Tomatoes
Solanum lycopersicum
History
tomatoes began as a staple crop in north america begin over 3000 years ago and was popular amongst the native american tribes. At that time they were a small yellow varitey differnt from what we know now. It was slow to gain popularity in europe due to a belief that it held poisonus properties but that changed when the itailians began to incoperate it into the cusine. it was still slow to gain populatiry until the canning revolution came around allowing it to be stored for years
Growing conditions
Sunlight
Needs atleast 6 hours of direct sunlight
Temperature Range
60F-85F
Soil Conditions
Loamy soil.
Water
1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Water the plants when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
Nutrients
10-10-5 for vegitation
5-10-10 for flowering
pH
6.0-7.0
Plant care
Sowing Seeds
plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and space them 6 to 8 inches apart. Cover with straw to help retain moisture.
Germination
Seeds can take 3 to 10 days for germination. keep soil moist during this time.
Pruning
thin out seedlings to about 12 to 18 inches of space. Remove any dead or diseased leaves.
Derminate tomatoes only need a light prining. remove all leaves before the first flower. Topping can result in a bushier plant.
For indeterminate tomatoes prune back the lower leaves to allow for airflow. Remove the first fe sets of flowers to allow for green growth to florish in the earlier life.
Harvest
determinate tomatoes will all ripen at ther same time watch for when the turn red.
Indeterminate tomatoes will ripen at different times. Remove ripen the tomatoes as they ripen .
Growing Tips
Do not plant nightshade in the same area every year.