How to Grow Tomatoes in a Polycarbonate Greenhouse

Proper preparation of a carbonate greenhouse

When a gardener or summer resident installs a polycarbonate greenhouse on their property, the amount of preparatory work is significantly reduced, compared to greenhouses or similar structures. It is also necessary to greenhouse treatment, wipe all the walls and properly install the ventilation system.

Compared to a film-based structure, this greenhouse is ideal for quickly and easily growing tomatoes. In film greenhouses and hotbeds, there is a noticeable temperature difference, especially during the day and night. Therefore, such greenhouses should be insulated, leaving 1.5-3 cm of air space between the layers. This protects the structure from sudden cold snaps. People are interested in growing tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse.

If ventilation systems aren't installed in the greenhouse, they need to be installed immediately. A high yield and efficient ripening depend on properly installed ventilation. Tomatoes require constant, high-quality ventilation. The best and simplest option is to install vents in the roof and sides of the greenhouse. Even the most basic ventilation system will improve yield and tomato germination.

Selecting planting material or soil

Polycarbonate greenhouses, like other similar structures for effectively growing tomatoes, require careful selection of soil or planting material. The higher the soil fertility, the better the plant will germinate and produce fruit.

Greenhouse soil is prepared by removing the top 10 cm of soil. This depth is generally considered to be the harbouring point for harmful organisms and fungal spores that can harm tomatoes. The next step is soil disinfection. This procedure requires the use of copper sulfate. A tablespoon of copper sulfate is used per bucket of water. If you look at the photos and video instructions on various gardening forums, you'll notice that for effective flowering and fruit ripening, the use of fertilizers and fertilisers is essential. This is an interesting consideration. growing tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse on video.

In clayey and loamy soils, wood sawdust and peat moss should be used. In some cases, humus can be used, but it's not necessary. These components help loosen the soil, allowing the roots to "breathe" and get adequate air.

Peat is typically weighted with turf or sawdust. A small amount of coarse sand should also be added. Pure black soil is also diluted with humus or sand. In addition to the above additives, the soil needs to be fertilized. Fertilizers containing saltpeter, superphosphate, and wood ash are used for this purpose.

The optimal time for planting seedlings

For seedlings, it's essential to use healthy, large seeds. Furthermore, tomato seedlings should be planted in a polycarbonate greenhouse in late February or early March. Gardeners want to know how to grow tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse in the Moscow region.

For proper germination, the seedlings should be approximately 24 cm tall and should be no more than 2 months old. These parameters are for greenhouse-grown tomato seedlings. Don't rush, as this can damage the roots. Furthermore, the plant should be planted relatively vertically and covered with soil up to the first leaves. Once the plant begins to sprout, fill the hole with soil and begin the first watering.

It's crucial to water the plant properly and monitor the adaptation of early-ripening tomatoes. The distance between tomatoes should be at least 50 cm. Planting too close together will result in reduced yields and loss of productivity. Their root systems will interfere with each other, preventing the plant from "breathing."

Basic rules for caring for tomatoes:

1) Abundant watering.
2) Loosening the soil.
3) Fertilizing.
4) Effective protection against various pests.
5) Timely garter.
6) Regular weeding.

Even if just one of these points is not met, the risk of yield loss will increase significantly. A properly designed drip irrigation system in a carbonate greenhouse will have a beneficial effect on tomato yields. Straw should be used as mulch. This will aid in subsequent loosening and weeding. Proper cultivation of tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse: Ganichkina and other varieties.

Tomato varieties for carbonate greenhouses

When choosing tomatoes, consider factors such as ripening, appearance, yield, pest resistance, and plant height. Polycarbonate greenhouses are ideal for growing tall tomato varieties. Therefore, they should be regularly tied and pinched. Indeterminate tomatoes can reach maximum heights. Among the most popular tomato varieties, the following stand out: "King of Giants," "Khokhloma," "Miracle of the Land," and others. How to grow tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse in Siberia.

These tomato varieties are capable of producing a large harvest over a long fruiting period. When it comes to earlier varieties, the most popular are selected varieties such as "Typhoon," "Poisk," and others. Gardeners and summer residents prefer to use tomatoes based on size. Therefore, when it comes to larger root vegetables, varieties such as "Orlinoe Serdtse" and "Kardinal" stand out. Medium-sized tomatoes include "Detsky Sad" and "Lampa." Varieties such as "Imperia" and "Vishenka" are suitable for winter preservation.

Proper planting and selection of seeds

Planting material should be selected based on its general characteristics and productive qualities. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a potassium permanganate solution for several days. The optimal time for planting seedlings is late February to early March. Furthermore, the soil for sowing and subsequent transplanting should be identical in composition. This will allow the crop to adapt much better to the new growing conditions. Effective cultivation of tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse in winter: video review.

The first seedlings are watered generously with warm water for a week. Subsequently, watering should be done only when absolutely necessary. As soon as the first leaves appear, the seedlings should be replanted. Young seedlings should also be fertilized after two weeks of transplantation. Nitrophos is best for this purpose. Once the plants reach an optimal height of 30 cm, they should be transplanted into a greenhouse. Don't forget to prepare the soil before planting tomato seedlings. Tomato "Evpator" gives a high yield of fruits.

A video review of how to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse

First, remove the top layer of soil and disinfect the soil. As mentioned earlier, dilute 1 tablespoon of copper sulfate in a 10-liter bucket of water. Then, add peat, compost, and wood-based sawdust to the soil mixture. The ratio is 2:1:1. Approximately one week before transplanting into the greenhouse, treat the soil with a biologically active substance and preparation. Growing tomatoes effectively in a polycarbonate greenhouse as a business.

It's preferable to use natural products, without hazardous chemicals. This process will reduce the likelihood of pests and fungi. Seedlings are planted in pre-prepared holes. The total size of each hole should not exceed 25 cm². The distance between plants should be no less than 10 cm.

Because the bushes shouldn't create shade or "smother" each other, when planting low-growing tomatoes, it's important to use a checkerboard pattern. The distance between tomatoes in this case should be no less than 30 cm, as each bush produces several shoots.

For tall tomato plants, plant them at a distance of at least 65 cm from each other. The bottom of the planting area should be lightly moistened before watering. After planting, cover the seedlings with soil. Water thoroughly after the first two weeks. Growing tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse in winter is a unique experience.

Proper care of tomatoes

Basic care includes generous watering at a certain stage of development, proper tying, and fertilizing. Until flowering, the bushes should be watered once a week. Water evenly at the base of the plant. Avoid overwatering the soil, as this can lead to rotting.

Watering should be done in the evening, and then again two weeks after repotting. Also, remember to remove side shoots when the plant begins to gain sufficient weight. This work is performed early in the morning. Lateral shoots are regularly removed.

Fertilizing tomatoes is done during the growing season. Fertilizers Fertilizers are applied during fruit set. Cow manure, potassium nitrate, and urea should also be used. These fertilizers promote abundant bush growth and efficient fruit ripening. Foliar feeding is done after sunset. Morning dew favors the absorption of the applied fertilizer.

To increase fruit set, spray tomatoes with boric acid. When growing tomatoes indoors, monitor the temperature. After sunset, the temperature should be at least 15ºC, and during the day, up to 27ºC. Pollination of tomatoes is performed manually, as insects have no direct access to the plants. This is especially true when growing tomatoes in polycarbonate greenhouses. During the pollination period, shake the plants, water them lightly, and spray the stems and leaves.

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After this procedure, the greenhouse should be ventilated slightly to prevent high humidity levels in the soil and air. Regular ventilation is also essential. Additional vents should be installed on the roof and sides of the greenhouse for this purpose. This process should only be performed during the tomato flowering period. If the tomatoes begin to drop their future fruit, this indicates low humidity in the greenhouse. This problem can be resolved by ventilation and ample watering.

To prevent diseases and pests, it's necessary to implement specific agronomic care measures for tomatoes. Tomatoes are primarily susceptible to late blight, fruit rot, and blackleg. For effective control, it's necessary to disinfect the top layers of soil and spray the plants with various fungicidal products.

High lighting and adequate humidity in a polycarbonate greenhouse, supplemented with various fertilizers, and consistent care will lead to timely and productive harvests. The key is to follow these recommendations for proper tomato care, and then growing tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse year-round will become a reality.