How to Grow Heirloom Tomatoes
Buy your seeds from a reputable source., It's important to start germination early., Plant the seeds indoors in small pots about 6 to 8 weeks before moving them to the garden., Plant the seeds in sterile soil about 1/8-inch deep in the small pots...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Buy your seeds from a reputable source.
There are several online sources for heirloom seeds. , For most temperate zones, you'll want to start around March. , Some gardeners use foam cups to plant the seeds indoors. ,,, Use natural sunlight or fluorescent lights. ,, Be sure the temperature does not drop to 40 degrees or below.
Bring the plants to a warmer environment when temperatures become too cold. ,,, Either way plant the tomatoes so they are planted to their first true leaves. ,,,, Water by giving the plants a good soaking. ,, There are seed exchanges available and can be found by doing a net search. -
Step 2: It's important to start germination early.
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Step 3: Plant the seeds indoors in small pots about 6 to 8 weeks before moving them to the garden.
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Step 4: Plant the seeds in sterile soil about 1/8-inch deep in the small pots.
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Step 5: Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
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Step 6: Make sure the seedlings get plenty of light.
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Step 7: Move the plants to larger pots once leaves appear.
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Step 8: Harden off the seedlings by gradually placing them in a cold environment.
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Step 9: Once the tomato plants have adapted to the cold environment they are ready to plant outdoors.
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Step 10: Plant the heirloom tomatoes well away from non-heirloom plants to prevent cross pollination.
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Step 11: Plant the seedlings in well fertilized soil using the trench method or by digging deep holes.
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Step 12: Apply a starter fertilizer to the transplants.
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Step 13: Stake or use a tomato cage to train the plants.
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Step 14: Weed plants regularly.
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Step 15: Water tomato plants often
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Step 16: based on how the plants look
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Step 17: try not to spray the leaves.
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Step 18: Take appropriate action to keep pests such as nematodes or the tomato worm at bay.
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Step 19: Save the heirloom tomato seeds for next year's garden or to share with other heirloom tomato farmers.
Detailed Guide
There are several online sources for heirloom seeds. , For most temperate zones, you'll want to start around March. , Some gardeners use foam cups to plant the seeds indoors. ,,, Use natural sunlight or fluorescent lights. ,, Be sure the temperature does not drop to 40 degrees or below.
Bring the plants to a warmer environment when temperatures become too cold. ,,, Either way plant the tomatoes so they are planted to their first true leaves. ,,,, Water by giving the plants a good soaking. ,, There are seed exchanges available and can be found by doing a net search.
About the Author
Maria Coleman
Specializes in breaking down complex home improvement topics into simple steps.
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