Growing tomatoes can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a gardener! There’s nothing quite like the taste of a homegrown tomato, bursting with flavor and freshness. Now is the time of year that gardens are overflowing with big juicy ripe tomatoes. Below are a few tips from Clippings Floral Design on how and when to get the most out of your tomato harvest.
Water: Water consistently throughout the growing season. This will ensure the plants don’t become stressed which can make them vulnerable to diseases and unable to absorb and use nutrients to grow big healthy tomatoes. Alternatively, too much water can cause tomatoes to split and have a less intense flavor. It is best to water tomatoes from below to avoid water on the leaves as this can cause disease as well.
Pests and Disease: Keep an eye out for pests such as tomato hornworm or yellowing leaves.
If you notice any pests remove manually or spray with soapy water. For diseases such as yellowing leaves, remove affected areas and dispose of well away from your garden.
Harvest Often: Harvesting often will allow the plant to focus its energy on growing and ripening more fruit. Check daily for tomatoes that are almost ripe and let them continue to ripen indoors. This will reduce the chances of losing the fruit altogether from critters or pests that love ripened fruit. Also harvest as much as possible before a heavy rain as this causes tomatoes to split open which attracts pests and diseases. High temperatures can also cause tomatoes to start to rot quickly, yet another reason to pick the fruit a little earlier.
Harvest Carefully: Take care while harvesting tomatoes as ripe tomatoes are soft and can split or bruise easily. Harvest into a smooth bowl or container and bring inside as soon as possible. Then enjoy your bounty!
For more gardening and floral design tips from Clipping’s visit https://bit.ly/3PfF3P2