Quick notes
In the depths of winter , when the days are short and the night are long , the thought of fresh , homegrown Lycopersicon esculentum can seem like adistant dreaming . But with a footling know - how and some clever techniques , you may refuse the cold and enjoy thesweet tasteof tomatoes allyear around . This comprehensive usher will provide you with everything you need to have intercourse about how to maturate love apple in winter .
Planning and Preparation
Before youstart planting , it ’s crucial to be after your wintertime tomato plant cultivation carefully . opt a gay spot in your garden that receives at least six time of day of sunlight per day . If you do n’t have asuitable outdoor space , you cangrow tomatoesin a greenhouse or indoors under grow lights . Next , blue-ribbon tomato plant varieties that are suitable for winter cultivation . front for varieties label as “ dusty - tolerant ” or “ wintertime - audacious . ” Somepopular choice include‘Sungold , ’ ‘ renown , ’ and ‘ Sweet Million . ’
Starting Seeds
Sow tomato plant seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last have a bun in the oven frost date in your orbit . Use a seed - start mix and plant the seeded player about 1/4inch deep . Keep the soil moist and quick ( around 70 ° fluorine ) , and provide auxiliary lighting if necessary .
Transplanting Seedlings
Once the seedling have originate their first set of truthful leaves , it ’s time to transfer them into private container . Use apotting mix specifically designedfor tomatoes , and plant life theseedlings deepenough so that thesoil lineis just above the first exercise set of leaves .
Hardening Off
A few weeks before transplant the seedling outside , begin the curing - off summons . Gradually expose them to out-of-door conditions by placing them in asheltered spotfor a few hours each day . This will help them adjust to thecolder temperaturesand quash transplantation shock .
Planting Outdoors
When the seedling are about 6inches talland the weather condition has warm up , it ’s time to constitute them alfresco . Dig hole in theprepared soil , space the plants 2 - 3 metrical foot asunder . cautiously murder the seedlings from their containers and plant them in the hole . irrigate them deeply and mulch around the root word of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds .
Providing Support
Tomato plant necessitate support togrow uprightand prevent them from falling over . Install post , cage , or trellis around the plant and tie them up as they develop .
Watering and Fertilizing
Water thetomato plants on a regular basis , especially during spicy , dry weather . Avoid overwatering , as this can leave to solution bunkum . Fertilize the flora every few week with a balanced plant food .
Protecting from Cold
In areas withcold winters , it ’s essential to protect the tomato plants from frost . Cover them with row covers , credit card tunnels , or blanket whentemperatures dropbelow freeze . you may also use a het up nursery to develop tomato plant year - round .
Harvesting
Tomato fruits typically mature 60 - 80 days after transplanting . When the fruits arefully ripe , they will be firm to the touch and have adeep red people of colour . Harvest the love apple bygently twistingthem from the vine .
Wrap-Up: Winter Tomato Triumph
Withcareful planningand attention to point , you’re able to successfully raise tomato plant in thewinter months . Enjoy the seraphic andjuicy fruitsof your labor all season long , even when the cold-blooded weather set in .
Information You Need to Know
Q : What are the besttomato varietiesfor winter cultivation?A : ‘ Sungold , ’ ‘ fame , ’ and ‘ Sweet Million ‘ are all cold - kind varieties suitable for winter growing . Q : How often should Iwater tomato plant plantsin the winter?A : Water the plants regularly , butavoid overwatering . Check thesoil moisturebefore watering , andwater deeplywhen necessary . Q : How can Iprotect tomato plantsfrom frost?A : Cover the plants withrow cover , credit card burrow , or blankets when temperature shed below freezing . you may also use a heated greenhouse to grow love apple yr - round . Q : How long does it take fortomato fruitsto ripen?A : Tomato fruits typically ripen60 - 80 twenty-four hour period after transplantation . Q : What are thecommon pestsand diseases thataffect tomato plantsin the winter?A : vernacular pests include aphid , whitefly , andspider mites . Diseases include blight , powdery mildew , and root rot . Q : Can Igrow tomato industrial plant indoorsin the winter?A : Yes , you cangrow tomatoes indoorsundergrow lights . Provide them with great deal of sunlight , ventilation , and bread and butter .
