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Carol isn’t just full of savvy ideas — she’s a home expert in her own right. As a busy professional, wife, and mother of two, Carol understands the need to have your home be your sanctuary. She’s a communication executive in an industry focused on managing homes and communities and has spent a lifetime collecting ideas on how to manage her own in fun and unique ways.
Thursday May 17, 2012
The secret to growing great tomatoes
The tomato is arguably one of the most cost-effective vegetables to grow year-round, with seeds, soil, and supplies totaling a little over $20 for an indoor garden and $40 to $60 for a medium-sized outdoor garden.
Did you know this botanic anomaly is both a fruit and a vegetable? Scientifically speaking, the tomato is the fruit of the tomato plant but was deemed a vegetable by the U.S. Supreme Court for tax reasons.
Take advantage of the cool spring weather and get moving on your very own tomato garden. Before you get started, check out these time (and money!) saving tips from organicgardening.com.
- Choose a bright, airy spot. Plant tomatoes where they will get at least 10 hours of light in summer. And leave room between plants for air to circulate.
- Bury the stems. Plant your tomato seedlings up to the first true leaves. New roots will quickly sprout on the stems. More roots means more fruit.
- Water deeply but infrequently. Soak your tomato bed once a week, or every five days at the height of summer. Water directly on the soil, not on the leaves.
- Stake them high. Use 6-foot stakes for indeterminate varieties like the ‘Brandywine’ tomato. Put in the stakes when transplanting to avoid damaging roots.
- Plant again. Three weeks after you plant tomatoes in your garden, put in another set so all of your harvest doesn’t come at once.
For the complete list of tips for growing your best tomatoes, visit organicgardening.com.
What are your tips for growing vegetables?
