How to Grow Greenhouse Tomatoes
Inside a greenhouse is one of the best places to grow tomatoes for gardeners in temperate climates.
I sometimes wonder why we grow these plants anyway -- they require constant care, lots of water, good fertile soil, and are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases.
Plus, we can now often buy tasty heirloom and other varieties all summer long in farmers markets.
Tomatoes are not the easiest crop to grow.
The seed needs a temperature of 65F degrees to germinate, so you may need a propagation tray with heat.
Seedlings are tender and must be set out at the correct time so growth is not stunted by cold.
They need a constant water supply -- up to a gallon a day while fruiting.
But, all in all, the immense satisfaction I get when I pick a juicy sun-warmed red fruit from the vine and bite into it is really the answer.
There are two main growth types of tomatoes: Cordon or single stemmed and bush.
The cordon plants will require support, and for best fruiting, you will need to remove side shoots regularly.
These are the most commonly grown greenhouse tomatoes.
Bush varieties are grown where height is a problem, and are the best type for the garden.
The plants grow to a couple of feet and need little training, support or de-shooting.
You also can choose from several fruit types.
Ordinary varieties have average sized fruits, and are quite reliable producers.
We can include here the hybrid varieties that bear similar fruit, but with a higher yield and disease resistance.
Then we have the biggies - the beefsteak tomatoes.
These produce huge fruits which may need some support.
Cherry tomatoes are bite-sized, flavorful and each truss has many fruits.
Novelty varieties are plum shaped, yellow or even striped.
There are two main ways to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse, and both can be successful.
If you have a greenhouse with raised border beds filled with rich organic soil, this will yield the best crops.
However, soil will need to be amended annually and completely changed after a few years.
Container culture is another way to grow tomatoes.
Large poly pots with good drainage are the best containers, providing the soil is rich in organics.
Watering daily is essential with the use of containers.
The soil must be kept constantly moist, but not waterlogged.
Similar to container growing, growing bags are now available, but a bit trickier to use.
As the plants grow, tie the stem loosely to a strong cane or support, or wind the stem up a strong anchored string.
Some garden supply spots have special steel stakes that have a spiraling form, making it easy to contain and train the plant.
Remove the small shoots that appear where the leaf stalks meet the stem so the fruiting strength is not diverted to side shoots.
When the plants reach the top of the stake, pinch off the growing tip.
Remove any lower leaves that are are yellow, damaged or diseased.
As flower scapes appear, tap the supports to aid in dispersing pollen.
Spray them lightly in the morning to add humidity and prevent blossom drop.
As fruits form, use a liquid fertilizer every week.
Avoid temperature fluctuations, aiming to keep the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees.
Open the vents when it is hot, and if necessary, shade with opaque blinds to protect the fruit from scorching.
Pick the tomatoes as they ripen, as their flavor will decline if they are left on the plant too long.
And enjoy your own bountiful crop of home grown flavor filled tomatoes from July on through October!
I sometimes wonder why we grow these plants anyway -- they require constant care, lots of water, good fertile soil, and are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases.
Plus, we can now often buy tasty heirloom and other varieties all summer long in farmers markets.
Tomatoes are not the easiest crop to grow.
The seed needs a temperature of 65F degrees to germinate, so you may need a propagation tray with heat.
Seedlings are tender and must be set out at the correct time so growth is not stunted by cold.
They need a constant water supply -- up to a gallon a day while fruiting.
But, all in all, the immense satisfaction I get when I pick a juicy sun-warmed red fruit from the vine and bite into it is really the answer.
There are two main growth types of tomatoes: Cordon or single stemmed and bush.
The cordon plants will require support, and for best fruiting, you will need to remove side shoots regularly.
These are the most commonly grown greenhouse tomatoes.
Bush varieties are grown where height is a problem, and are the best type for the garden.
The plants grow to a couple of feet and need little training, support or de-shooting.
You also can choose from several fruit types.
Ordinary varieties have average sized fruits, and are quite reliable producers.
We can include here the hybrid varieties that bear similar fruit, but with a higher yield and disease resistance.
Then we have the biggies - the beefsteak tomatoes.
These produce huge fruits which may need some support.
Cherry tomatoes are bite-sized, flavorful and each truss has many fruits.
Novelty varieties are plum shaped, yellow or even striped.
There are two main ways to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse, and both can be successful.
If you have a greenhouse with raised border beds filled with rich organic soil, this will yield the best crops.
However, soil will need to be amended annually and completely changed after a few years.
Container culture is another way to grow tomatoes.
Large poly pots with good drainage are the best containers, providing the soil is rich in organics.
Watering daily is essential with the use of containers.
The soil must be kept constantly moist, but not waterlogged.
Similar to container growing, growing bags are now available, but a bit trickier to use.
As the plants grow, tie the stem loosely to a strong cane or support, or wind the stem up a strong anchored string.
Some garden supply spots have special steel stakes that have a spiraling form, making it easy to contain and train the plant.
Remove the small shoots that appear where the leaf stalks meet the stem so the fruiting strength is not diverted to side shoots.
When the plants reach the top of the stake, pinch off the growing tip.
Remove any lower leaves that are are yellow, damaged or diseased.
As flower scapes appear, tap the supports to aid in dispersing pollen.
Spray them lightly in the morning to add humidity and prevent blossom drop.
As fruits form, use a liquid fertilizer every week.
Avoid temperature fluctuations, aiming to keep the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees.
Open the vents when it is hot, and if necessary, shade with opaque blinds to protect the fruit from scorching.
Pick the tomatoes as they ripen, as their flavor will decline if they are left on the plant too long.
And enjoy your own bountiful crop of home grown flavor filled tomatoes from July on through October!
