The tomato is easily grown, can be served in a great variety of ways and has excellent nutrition value, and is perfect to grow for the beginning gardener. High in Vitamin C content, the tomato has been called the “poor man’s orange.”
It is far from a waste of time, money and effort for the home gardener to try to grow tomatoes from seed. In fact, growing tomatoes at home can be a very profitable venture, for those with the patience and time to grow tomatoes. The local seed store man can provide good young plants of the right size at the time of the purchase of the tomatoes.
Remember that the tomato is a warm-weather vegetable and therefore should not be planted until all danger of frost is past. Tomato plants give a healthy yield, so don’t plant too many tomatoes when it is decided to do some home gardening.
About three plants per person will supply the needs of the average family during tomato season. For quick ripening, give the tomato plants plenty of space. Plant the tomatoes 18 to 24 inches apart in rows three feet apart. Set the plants in well-prepared soil and pack it tightly around the roots of the tomato.
Set tall plants on a slant‚Äî”layering,” it’s called, because a tomato will thrust out roots all along its stem. Be sure to stake the plants, because if the vine is allowed to ‘run wild,’ many tomatoes will rot on the ground or be spoiled by insects before the tomatoes get ripe.
Stakes should be at least an inch square when growing tomatoes. Hold the plant to the stake with a loose loop of soft string or old cloth at about 10-inch intervals. Don’t use wire, as it will bruise or cut the stem of the tomatoes. Encourage good leaf growth and do not pick off leaves if the tomato plant is doing well.
However, tomatoes often need pruning as well. Prune tomatoes by cutting (with a knife) or pinching off “suckers” from the main stalk. These tomatoes sprout in the angle formed by the stem and the main stalk.
There are many types of tomatoes are available for the at home gardener. There are large ones and small ones in white, yellow and red, as well as various ornamental forms that are especially attractive in salads and as preserves. A firm-meated tomato type like Marglobe is excellent for salads and canning, and a great beginning tomato.
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