For the Love of TOMATOES: From Pot to Plot
Tomatoes, so many of us love them. They can be pretty expensive in the grocery store. Well, anyone can grow tomatoes. Yes, even you!
Tomato plants are very forgiving. They want to thrive, and with a little TLC, you can help them produce plenty of juicy red fruits. All you need is a little space and a love for tomatoes.
Buying the plants
Buying tomato plants isn't hard. Choosing the type of tomato you want to grow, is the only hard part. There are hundreds of types of tomato plants out there. Here are some of the most popular types, and their uses.
1. Slicing tomatoes: These tomatoes are usually large and a beautiful red. They are used for sandwiches and slices.
2. Salad Tomatoes: These tomatoes are usually smaller than Slicing tomatoes. They lend them selves to perfect wedges for salads and stuffing.
3. Sauce Tomatoes: These tomatoes are also referred to as Roma tomatoes. These fruits are more meaty, with less seeds. They are good for sauces because of their lower water content. They can vary in size from small to very large. These tomatoes are also the best for canning, for future sauces.
4. Cherry Tomatoes: These tomatoes get their name from their very small size and their resemblance to cherries.
Once you have decided which tomatoes you want to grow, all you have to do is go to a reliable garden center. You can choose the plants your self, or ask for some help. The people at the garden shop are experienced, and usually eager to help. They know what varieties for you and your garden.
Always but good healthy plants. Not too big. If a plant looks huge, it is probably Patio plant, and not right for transplanting into the garden. It can have flowers already opening, but try not to buy a plant with little tomatoes on it. It might have been n the pot too long, and transplanting could put it into shock.
At home care for the plants
Unless you are ready to put your plants right in the ground, you will have to care for the plants for a few days. Don't panic! Just find a sunny spot, maybe on the picnic table, and make sure they don't dry out. Don't let the pets get to them, and they'll be fine until planting.
Preparing your soil
Now this is where you will get all sorts of different advice. Every tomato grower has their own little soil tricks, they swear is the only way to go.
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