Timing for planting tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse in the Moscow region

Tomatoes are perhaps the most widely grown vegetable in the world. It's no wonder that new varieties and cultivation methods emerge every year. The highest yields can be obtained in a polycarbonate greenhouse. Let's look at the timing and specifics of planting tomatoes in such a greenhouse in the Moscow region.

When to plant

In the Moscow region, tomato seedlings are placed in unheated shelters from late April to early May. However, in heated polycarbonate greenhouses, this process can continue year-round. However, it's important to strictly follow the proper agricultural practices and care guidelines.

In the Moscow region, different varieties of tomatoes can grow, both early and late.

How to prepare a room for tomatoes?

The greenhouse should be located in a sunny area with light from all directions. If there's not enough light, the seedlings will weaken, which will negatively impact the future harvest.

If natural light is insufficient, artificial lighting will be required. Daylight lamps are used for this purpose, but if possible, it's better to purchase a specialized phytolamp. They are significantly more expensive, but much more effective.

First, you need to take care of watering. A drip system is ideal, but if that's not possible, it's better to buy a large barrel to settle and heat the water, which can then be used for drip irrigation.

Ventilation is also very important. Insufficient air is unacceptable, as are drafts.

 

To prevent the soil from freezing, it is advisable to cover it with hay or straw.

Regardless of whether the greenhouse is newly built or has already housed vegetables, before placing the seedlings inside, the soil is disinfected with Bordeaux mixture, copper sulfate, or a concentrated solution of potassium permanganate. These solutions are sprayed on the interior surfaces, especially the openings where harmful insects like to nest.

Don't forget about the soil either. A portable greenhouse can be moved from one location to another, but this won't work with a permanent structure. Tomatoes shouldn't be grown in the same area every year to avoid fungal infections and pests.

However, to ensure the tomatoes are safe, a complete soil change isn't necessary. Simply remove 10 cm of the top soil, treat it with copper sulfate, and sprinkle fresh soil on top.

The best predecessors of tomatoes are potatoes, beans, cucumbers, and mustard.

The optimal soil enrichment option is to sow green manure in the fall or spring, 21 days before planting seedlings. These plants have strong roots and provide sufficient nutrients to the soil.

The mown green manure is left for several days and the soil is dug up.

Some gardeners throw snow into the greenhouse to eliminate harmful insects during hibernation and add nutrients to the soil.

To improve soil fertility, add wood ash, manure, and compost. This is done during fall tilling or just before planting. However, be careful not to let the manure come into contact with young leaves, as this can kill them.

The cultivated soil needs rest and a temperature of at least 13 degrees.

Landing algorithm

Even strong and healthy seedlings need to be prepared for transplantation. Five days before transplanting, the shoots are treated with boric acid to ensure proper flower and ovary development.

The day before planting, cut off 2-3 leaves. If they touch the ground, the plants won't receive enough air, preventing the roots from developing properly, which will reduce the yield. However, they must be removed carefully, using disinfected tools, and the cut areas treated with potassium permanganate.

Planting takes place in the afternoon. The shoots are placed in thoroughly watered soil up to the root bud. Experienced growers plant tomatoes not straight up, but at an angle of approximately 50 degrees, with the tops of the plants facing northeast. This allows the tomatoes to adapt better.

After a week, the crop is watered at the roots with warm, settled water.

Landing pattern

Once the soil is warm, you can begin preparing the beds. Typically, they are placed near the walls, or in the center of larger greenhouses.

The distance between rows should be 60-80 cm, and the height of each row should be 50-90 cm, according to the selected variety.

The beds are raised about 40 cm. The placement of the holes depends on the specific tomato variety. Each hole is watered with hot potassium permanganate two days before planting. Supports are also erected at this time.

A heat-loving crop like tomatoes thrives in a polycarbonate greenhouse. By planting at the right time, you can harvest high-quality, delicious fruits even in cooler climates.