Discover the Best Ways to Grow Tomatoes at Home
Tomatoes are a versatile fruit that can be used in a wide variety of meals, from soups and pastas to salsas and chilis. If you consume a lot of tomatoes, growing your own could save you money and provide you with better flavor. While planting a tomato seedling is the most common approach to starting a new harvest, there are other options to consider. Here are four strategies that can guarantee a never-ending supply of your favorite fruit.
1. Bury Tomato Slices
Did you know that burying tomato slices can lead to a bountiful harvest? The Wannabe Homesteader offers a simple and low-cost solution. All you need is an overripe tomato, some potting soil, and several containers.
Fill a large container with potting soil until it is almost full. Next, place a few thin tomato slices on top of the soil. Choose slices that have a lot of seeds and bury them in enough dirt to prevent them from sprouting. Wait for a week or two for them to start growing.
It takes about a week for the tomato seeds to germinate. You can grow up to 60 seedlings in one container. Identify the top four or five strongest sprouts, take cuttings, and plant them elsewhere. Check on the young plants every few weeks, and remove the weaker ones to make room for the stronger ones.
2. Plant Them in the Ground
If you have a large yard with plenty of sunlight, planting your tomatoes directly in the ground can increase your harvest significantly. Bonnie Plants claims that this approach also reduces the need for watering. However, keep in mind that deer and rabbits may enjoy munching on your garden, so you’ll need to take precautions.
3. Grow Them in a Window Box
Tomatoes can also be grown successfully in a window box, even if you don’t have much space for a garden. Use a window box that can hold at least 1.5 liters of soil and support the plant with a string trellis drilled into the wall. To make this strategy work, use smaller tomato varieties.
4. Grow them in a Hanging Basket
If you’re worried about damaging your windowsill by hanging a heavy box from it, use a hanging basket instead of a pot on the porch. However, keep in mind that the plant will require more water than it would in a standard container since the water will evaporate more quickly. Try using a cascade cherry tomato variety, as suggested by DIY Network.
Growing your own tomatoes at home is an easy and cost-effective way to enjoy fresh, flavorful fruit throughout the year. Consider these strategies to ensure a never-ending supply of your favorite fruit.
Someone you know interested in trying their hand at tomato gardening?
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