance the quality of flowers and fruits of your tomato plant.
    • Calcium: calcium can help in producing strong tomato plants. This element will also help in proper root development and leaf development.
    • Boron and Zinc: both boron and zinc can assist in the flowering process and fruit ripening of your tomato plant.

    Best Fertilizer For Tomatoes In Pots – What Type Of Fertilizer For Tomatoes

    You can either use organic or chemical fertilizer for your potted tomato. But here are some nice homemade fertilizers you can use for your container tomatoes:

    1. Fertilizer Containing Nitrogen

    Corn gluten meal, rabbit poo, and manure are great organic homemade nitrogen-containing nutrients or fertilizers you can use for your potted tomato plant.

    1. Fertilizer Containing Phosphorous

    Human urine, kelp meal, sunflower seeds, soya beans, and pumpkin or squash seeds are good fertilizers that is phosphorous-containing that you can use for your potted tomato plant.

    Best Fertilizer For Tomatoes In Pots - What Type Of Fertilizer For Tomatoes
    1. Fertilizer Containing Potassium

    Fertilizer that contains potassium that you can use for your potted tomato plant includes wood ash, banana peels, potato peels, orange peels, sweet potato peels, and cucumber peels.

    Conclusion – What Type Of Fertilizer For Tomatoes

    Tomato plants are heavy feeders so it is important you supply them with some good fertilizer so you can enjoy optimal yield. What type of fertilizer for tomatoes has been discussed here and we have also mentioned some nice fertilizers to use for your potted tomato plants.

    FAQ’s

    What type of fertilizer is needed for tomatoes?

    The type of fertilizer needed by the tomato plant should be a balanced ratio fertilizer that has the three main elements which are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK). An example of a balanced fertilizer for tomatoes is 10-10-10.

    What can I use to fertilize my tomato plants?

    You can make use of a liquid type of fertilizer like compost or worm casting every 14 days to fertilize your tomato plant.

  • Do Tomatoes Grow On Vines? – How They Grow

    Do Tomatoes Grow On Vines? – How They Grow

    Do tomatoes grow on vines?  In this article, we will look at tomatoes and how they grow.

    We know that tomatoes are a fruit and that they grow on vines. But what do you call a tomato plant? What does the word “vine” mean in this context? 

    A tomato plant is a type of plant with vines that produces tomatoes. This is why we can say “tomatoes grow on vines”.

    It is also called a vegetable plant because it grows food for humans to eat. Most varieties of tomato plants grow to be two to three feet tall. In this article, we will look at the question do tomatoes grow on vines.

    Do Tomatoes Grow On Vines?

    The short answer is yes! Tomatoes can grow on vines, with some varieties being commonly grown on trellises or poles.

    There are many types of tomato plants and they grow in different ways. We will look at the most common types of tomato plants and what they look like.

    Do tomatoes grow like a vine?

    Types Of Tomato Plants

    There are two main types of tomato plants: vine and bush. The two terms can be confusing because all tomatoes grow on vines.

    • A vine tomato plant is a type of tomato that grows tall and needs staking for support. Also known as indeterminate, they have much longer stem growth. Vine tomatoes grow all season long, continuing to grow until the weather begins to get cold.
    • A bush tomato plant is a type of tomato plant that is shorter than the vine tomato plant. Also known as determinate, they are a good choice for growing in containers. They tend to have thicker skins with fewer seeds and are a good choice for canning. They also have a shorter growing season than vine tomatoes.

    How Do You Grow Tomatoes? – Do Tomatoes Grow on Vines?

    Tomatoes grow best in full sun and in loose, well-drained soil. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Tomatoes grow best in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F.

    If you live in a cold climate, make sure your soil stays warm enough to grow tomatoes. You can also grow tomatoes in a greenhouse. This is a great option if you live in a very cold climate.

    In the fall, when the weather starts cooling down, it’s time to start thinking about getting your tomato plants ready for the winter. It’s not too early to get started on preparing your tomato plants for winter.

    You should water your plants regularly, but not too often. It is best to water tomato plants in the morning. They need about one to two inches of water a week.

    You should fertilize your tomato plants when you first plant them and then every three to four weeks throughout the growing season. You should use a fertilizer that has macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Avoid fertilizers that are fast-release and avoid high nitrogen.

    When you’re ready to harvest your tomatoes, gently twist the bottom of the tomato to remove it from the plant. You can also store them on the countertop for a few days or in the fridge for around a week.

    You can also freeze your tomatoes in plastic bags. To do this, wash the tomatoes thoroughly before freezing.

    Final Thoughts: Do Tomatoes Grow on Vines?

    So if you are growing vine tomatoes, it’s best to use support to keep them growing straight.  Do tomatoes grow on vines?  Yes, all tomatoes grow on vines and they can be broken into vine or bush categories.

    So what is the difference between the two?  Well, bush tomatoes grow well in pots, and vine tomatoes need a stake for support. Within the two categories, there are several different varieties. There are many uses for vine and bush tomatoes that you can enjoy using.

    Read more about How Long Does It Take For Lettuce To Grow?

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    FAQs

    Do tomatoes grow like a vine?

    Yes. Tomatoes are actually a type of climber that grows on a stem and has tendrils that help them grasp other objects. You can use a regular tomato cage that is designed to keep tomatoes from breaking the stems or their supports when they grow and mature.

    What’s the difference between vine tomatoes and regular tomatoes?

    Tomatoes grown for fresh market or home use, as opposed to processing, are called “vine” or “indeterminate” tomatoes because they can grow on a trellis or support. They are usually smaller in size than “determinate” tomatoes, which are grown for processing. The best-tasting tomatoes are generally the ones that have been harvested at a younger stage.

    If you pick your tomatoes too late, they will be less sweet and flavorful. Tomatoes that have started to turn yellow or purple are also not suitable for canning because they are beginning to lose their flavor.

    Do cherry tomatoes grow on vines?

    Cherrry tomatoes do grow on vines and can grow to become quite tall. Indeterminate cherry tomatoes can benefit from a tomato tower or a trellis to help them grow strong and produce a maximum yield.

  • Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    Ideally, tomato plants thrive well under a normal condition of at least six to eight hours of sunlight every day. But what about a situation whereby you live in a zone where you hardly get sunlight, especially in your garden? Then you ask yourself: Will tomatoes grow in shade?

    Well, the answer is yes! You can grow tomatoes in the shade. However, there are certain varieties of tomatoes that are shade-tolerant that you can choose to plant. This and more are what you will find out about in this article.

    So if you’re asking if tomatoes will grow in shade?  Then yes, tomato plants can adjust to growing in shade but they will be more leggy. This is because of the way they try to get to where the light is. But let’s find out more.

    Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    Certainly, tomatoes can grow in the shade even if they require direct sunlight. Tomatoes can adapt to shades. However, the plant will become leggier as they attempt to reach sunlight.

    Although, growing tomatoes in full sun is the best with at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, partial shade may still be okay. Look to choose the best spot for planting your tomatoes, then the center of your garden or by a wall that is facing south will be perfect.

    Furthermore, don’t plant them by a wall facing north or beneath a tree. At this point, you may still be wondering if tomatoes will grow in a shade. Planting tomatoes in a shade can still turn out great, however, do bear in mind that the yield won’t be as much as expected when they are being grown under the light.

    Read more about Reasons For Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots

    Tomato Varieties That Are Shade-tolerant

    Tomato plants grown in the shade will not yield many fruits and the fruits won’t get ripened quickly. Hence, this is why it’s advisable to go for small varieties of tomatoes like cherry tomatoes to be grown under shade.

    Going for the bigger tomato varieties can also turn out great in partial shade if it’s the ones with a shorter maturity date.

    So if you’ve decided to grow tomatoes in the shade, then take cognizance to make sure that factors like nutrients, water, and airflow are in high supply. This is really important, as it will determine how healthy your tomato plants will be as well as the plants’ yield while growing in the shade.

    Let’s see the list of the varieties of tomato that can be grown in the shade.

    • Classic Round Tomatoes: Carmello (Red), Arkansas Traveler (Deep Pink), Green Zebra, Siberia Red, Early Wonder (Dark Pink), Belize Pink Heart (Deep Pink), and Marglobe (Red).
    • Cherry, Grape, and Pear: Golden Sweet, Black Cherry, Ildi (Yellow), Evans Purple Pear, Juliet Hybrid (Red), Isis Candy Cherry, and Principe Borghese (Red).
    • Plum and Paste: Roma (Red), Mama Leone (Red), Redorta (Red), and San Marzano (Red).

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    Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    Providing Good Light For Tomato Seedlings

    Try providing adequate light, like a grow light, if you’re starting your tomato seeds indoors. This is because it is important they get adequate light when they are beginning to grow.

    Naturally, tomato plants form roots along their stem as they grow as sprawling vine. When you want to transplant your tomato seedlings and you find out they are leggy, you should remove part of the leaves at the bottom.

    Go ahead and transplant the seedling deep in the soil leaving a stem of at least two inches, with leaves, at the surface.

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    Looking At The Bright Side Of Growing Tomato Plants In The Shade

    Now that you have answers to your question: Will tomatoes grow in shade? So, let nothing stop you from going ahead and selecting shade-tolerant tomatoes and planting them in your shady garden.

    However, if it’s not a shade-tolerant variety, you should always have fewer expectations about your plant yield. You won’t be getting as much harvest compared to when growing tomatoes in full sunlight. But growing tomatoes in the shade will still turn out well if it’s a shade-tolerant variety.

    Looking At The Bright Side Of Growing Tomato Plants In The Shade

    Harvesting – Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    If you want to know when your harvest will be ready, check the packet of your seeds for the maturity date. You should be expecting to begin harvesting your fruits after a few weeks from the maturity date.

    Hence, you should boycott growing the beefsteak varieties that don’t usually get ripened quickly even if they are grown in full sun. In partial shade, medium-sized and sometimes large varieties of tomatoes will turn out well at the end with good harvests.

    Growing cherry tomatoes in partial shade in addition to at least three to four hours of direct sun will turn out well at the end also.

    Furthermore, always bear in mind that tomatoes grown in the shade, be it partial or full, tend to have their roots and leaves remain moist for long when watered. This is due to the fact that they have the tendency of retaining water for too long as they don’t get enough sunlight to dry them out. Hence, the plants may become prone to disease if the soil is soggy.

    Hence, if you’re going to plant tomatoes in the shade, endeavor to space the plants and have them pruned. Make sure you create a channel from where there can be unhindered airflow. This will help in making the soil and leaves dry quickly.

    Harvesting - Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade

    Conclusion – Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    Exploring growing tomatoes in shade or partial shade is a way of not limiting yourself to a particular set of vegetables to grow in your shady garden.

    Now that you are certain that some variety of tomato can grow in shade, go ahead and try your hands on the aforementioned varieties in this article.

    Don’t forget to let us know how the journey to growing tomato plants under shade turns out at your end.

    FAQ’s

    What happens if tomatoes don’t get enough sun

    If you’re growing tomatoes under partial-shade, have the expectation of lesser yield and slow fruit ripening from your plants. This is due to the absence of enough sunlight for at least six to eight hours.

    Can tomatoes grow without direct sunlight

    Yes, tomatoes can grow without direct sunlight. If you’re starting your seeds indoors, try providing adequate light, like a grow light for the plants. This is because it is important they get adequate light at their early stage of growth.

    How many hours of sun does a tomato plant need

    Ideally, a tomato plant should get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day for a bountiful yield of fruits.

    Do tomato plants like morning or afternoon sun

    The time when the sunlight gets to hit your tomato plants doesn’t really matter. What matters is that the plants get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight, be it in the morning or afternoon. Your tomatoes can be grown successfully.

  • How To Keep Squirrels Out Of My Tomato Plant?

    How To Keep Squirrels Out Of My Tomato Plant?

    Squirrels are no longer an occasional nuisance, but a full-blown plague. They have invaded nearly every garden and park in the world, devouring fruit, nuts and many other tasty delicacies with their voracious appetite. If your tomatoes are being eaten alive by squirrels or if you just want to keep them away from your garden this season, here’s how to do it!

    The “tomato plant protection from animals” is a question that many people have had. Squirrels are notorious for eating tomato plants and destroying them. There are many ways to protect your tomato plant, but one of the most effective methods is using a cage.

    How do I keep squirrels out of my vegetable garden?

    A: There are a few ways to keep squirrels out of your garden. One way is to plant a row of marigolds or nasturtiums along the edge of your garden, which will repel them. Another way is to use a motion-sensitive sprinkler that sprays water in random patterns, which will scare them away.

    How do you keep squirrels away naturally?

    A: The best way to keep squirrels away is to make sure that you have a lot of trees around your property. Squirrels are often scared off by the sight of a tree, so planting a few trees near your home will help to deter them from coming near. You can also try using bird feeders and bird houses as well as hanging up fruit in your yard.

    How do I stop squirrels from digging up my plants?

    A: Unfortunately, there is no way to stop squirrels from digging up your plants. They are very persistent and will continue to dig up your plants even if you try to scare them away with a loud noise or spray them with water.

    Is there a squirrel repellent spray?

    A: There is not a spray that can be used to repel squirrels, but there are some other ways you can try. You could try placing moth balls around your property, or you could try spraying the area with water and vinegar.

    How do I make cayenne pepper spray for my garden?

    A: Cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper that can be used for culinary purposes, but it can also be made into a spray to deter pests. To make this spray, mix 1/2 cup of cayenne powder with 2 cups of water in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle and fill the rest of the way with rubbing alcohol. Spray on plants to keep away bugs and other unwanted critters.

    Q

    How do I keep squirrels and chipmunks out of my flower pots?

    A: The best way to keep squirrels and chipmunks out of your flower pots is to use a wire mesh cage. This will prevent the animals from getting into your flower pots, but it will also allow you to still enjoy looking at them.

    How do you keep squirrels out of potted plants?

    A: Squirrels are very good climbers. They can climb up a tree in seconds and they have sharp claws that help them grip the bark. Some people use bird spikes to deter squirrels from climbing trees, but this is not an effective method because it only works when the birds are present and cannot be used year-round.

    Should I add coffee grounds to my vegetable garden?

    A: Coffee grounds are a great source of nutrients for your garden. They provide nitrogen, which is essential for plants to grow and thrive. Additionally, coffee grounds can help prevent soil erosion by binding the soil together.

    How do I keep squirrels out of my vegetable garden?

    A: There are a few ways to keep squirrels out of your garden. You can use scare tactics like making loud noises or spraying them with water, you can also try planting marigolds around the perimeter of your garden, and finally you can make a physical barrier that will prevent them from getting in.

    The “what is eating my tomato plants at night” is a question that many people ask. The answer to this question is squirrels. There are many ways to keep squirrels out of your garden, but the best way is to avoid planting your tomatoes near other plants that squirrels like.

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    02/25/2026 01:03 am GMT