Difference between revisions of "Grow Tomatoes in a Greenhouse"
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#*Some growers prefer a 1:1 mix of sphagnum peat moss and vermiculite.<ref name="rf5">http://www.greenhouse.cornell.edu/crops/factsheets/peatlite.pdf</ref> | #*Some growers prefer a 1:1 mix of sphagnum peat moss and vermiculite.<ref name="rf5">http://www.greenhouse.cornell.edu/crops/factsheets/peatlite.pdf</ref> | ||
#*Purchase sterile soil mix or [[Make-Your-Own-Potting-Mix|make your own]]. Never use soil or compost from your garden without sterilizing. Choose this option if you do not want to install an irrigation system. | #*Purchase sterile soil mix or [[Make-Your-Own-Potting-Mix|make your own]]. Never use soil or compost from your garden without sterilizing. Choose this option if you do not want to install an irrigation system. | ||
| − | #[[Install | + | #[[Install a Drip Irrigation System|Install an irrigation system (recommended)]]. Most growers install drip tubing to deliver water to each plant. A fertilizer injector attached to the tubing can automate fertilizing as well.<ref name="rf6">http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/cv255</ref> |
#*Tomatoes are also easy to grow in a hydroponics system. [[Grow-Hydroponic-Tomatoes|See this article]] for detailed instructions. | #*Tomatoes are also easy to grow in a hydroponics system. [[Grow-Hydroponic-Tomatoes|See this article]] for detailed instructions. | ||
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#*If you see any insects, mold, or disease spots on a plant, do not bring any of them to the greenhouse. | #*If you see any insects, mold, or disease spots on a plant, do not bring any of them to the greenhouse. | ||
#*Give each plant about 4 square feet (0.37 m<sup>2</sup>) of floor space.<ref name="rf2" /> Planting too close together can reduce air flow and encourage disease. | #*Give each plant about 4 square feet (0.37 m<sup>2</sup>) of floor space.<ref name="rf2" /> Planting too close together can reduce air flow and encourage disease. | ||
| − | #Adjust pH and calcium levels. Before the final transplant, you may want to [[Test | + | #Adjust pH and calcium levels. Before the final transplant, you may want to [[Test Soil pH|check soil pH]], which ideally falls between 5.8 and 6.8.<ref name="rf3" /> If your soil is too acidic, add about 1 tsp (5 mL) hydrated lime for each gallon (3.8 L) of potting mix. Besides raising the pH, this adds calcium that can prevent blossom rot later on.<ref name="rf9">http://www.jasons-indoor-guide-to-organic-and-hydroponics-gardening.com/how-to-grow-tomatoes.html</ref> |
#*If your pH is fine, mix in gypsum or calcium sulfate instead to add calcium without changing the pH.<ref name="rf3" /> Alternatively, just choose a fertilizer that contains calcium and apply every week or two. | #*If your pH is fine, mix in gypsum or calcium sulfate instead to add calcium without changing the pH.<ref name="rf3" /> Alternatively, just choose a fertilizer that contains calcium and apply every week or two. | ||
#*In a hydroponics setup, you can supply calcium by injecting calcium nitrate into the irrigation feed. This requires a second injector, as calcium nitrate cannot be stored with your main fertilizer.<ref name="rf10">https://ag.umass.edu/fact-sheets/greenhouse-tomatoes-fertilizing-plants-growing-in-soilless-media</ref> | #*In a hydroponics setup, you can supply calcium by injecting calcium nitrate into the irrigation feed. This requires a second injector, as calcium nitrate cannot be stored with your main fertilizer.<ref name="rf10">https://ag.umass.edu/fact-sheets/greenhouse-tomatoes-fertilizing-plants-growing-in-soilless-media</ref> | ||
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#Harvest as late as possible. The longer the tomatoes stay on the vine, the fuller and redder they become.<ref name="rf12" /> Commercial growers typically pick a little early, when the fruit is 60–90% red, to allow for time in shipping.<ref name="rf3" /> | #Harvest as late as possible. The longer the tomatoes stay on the vine, the fuller and redder they become.<ref name="rf12" /> Commercial growers typically pick a little early, when the fruit is 60–90% red, to allow for time in shipping.<ref name="rf3" /> | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
