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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR TOMATOES

Sowing Instructions:
Sow tomato seeds 1/2cm deep in seed trays about 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost is expected. As soon as the seedlings emerge, they need full sunlight to grow sturdy. Lack of sunlight causes the seedlings to grow "leggy".

Tip: To help your seedlings grow sturdy, place a small fan on low nearby. Or, lightly brush the tops of the plants with your hands a couple times each day.

Transplant when seedling is 20cm - 25cm tall and dark green with a stocky stem and a well-developed, healthy root system. Harden off your seedlings (place them outdoors for longer periods each day to help them adjust to the outdoors) before transplanting them. Once the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 10°C, place the seedlings outside for the entire day and night.

Planting Instructions:
Tomatoes need lots of sun so you would need to select an area that receives full sun. Prepare the soil by adding compost since tomatoes prefer soil that is rich in organic matter. Transplant seedlings about 30cm - 45cm apart. If you plant the tomato plant deeply, you will encourage the growth of the roots. It is okay to cover the lower branches of your seedling as long as you allow the top four branches to remain above the surface of the ground. To minimize transplant shock, avoid disturbing the roots.

Growing Instructions:
Determinate (bush) and Semi-Determinate (semi-bush) varieties will need to be staked. Place a stake or tomato cage next to each plant. As the tomato plant grows, secure it loosely with soft twine. Check the ties periodically as the plant grows and adjust them accordingly. If the tie becomes too restrictive, loosen it.

In-Determinate (vine) varieties will need to be grown on a trellis and can sometimes grow to over 3 meters if left unchecked.

Keep your tomato plant well watered. Deep watering is preferable, over more frequent, light watering. You want moisture to go deep to all the roots of the plant. Water directly to the roots. Keep water off the leaves if at all possible. Tomatoes that grow in wet, humid conditions are far more susceptible to plant diseases. Uniform watering is also the key to nice fruit. Even watering can prevent leaf-end roll, blossom end-rot and "cat-facing" - those misshapen crags and cracks on the stem end of the fruit.

Cold and hot spells will affect fruit development and growth. Fruit set will not occur below 12 degrees or above 32 degrees Celcius.

Harvesting Instructions:
For optimal flavor, tomatoes should be allowed to ripen fully on the vine but harvested before they begin to soften. Tomatoes store well in a cool, dry location. Do not put them in the refrigerator. While they last longer in the refrigerator, they will lose their flavor and texture. Keep them out of direct sunlight.

Just before the first frost, pick any remaining tomatoes while the are still green or orange. Wash them thoroughly. Rinse in a light solution of water and bleach (mix at 1 tablespoon of bleach to 4 liters of water). This kills off bacteria that rots the fruit. Allow them to dry, then put them in a cool, dry, dark place. To ripen these tomatoes indoors, bring a couple at a time to a warm, sunny window.