These days you no longer need to own a large land to build a small garden or just to cultivate some plants. In the case of certain species, a vase is sufficient to plant some seeds and later reap their fruits. Having a vase is precisely the only requirement to cultivate the fruit that many Portuguese consume in salads and whose time has just begun.
Cultivation of tomatoes requires thorough and careful preparation, especially with regard to choosing the right time to start planting. This decision has a direct impact on plant health and harvest quality. The secret is to observe the gradual climb of temperatures. It is this natural indicator that should guide farmers and enthusiasts in choosing the best time to start.
Ideal temperatures favor healthy growth
Tomatoes are plants that prefer hot and stable temperatures and do not tolerate the cold well. The general recommendation is to start planting when minimum night temperatures exceed 10 degrees, while during the day they should be between 21 and 27 degrees. This thermal range favors both vegetative development and fruit production. Planting outside these conditions can seriously compromise the production cycle of culture.
In most regions, the ideal time to plant tomatoes occurs after the last frost. This means that, depending on the geographical location, the calendar may vary considerably. In some more seasoned areas you can plant at this time of year, while in others it is prudent to wait until the end of May. The safest is to consult the local frost calendar to avoid unnecessary risks.
Germinating at home is an alternative to anticipate cultivation
For those who want to anticipate the process, it is possible to start germination of seeds inside, between six to eight weeks before the expected date for outdoor transplantation. This practice allows strong and healthy seedlings ready to better adapt to the ground when they are transferred. Otherwise, there is always the alternative to purchase young plants in nurseries or specialty stores.
Well prepared soil increases productivity
Write the portal that soil preparation is another determining factor for the success of cultivation. The terrain must be well drained and enriched with organic matter. “It is advisable to incorporate compound or natural fertilizers into the ground before planting, to ensure that plants have access to essential nutrients,” explains the experts. Soil structure and fertility have a direct influence on plant productivity.
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Also choosing the variety of tomatoes suitable for climate and available space is important. There are indefinite growth varieties, which produce throughout the season, and others of determined growth, whose production is more concentrated in a short period. The decision must take into account the purpose of cultivation, either for domestic consumption or for higher scale sale.
Deep watering helps in the development of the plant
Watering is another fundamental aspect that requires special attention. The recommendation is to perform deep and regular watering that allow water to reach the roots without causing soaking. An inappropriate watering regime can cause water stress and compromise the quality of the fruits. The balance between frequency and the amount of water is essential for good culture performance.
Sun exposure influences the quality of the fruits
In addition to watering, tomatoes need direct sunlight to grow properly. “These plants need at least six to eight hours of sun a day,” the gardeners indicate to the same source. Insufficient sun exposure can lead to the development of weak plants and small or smaller fruits. Therefore, the location of cultivation must be strategically chosen.
The combination of factors such as temperature, soil, variety, watering and light determines the success of planting. Each step of the process has direct influence on the results obtained, so they should not be neglected. Those who cultivate tomatoes based on careful planning tend to obtain more tasty, larger and larger fruits. Attention to detail makes all the difference.
Technical knowledge improves harvesting
Thus, cultivating tomatoes successfully not only depends on launching seeds to Earth. It is necessary to understand the plant cycle and respect the ideal conditions of the environment in which it is found. Technical knowledge, coupled with local climate observation, allows you to maximize yield and ensure a quality harvest.
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