Choosing tomatoes: the right time & safe practice

Growing tomatoes requires a little sensitivity and the right knowledge so that the plants are large and vigorous and the yield is wonderful.

With the following tips, nothing can go wrong next season.

Prefer tomatoes - the right time

Tomatoes like it bright and warm. Therefore, you should not expose the young plants to cold temperatures.

• Mid-March is the best time to grow tomatoes. If you sow the plants early, the tomatoes can grow thin and will also bear less fruit.
• Tomatoes like bright locations. A window sill is ideal for these plants.

The correct procedure

Tomatoes need a humus-rich, loose and well-drained substrate. This should also be low in nutrients and germ-free.
These conditions ensure good root development.
Special sowing soil that meets the needs of the plants is available from specialist dealers.

• Flat trays with water extraction as well as small pots and growing plates with many individual chambers are suitable for sowing.
• Fill the container for sowing loosely with the substrate. Then press it lightly.
• Pour the earth a little. This way the seeds are not washed away.
• Dark germs are covered with a thin layer of substrate, for light germs it is sufficient to press them lightly into the earth.
• Cover the container with a transparent film, e.g. cling film. This ensures ideal air humidity.
• However, make sure that 30 degrees below the film are quickly reached on sunny days. Then protect the young plants from direct sunlight.
• As soon as the tomatoes show the first leaves between the cotyledons, you can prick out the young plants.

In our next practical tip, you will learn which vegetables are best suited for the balcony.