When growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, it's crucial to provide them with proper care after planting. This process requires attention and understanding, as it determines not only the quantity but also the quality of the harvest. Proper care for tomatoes requires considering many factors: lighting, watering, fertilizing, temperature, and disease prevention. In this article, we'll cover every step in detail to help you grow healthy and delicious tomatoes.
Important! You can't plant tomatoes twice in the same greenhouse. Some gardeners forget this and then complain about a meager harvest.
Ten days before planting, the beds should be prepared, cleared of weeds, and rotted soil should be added. Additionally, the soil should be disinfected to prevent diseases and pests. Loamy or sandy loam soil is ideal for growing tomatoes in a greenhouse. When caring for tomatoes after planting in a polycarbonate or other greenhouse, special attention should be paid to carefully planting the seedlings.
When to plant seedlings
In southern regions, you can transplant seedlings into greenhouses in May. In northern regions, where summers are short, start a month or two earlier to allow the tomatoes to ripen before the cold weather sets in. If you're growing your own seedlings, remember: for early-ripening varieties, plant them as early as late March; for mid-season varieties, early March is best; for late-ripening varieties, February is best.
Warm the soil by covering it with black plastic or by watering it with hot water before planting. Cold soil will prevent proper root development; roots may rot, and you won't get proper fruit. It's also not recommended to plant the plants too deeply, as the roots will begin to sprout side shoots, and the plant will stop growing.
When fertilizing, avoid large amounts of nitrogen, which drives away the tops, instead of focusing all your energy on the development of fruits.
Planting tomato seedlings
After transplanting the seedlings to their new location, leave them alone for the first week to establish themselves, then begin watering and fertilizing. Until the plants bloom, water every 5 days; 1 bucket of water per 2 square meters is sufficient. Once they bloom, increase watering to 2 buckets per 2 square meters. It's better to water early in the morning than in the evening. This will prevent condensation from settling on the foliage, which is harmful to the plants. After 2 hours, open the greenhouse and ventilate.
A week after the first watering, begin staking the plants. Watch for unwanted side shoots and remove them promptly to avoid overcrowding the bush. It's best to remove side shoots in the morning; this will allow the wounds to heal by evening, preventing any harm to the plant.
After two weeks, the first feeding is needed. A half-liter jar of mullein and a spoonful of nitrophoska per bucket of water will be just right; carefully pour a liter of this beneficial mixture under each plant. After 10 days, repeat the feeding with this mixture: add a spoonful of "Fertility" fertilizer to a bucket of water, mixed with a teaspoon of potassium sulfate. Two more similar feedings during the season, and your tomatoes, assuming all other conditions are met, will grow to your delight and delight you with a bountiful harvest.
What is the correct way:
- The soil must be warmed beforehand. If you plant tomato seedlings in cold soil, the roots will stop growing and simply rot. The soil temperature for planting tomatoes should be around 15 degrees Celsius. To warm the soil, simply cover it with plastic film a few days before planting. If you're late applying the film, you can water the soil with hot water before planting (a less preferred option).
- Tomatoes shouldn't be planted too deeply into the soil. This is because the stem will produce new roots, and all the nutrients will go toward their growth. It's in the gardener's best interest to stimulate the growth of the plant, not the roots.
- It's important to ensure the soil doesn't contain too much nitrogen. To achieve this, you can simply add manure or urea to the holes, but in moderation. Large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer stimulate leaf growth.
- The plant needs to be inspected, yellow leaves and damaged roots removed.
- Plant tomatoes in the greenhouse in the evening or on a cloudy day, and be sure to water the soil lightly beforehand. For additional disinfection, you can water the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate.
Which scheme to choose?
Many forums on caring for tomatoes after planting in a greenhouse discuss the choice of planting pattern. Beds are traditionally laid out longitudinally, and each can be between 60 cm and 90 cm wide. The number of beds directly depends on the width of the greenhouse itself.
Advice! When planting low-growing tomatoes, you can plant the bushes in a staggered pattern in two rows (50 cm between rows). If planting standard tomatoes, they can be planted more densely, leaving 25 cm between rows. Taller tomato plants are also planted in a staggered pattern, but the distance between rows should be about 80 cm.
If the seedlings have already outgrown, it deserves special attention. These seedlings should be planted in a 12-cm hole, with a second, deeper hole dug into it. After two weeks, when the seedlings have taken root, you can fill the first hole with soil. Until then, only the second hole should be covered with soil.
Adaptation of plants after planting
After transplanting seedlings into the greenhouse, the very first days play a key role in the successful adaptation of the plants. During this time, tomatoes experience stress due to changing environmental conditions. Improper care can lead to slower growth and, in the worst cases, death. Having experienced the experiences of many gardeners, I have compiled recommendations that will be useful for everyone. First, it is essential to monitor the humidity level in the greenhouse. Overwatering or overdrying the soil negatively affects the root system and can lead to root rot and other problems. The optimal humidity level should be around 60-70%. Drip irrigation, which ensures uniform soil moisture, is ideal for this. Secondly, the temperature in the greenhouse also requires attention. Tomatoes prefer warmth, and the optimal temperature during the adaptation period is 22-26 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below 16 degrees Celsius or rises above 30 degrees Celsius, the plants may become diseased or grow slowly. Open the greenhouse windows and doors on sunny days for ventilation, and use heaters or special mats to maintain the desired temperature during the cold season.
Watering: how much and how often?
Watering is one of the most critical aspects of tomato care. It should be adjusted depending on the growth stage and the condition of the plants. During the first month after planting, seedlings require more moisture, but grapes should not be watered too frequently. Overwatering can cause root rot and other problems.
| Growth stage | Watering frequency | Volume of water |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | Every 3-4 days | 1.5-2 liters for each plant |
| 2-3 months | Once every 5-7 days | 2-3 liters for each plant |
| Before flowering | Once a week | 3-4 liters for each plant |
Monitor the soil: before watering, check its moisture content to a depth of 5-7 cm. If it is still moist, there is no need to water. To increase the efficiency of water delivery, use mulch, which prevents moisture evaporation and suppresses weed growth.
Fertilizing: How and when to apply fertilizers?
After planting tomatoes in a greenhouse, it's important to provide them with adequate nutrition. Fertilizing plays a vital role in ensuring a high-quality harvest and healthy plants. Seedlings typically require three main groups of nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Each of these elements is responsible for different processes in the plant. The first fertilizing is best done 10-14 days after planting. This can be either a liquid or granular fertilizer. For example:
- Nitrogen fertilizers: promote the growth of green mass and the formation of leaves.
- Phosphorus: responsible for root formation and active flowering.
- Potassium: increases plant resistance to diseases and adverse conditions.
It's recommended to alternate organic and mineral fertilizers. Organic fertilizers include manure, compost, or humus, while mineral fertilizers include complex tomato mixtures. After studying the opinions of experienced gardeners, I found that a combination of liquid and dry fertilizers is optimal. For more precise proportions, use the table below:
| Fertilizer type | Compound | Approximate volume (for 10 liters of water) |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Urea | 30-50 g |
| Phosphorus | Superphosphate | 40-60 g |
| Potassium | Potassium chloride | 20-30 g |
Plant formation: proper care of bushes
Training tomato bushes is an important aspect that can't be ignored. Proper pruning and tying determine not only the bush's appearance but also its yield. Experts recommend starting training after the first fruit clusters appear to prevent the bush from becoming dense and ensure light reaches all the leaves. There are several methods for training tomatoes, but the most common is training them into one or two stems. In the first method, only the main stem is left, and all side shoots (suckers) are removed. When training into two stems, one side shoot, located under the first cluster, can be left. Here are a few steps for successful training:
- Check the bushes regularly for side shoots and remove them when they reach a length of 5 cm.
- Tie plants to supports using soft ropes or special clips.
- Make sure the leaves do not touch the ground - this helps prevent diseases.
It's also worth monitoring the condition of the leaves. Are they falling off or turning yellow? This could indicate a deficiency of certain micronutrients or diseases that require immediate attention.
Caring for tomatoes after planting in a greenhouse (watering, lighting, pinching out side shoots, etc.):
- Don't water the seedlings at first. After ten days, begin watering them with warm water every five days. Once the tomatoes bloom, water them again every five days, but triple the amount.
- Regular ventilation of the greenhouse is essential. This will help maintain optimal humidity levels. Ventilate the greenhouse two hours after each watering, especially during flowering to ensure pollination of the tomatoes.
- Staking is done approximately four days after the seedlings have been planted in their permanent location. This is necessary for tall plants to prevent them from breaking under their own weight and to prevent the fruit from rotting. When staking, it's important not to damage the stems of the bushes; linear or frame trellises can be used.
- Pinching out stepsonsSide shoots are lateral shoots that emerge from the leaf axils of a bush. They branch out, shading the plant, promoting the development of various diseases, and reducing fruit production. As soon as these branches appear, they can be safely removed.
- The first feeding is done two weeks later, using nitrophoska diluted in ten liters of water. The second feeding is done ten days later, using the same type of fertilizer.
Prevention of diseases and pests
Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse significantly reduces the risk of diseases and pests, but it still doesn't eliminate them. Early-stage diseases can be quickly eliminated if symptoms are recognized promptly. Having studied numerous studies and surveys among gardeners, I can identify the main diseases encountered most frequently. One of the most common problems is late blight. Signs of its occurrence include darkening and rotting of the fruit, especially in conditions of high humidity and unfavorable temperatures. Unfortunately, over 80% of gardeners encounter this disease. Preventive measures may include:
- Regular ventilation of the greenhouse to prevent excess humidity.
- Timely pruning and disposal of damaged leaves and fruits.
- Use of fungicides for preventive purposes.
Another common disease is white spot. It occurs due to overwatering and a deficiency of micronutrients such as boron and copper. Research shows that focusing on proper nutrition and maintaining a proper temperature can reduce the risk of disease by 50%. Pests commonly found in greenhouses include aphids and spider mites. These insects can cause significant damage to plants, so it's important to monitor the condition of the leaves. There are many ways to control these pests, including both chemical and organic methods.
Conditions for pollination and fruit formation
The greenhouse must be opened on fine days not only for ventilation but also for the bees, without whom pollination will not occur, and all your efforts will be in vain. If the bees are reluctant to fly to your greenhouse plants, you can hang a jar of sweet water, honey, or jam by the entrance. The bees will be drawn to the sweets and, at the same time, will pollinate your tomatoes. To increase fruit set, spray the plants with a 10% boric acid solution, not only on the leaves but also on the flowers. You can also promote pollination by gently shaking the plants, then spraying them with water to attract pollen, and then opening the greenhouse for ventilation.
One of the most effective methods is hand pollination, which can be done with a soft brush or cotton swab. It's important to do this in the morning, when the flowers are most open and able to best accept pollen. Also, use the following methods to improve pollination:
- Regular ventilation of the greenhouse to ensure air movement.
- Temperature and humidity management: ideal conditions promote successful mating.
- Make sure you have more than one variety of tomato to increase the chance of cross-pollination.
Tomato fruiting also depends on light. It's crucial that plants receive sufficient sunlight, especially during flowering. If your tomatoes don't receive enough light, the fruit may fail to set or may be small and sour.
Conclusion: Successful greenhouse tomato care
Caring for tomatoes after planting them in a greenhouse is a multifaceted process that requires attention, patience, and knowledge. After reading this article, I hope you'll be able to apply the recommendations in your own gardening. Care encompasses many aspects, from plant adaptation, watering, and fertilizing to disease prevention and proper plant training. By following all these tips, you'll increase your chances of getting a high-quality and delicious tomato harvest. Don't be afraid to experiment and observe your plants—at this stage, it becomes clear how careful care pays off. Share your experiences with other gardeners, and remember that even small changes and attention to detail can lead to amazing results!
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