The tomato, also called Lycopersicum Esculentum, is a fundamental food in the Mediterranean diet, and one of the most consumed foods in Spain throughout the year. In addition, it is a food that provides many benefits to our health: rich in vitamins and minerals, protects eyesight, improves circulation, takes care of our skin ... among many other benefits.
The ideal time for its cultivation will depend on where we are. As a general rule, the perfect time to do this is during the spring (from March to June). The ideal temperature for this type of crop to grow properly should be between 20 and 35 ° C, with plenty of light for proper flowering.
It can also be grown in winter, but it is usually done in greenhouses, due to the weather conditions and the high probability of frost, which would spoil the plantation.
Tomatoes are not an overly demanding type of crop and are well suited to a wide variety of climates, with the exception of those where frost occurs.
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Practical tips to keep in mind
In tomato cultivation there are some basic cares that we must take into account to achieve a good harvest.
1. Choose a sunny place, since the tomato crop needs between 6 and 10 hours of sun a day. It is also important that the chosen place is well ventilated.
2. It is important to keep in mind not to plant in the same place as last season. In this way, you will be less likely to suffer from pests and diseases.
3. Water abundantly, since the tomato needs a lot of water in summer, approximately 1 liter per day and for each plant.
The water should be applied directly to the roots, never the leaves, to keep the deeper layers of the soil moist. Therefore, it is also advisable to water deeply and for a short period of time.
4. Eliminate suckers, small branches that grow between the main stem and the secondary ones. It is advisable to prune these twigs so that the plant does not lose so many nutrients in forming new branches and leaves. In this way, the plant will focus on the growth of the fruit.
It is important to do this pruning carefully and when the plant does not have wet branches so as not to run the risk of damaging it or spreading any disease or pest.
5. Guide the tomato plant, a technique used so that the plant grows with a firm structure that allows it to develop properly. This structure can be made of plastic or reeds and allows the plant to grow vertically by climbing the structure.
6. The collection is usually done between the months of July and August, depending on the degree of maturity of the fruit. To do this, we must make a simple evaluation, according to its color and consistency.
Irrigation of the tomato plant
The tomato plant is a type of crop that requires constant humidity for its proper growth. This is due, among other things, to the high temperatures that it usually does in the geographical areas where it is usually grown, between spring and summer.
At the humidity level, it should range between 60% and 80%. If it is too high, it favors the development of diseases and can cause cracking of the fruit. Too low a humidity makes it difficult for the pollen to attach to the flower stigma.
For these reasons, irrigation plays a key role in tomato cultivation. This is especially important in the previous phase for the growth of the first fruits or in days with very high temperatures.
When tomato cultivation takes place in a greenhouse, irrigation is usually done by drip irrigation. This irrigation system has multiple advantages for this type of crop, such as the constant humidity it provides and the great water savings it entails.
To install a drip irrigation system properly, it is necessary to know the amount of water our crops need and the type of soil we have.
Any questions or queries you have about your installation or materials for your application, have contacted with us, and remember that we are also experts in accessories for urban garden, micro-spray systems, water pipes, drip irrigation online stores.
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