Plant Tissue Culture PPT

Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum

Soil facts and preparation

Requires fertile, well drained soil with lots of organic matter. Often grown in pots of compost or grow bags. Make sure pots have been thoroughly cleaned to prevent any possibility of disease in this seasons plants

If growing in the ground dig a hole 50cm in diameter and 50cm deep and fill with well rotted manure or compost. Create planting stations at least 1m apart.

The site you choose should be in full sun for the majority of the day, ideally south facing in the northern hemisphere and north facing in southern hemisphere.

To prevent the build up of pests, do not plant tomatoes in soil that has grown either peppers, aubergine (eggplant), potatoes or tomatoes in the past year.

Sowing and planting

Sow 2 or three seeds into small pots or cells containing good quality compost. After germination and after the first true leaves appear, remove all but the strongest looking seedling.

If plants do not get enough light at this stage they can become leggy. Transplant into larger pots when the roots show at the bottom of their current container. Do this until it is warm enough both during the day and night to plant out in their final position, either in a large pot (min 40cm diameter) or their prepared plot.

Plant deeper on each transplant to encourage the plants to grow roots from the bottom of the stem.

Do not be in too much of a hurry to plant outside, tomato plants love the warm and will not tolerate a cold period however brief. It is best to very gently harden off the plants before moving them outside, do this for a week or so at least and do not expose to cold.

It is advisable to place a steak or cane before required so that roots aren't damaged at a later date

Growing a bumper crop

There are three main types of variety of tomato, determinate, cordon indeterminate, and non-cordon indeterminate.

Indeterminate varieties will need to be pruned and cordon varieties will need to be trained up a garden cane or steak (approx 2m tall) as the plant grows at approximately 20cm intervals.

Prune indeterminate varieties by removing what are called 'suckers', these are shoots that grow from where the leaf stems join the main plant stem. Ideally they should be removed when they are about 5cm long. The main stem of an indeterminate variety should be stopped from growing by 'pinching out' the growth of the main stem when the plant has developed 6 fruit trusses.

Water regularly to ensure an even level of moisture in the soil, if growing in pots this can mean twice on a hot day. Add a dilution of potassium rich tomato feed once a week. A top dressing of fresh compost once a month is beneficial but not essential.

Harvesting the fruits of your labour

Harvest tomatoes when they bright red and eat as soon after picking for the very best flavour. The smell and taste of a home grown tomato really is infinitely better than any bought at a shop.

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Pruning Tomatoes

Tomato pruning is often an essential task when it comes to growing tomatoes. As the plants become established and start to take off, they frequently grow out of control. Suckers will start growing from the base. Extra stocks will form in less than ideal areas and problems arise. When they out grow their pots or boxes, people often question what to prune and how much to take off. In many cases it is a good idea to prune to contain the plant as well as to maximize and improve the quality of the fruit.

Pruning Determinate Tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes grow on plants that are in the form or shape of a bush. This is due to their limited fruit producing cycle. They typically grow more compact and will max out at a height of three or four feet. The plant will continue to grow flowers and bloom on the upper levels of the plants. It is common for the majority of the fruit to start to ripen around the same time period. Determinate tomato plants don't necessarily need stakes for support. They grow well in planter boxes as well as containers or pots

Pruning determinate tomato plants is often not recommended. By pruning you're reducing the number of tomatoes the plant will offer. This is not a necessary task when it comes to producing tomatoes from determinate plants. However, if the plant is out growing it's designated area, or you have all the tomatoes you want then prune away! Some people find that removing suckers that are lower on the plant will help yield more fruit. While other people have found that very little will result from this process. As climates and plants differ in each area it is good practice to see what techniques work best for you and your area.

Pruning Indeterminate Tomatoes

Indeterminate tomatoes have more of a vine like movement and if grown to their potential can reach heights over 10 feet. Pruning indeterminate tomatoes is often recommended to promote new growth. As areas of the plant produce and wither, they will continue to draw the plants energy. By pruning these areas, one can help direct the plants energy to more productive areas. Many gardeners will agree that three or four vines per plant are optimal for producing tomatoes.

Indeterminate tomatoes usually grow throughout the season and continue until weather prohibits them. In mild climates they often can grow through the winter and continue into the following season producing fruit. It is fairly important to stake these plants for support. As blooms form and produce fruit they will continue to grow. This process will continue throughout the season. If left to grow without support, the plant will droop to the ground and the fruit will be susceptible to decay quicker.

By now some people might be wondering why this article keeps referring to tomatoes as fruit. The main reason is that fruit is a general term used for things that plants produce. Also, it is because tomatoes are technically fruit. Although, the government recognizes tomatoes as vegetables in order to create additional revenue for tax purposes. However, looking at them from a botanical perspective is another story. They get their start from a botanical ovary that has egg cells, which makes them fruit.

If you liked this article about pruning indeterminate tomatoes feel free to visit us at How to Prune Headquarters at http://www.howtoprunehq.com/

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