Get Ready to Harvest Tomatoes!
The first harvest of ripe tomatoes, whether they be red, yellow, or purple, is around the corner. Now is the time to ensure that a bountiful harvest in store. Tomatoes require 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, so hopefully they are well situated. They need sufficient water and should receive about 1” of water each week. Be sure to water slowly and deeply and avoid getting the leaves wet. Keep the tomato plants mulched all season long to conserve soil moisture and to discourage weeds which compete for moisture and nutrients. Most tomato varieties will need some type of physical support. Properly pruned, stalked, or trellised tomatoes will come into production earlier, produce larger fruit, and less likely to be damaged by rodents.Pinch off laterals or side shoots to maximize fruit development and minimize the spread of disease.Pull any weeds that do appear and monitor the plants regularly for disease symptoms.
For more information on growing tomatoes check out the links below:
