Tomatoes , how to plant them

_{portrait of @edprivat for our ( @d-vine and mine ) show @one.tribe.radio who also grows tomatoes and eats them too or are they eating him?}

This is something I wrote years ago for one of my blogs but I thought it was worth sharing. It was originally something I made for my university course. The assignment, at the time, was to create a learning activity and write a blog about it. I am all about self sustainability and what is more self sustainable than growing your own food? So I decided to write about how to grow tomatoes! In a world that is even more fucked up than it was then, learning things like this is actually essential survival. so let's begin.

Why write about the Tomato? Well first of all because I am obsessed with them but also because they are very healthy and good for you. there is evidence pointing to the fact that they might help to ward off cancer, prevent DNA damage, reduce the risk of heart disease, protect against thrombosis and ward off inflammation. Even the ancient greek knew that our diets where essential in maintaining and regaining health and our tomato here seems to be a good choice.

Who are you ?

So let's look at our little reed friend a little closer. Tomatoes are commonly thought to be a vegetable but they are actuality a citrus fruit. It is hard to believe but before the mid 1800’s they were almost unknown in the U.S.A and only then became the staple food we know today. The tomato’s botanical name is Lycopersicon esculentum. although it needs a lot of warmth and sun to grow it is versatile enough to grow at least one planting seasons in USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 through 10. Tomatoes need full sun exposure loamy (Soil composed of a mixture of sand, clay, silt, and organic matter) acidic soil is best for them.

Love me, plant me call me George

So you want to grow and plant tomatoes- there are two routes you can take you can grow them from seeds or buy a young plant from your local farmers market or garden outlet. You can either buy seeds or harvest them yourself. Now if you are harvesting your tomato seeds yourself you first need to make sure that the tomato you are getting them from is not a hybrid otherwise you will have no idea what kind of tomato you will grow from the seed they will not look like the parent. Also My aunt Marie Helen the garden Queen told me never to plant different types of tomatoes together because they will cross pollinate and if you want seeds you will once again receive hybrids.

Seeds

So you want to get your own seeds- that is actually really simple you cut your tomato in half then you pit out the pulp and seeds and put them in a strainer; use clear water to wash off the pulp from the seeds until only the seeds remain. Once you have your seeds lay them on paper to dry et voila next year’s crop is right there waiting for you.

When do I plant my babies

Late winter early spring about 6 to 8 weeks before spring's last frost date is the time to plant your little seeds.

In an article on the subject I googled years ago the author (Doreen Howard) recommended setting seed flats or pots on a heat mat to accelerate germination. Once the baby plants peek out their little heads she then removes the pads and sets up growlights two inches from the plant tops to complete the job. She recommends using a small oscillating fan directed at the plants for cooling. Check on the baby plants every day and adjust the height of the lamp if needed to prevent them from being burnt.

Making the bed

Before your little green babies are ready for the big world you should prepare your soil for them. For best results you need to dote on them like a Jewish mother and plan your every move. Two weeks before transplanting your seedlings till your soil to about 1 foot and mix in aged manure and compost.

The kids are moving out

6- 8 weeks into their growth your babies are about a hand length long and are ready to graduate to moving outdoors. Make sure the last frost has passed and your soil is warm, then choose a spot with full sun and well-drained soil where your plant receives at least 6 hours sunny goodness. If you live in a warmer climate, such as as U.S Americas south, you either have to water you plants a lot or choose a spot where they have a bit of afternoon shade so they won’t shrivel and die.

Plan where you want them to grow. You will need stakes or cages later on, to support them, unless you have a lot of room and just want to let them spread out. Support systems are a good choice however because they prevent rot if you live in a humid climate.

How to plant

Plant your baby plants two feet apart from each other. Cut off a branch or two from the bottom leaves then plant the root ball deep enough so that the remaining lowest leaves are just above the surface of the soil. Water generously, tomatoes need a lot of water. Keep on watering generously for the first week. If you Keep watering your plants consistently they will repay your with yummy fruit.

Five weeks after transplanting Mulch the soil around your tomato children to retain moisture. If you are limited on space you can plant your tomatoes in large planters and they will thrive just as well follow the above steps just in your containers.

This is especially good for urban dwellers you do not have to have a garden to grow food, even if you live in the city. Becoming food independent really can improve life quality especially in food deserts.

keep your tomatoes healthy

Tomatoes are susceptible to a verity of plant illness and pests. The most common are tomato hornworms and whiteflies. But there are a lot of other nasty little monsters that will go after your plants such as aphids, flea beetles and late blight, a nasty fungal disease that not only ruin your crops but also can contaminate your soil. You will recognise it if you see grey, mouldy spots on the leaves and fruit of your plant which later turn brown. Sadly the only way to keep it contained is to destroy and throw away the affected plants. But do not put them in your compost of the fungus will contaminate you next crops all over again.

So this is a little basic guide to get you started good luck with your planting

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