How to water tomatoes in a greenhouse after planting, watering methods

Probably everyone is familiar with the tomato - an amazing crop from the Solanaceae family. Tomato fruits are famous for their wonderful taste and, as a rule, are large in size. Although, of course, there are also varieties with small fruits.

Many people today want to grow tomatoes in greenhouses on their plots - this crop is very well suited for this. Some people grow them for their own needs, others for sale. But in any case, this is not as simple a process as it might seem at first glance. There really are a lot of subtleties here. And if you neglect the rules and recommendations of experienced gardeners, you can ultimately lose a lot in harvest volumes. In particular, you need to strictly follow the rules regarding soil irrigation during planting, as well as the first waterings - this is really of great importance.

Irrigation of tomatoes: basic information

Irrigation is one of the key agrotechnical measures when growing tomatoes and other crops. The fact is that there is a clear relationship between proper watering and how accessible the nutrients in the soil are to the plant.

The tomato is a bush plant that forms a deep, strong, branched root system during its growth. And it is with its help that he assimilates the necessary elements. Moreover, for high-quality absorption, many elements must be dissolved in water.

In addition, with proper irrigation, tomato bushes retain the ability to actively evaporate moisture. And this allows them to avoid overheating.

Formation of a tomato bush

The most important condition for growing rich yields of tomatoes is the formation of a bush by pinching.

Important! Refusal to plant tomatoes will lead to an increase in the mass of leaves with a minimum number of fruits, so you need to learn how to remove all excess shoots from the plant that can take up nutrients.

For growing in a greenhouse, indeterminate varieties of tomatoes are most often used, which grow to a height of 1.5–2 meters. They must be formed into one stem. Determinate hybrids and low-growing varieties form two and three stems, respectively.

To form into one stem, you need to remove all the stepsons, leaving a stump of 2-3 centimeters when cutting. This procedure must be performed throughout the entire growth period of the plant. To obtain a bush formed into two stems, leave one stepson, and for a bush with three stems, two stepsons, from which shoots will then grow.

No more than eight flower clusters are left; above the eighth cluster the plant is pinched. It is better to carry out pinching and pinching in the morning, so that the resulting wounds have time to dry out by the evening.

You need to pinch and pinch while wearing rubber gloves; when moving to the next bush, gloved hands should be disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate.

It is necessary to remove stepsons that have not yet reached a length of 7 cm; when removing an overgrown stepson, a wound is formed that can cause plant disease.

You cannot pinch or pinch tomato bushes the next day after watering or fertilizing; at least two to three days must pass.

In addition, tall varieties need to be tied up. This is done for the first time a week after planting the seedlings in the greenhouse.

Consequences of lack of moisture

The lack of moisture slows down the nutrition process, and tomatoes begin to experience deficiency. And this has visible consequences. That is, the very appearance of the plant may indicate some problems with watering. And in this case, the gardener just needs to carefully monitor how it develops and, if anything happens, take action. If there is a lack of water, the following happens to a tomato:

The leaves begin to curl inward. In this way, the plant tries to minimize moisture loss.
The tomato seems to stop growing, and ovaries do not form on it in due time.
Plants begin to get sick often.

If the fruits have already appeared by the time of the water shortage, then they either do not ripen at all or develop extremely slowly. And the taste of such fruits will ultimately be bitter and tart.

With a serious lack of moisture, the leaves turn yellow. A prolonged lack of moisture can lead to their falling off. However, both flowers and ovaries can fall off in such conditions.

It should be added that timely watering of tomatoes is especially important when it is hot outside for many days in a row. Only water in sufficient volumes will enable the plant to successfully withstand prolonged drought and save a significant part of the harvest.

Why is it important to water tomatoes correctly?

Much depends on the timeliness and compliance with irrigation norms during different periods of tomato development. So, if nightshades experience a moisture deficiency, this is fraught with the following consequences:

growth and development will be significantly slower than expected;
Mass falling of flowers and absence of ovaries may occur;
set tomatoes will grow slowly and gain weight;
the fruit size will be significantly smaller than typical for the variety.

If there is excess moisture in the soil, other problems may arise:

tomatoes will begin to fatten and, as a result, stop blooming;
there is a high risk of root system rot;
the risk of late blight and other fungal and viral diseases increases significantly;
the skin of the fruit begins to crack;
taste qualities are significantly reduced, the taste becomes watery.

Consequences of excess moisture

Watering tomatoes too often is also quite dangerous. Here's what happens to this culture in this case:

The leaves seem to twist outward, thereby increasing the area of the evaporating surface and getting rid of excess moisture.
The color of the leaves becomes dull. Sometimes they can even fall off, while maintaining a juicy texture.
So-called weeping spots appear near the root collar. Moreover, the rhizome may begin to rot.
The fruits become limp and watery, their taste noticeably deteriorates. At some point, from excess moisture, they may even begin to burst. Accordingly, this makes them completely unsuitable for food consumption.
One more thing. Excess fluid combined with high temperature is what contributes to the development of fungal and bacterial diseases. Therefore, before you deal with tomatoes, you need to very carefully familiarize yourself with the technology of their irrigation, and then strictly follow it, avoiding extremes.

Tomatoes and cucumbers in one greenhouse

Often, amateur gardeners have only one greenhouse on their plot, but they want to grow both tomatoes and cucumbers. But these two crops require different growing conditions. A compromise will be required here: the humidity level in the greenhouse for cucumbers should be 70-87%, and for tomatoes 60-70%, which means that it is worth maintaining an average humidity of 70%; temperature for cucumbers +25-+28 degrees, for tomatoes – +22-+25 degrees, maintaining an average temperature of +25 degrees. Unlike tomatoes, cucumbers do not like drafts, which means they need to be placed in a place protected from drafts. In addition, cucumbers will have to be watered more often than tomatoes. Even if such conditions are met, it will not be possible to obtain the same high yields as when growing tomato and cucumber seedlings separately, but this is quite applicable for amateur cultivation.

Video about the proximity of tomatoes and cucumbers in one greenhouse:

How to properly irrigate the soil when planting

Actually, already when planting tomato seedlings, it is necessary to irrigate the soil. And this irrigation should be plentiful. For each seedling (or for each hole) 3–5 liters are needed.

This irrigation is necessary to straighten the roots of the seedlings. In addition, this is how gardeners ensure that there are no voids around these roots.

In this case, it is advisable to check the soil moisture immediately after water has entered the ground. To do this, you need to take a lump of soil at a depth of about 10 cm. The lump should form easily and just as easily crumble when pressed with your finger. However, it is also possible to check the soil moisture level using a specialized sensor. To obtain data, it must be lowered to the depth where the roots are located. Speaking in terms of numbers, soil moisture in this zone should be 80–90%.

First watering

It is recommended to water tomatoes after planting for the first time after about a week. However, it is not necessary to sit completely idle during this seven-day break - you can start mulching the soil. A layer of humus about 1 centimeter thick is perfect as mulch.

The main task of this long pause between waterings is the following: it should allow the seedlings, as they say, to adhere to the soil and adapt to the new environment. And it should be noted that at this time the root really does not need any external moisture. An excess of it may well result in the root starting to rot.

Root rotting is one of the most common (along with chlorosis) problems in tomatoes. And here the most favorable outcome possible is a weakening of the root system, which will undoubtedly lead to growth retardation. However, in certain cases, the plant can seriously wither and then die altogether.

Of course, the seven day period stated here is only an estimate. The region where the planting takes place, as well as the overall weather conditions, is important. If we are talking about the warm Krasnodar region, and if the days after the landing were very hot, then the period may be less than a week. And in the northern regions, some water tomatoes in a greenhouse only after 10 or even 14 days. There must be a significant amount of time between watering immediately during planting and the next watering!

By the way, you can determine exactly when you should start the irrigation procedure based on the condition of your plants - their tops should show readiness for growth.

It is also necessary to mention that the day of the first watering after planting is also an excellent time to fix the tomato stems on supports (alternatively, you can tie them to a trellis).

Rules for watering tomatoes after planting in a greenhouse

Tomatoes in a greenhouse especially need moisture to absorb nutrients dissolved in the soil. First, let's talk about the rules and subtleties of watering: what humidity and temperature of water, soil and air are comfortable for tomatoes so that they grow healthy and produce a generous harvest.

Temperature-humidity regime

The watering regime for tomatoes in greenhouses, especially those made of polycarbonate, largely depends on the temperature and humidity of the soil and air. It is also important to properly regulate the temperature of the irrigation water.

Soil and air humidity

The optimal conditions for growing tomatoes in a greenhouse are:

soil moisture at 90%,
air humidity is about 50%.

It is these conditions of soil and air humidity that will ensure normal growth and development of the tomato plant, as well as protection from various fungal diseases.

Air temperature

To ensure the best development of tomato plants in protected ground, it is important to regulate the air temperature:

during the day – no higher than +20- +25 ˚C,
at night – not lower than +17- +19 ˚C.

The influence of high temperatures on the development of tomatoes:

If the temperature in a greenhouse with tomatoes rises to +28 ˚C, this can cause very active plant growth processes, and accelerated and often ugly formation of the ovary will occur.
If the temperature reaches +30 ˚C, the tomatoes may stop blooming completely, and the pollen itself will become fertile; at this temperature, ovary shedding is often observed.
At temperatures in the greenhouse of +40˚C, tomato plants may die.

Therefore, it is so important to maintain the optimal temperature in the greenhouse with tomatoes, including through proper and timely watering.

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Caring for tomatoes: watering, fertilizing and treating late blight

Soil temperature

The soil temperature in the greenhouse where tomatoes are grown is no less important than the air temperature.

If the soil temperature suddenly drops to +10 ˚C, the tomatoes will poorly absorb moisture, and, consequently, the nutrients dissolved in it, and the process of complex plant starvation will begin.
If the soil temperature in the greenhouse drops to +5˚C, the tomato bushes may begin to wilt and eventually die.

On the other hand, overheating the soil in polycarbonate and film greenhouses with tomatoes is also dangerous

— If the soil temperature rises above +28 ˚C, the root system will lose the ability to absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil, and the process of complex starvation of tomatoes will begin, accompanied by withering of the plants.

Water temperature

Correctly selected water temperature for watering tomatoes will allow plants to better absorb nutrients, reduce stress and prevent damage from fungal diseases.

Do not water tomatoes with ice water or cold water - this can lead to plant stress and cause complete inhibition in their development, literally stupor.
Water the tomatoes with water heated to just above room temperature - approx. +23- +24 ˚C.

Some tricks

All first waterings of tomatoes should be done strictly at the root. Since if water gets on the leaves, then burns may appear on them due to exposure to the sun. And, by the way, in order to make watering convenient, it is precisely these depressions that are made—holes or grooves. This allows the water to flow slowly and gently directly to the roots.

There is another secret here: near each bush you can place a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off. Then you can pour water into this bottle, and it is guaranteed not to leak past the roots.

According to experienced summer residents, tomatoes should be watered exclusively in the morning. It is better if the plant receives everything it needs before the midday heat. Also, at the end of the watering process, it is recommended to open all doors and windows so that excess moisture does not accumulate in the greenhouse space. But, on the contrary, you should not loosen the soil while it is still wet. When loosening, the evaporation of water increases, which, of course, increases air humidity.

There are gardeners who believe that you can water tomatoes in the evening. But this is actually not a good idea. Because when choosing this option, condensation appears on the walls of the greenhouse overnight. And drops of this condensate then fall from the walls onto the plants, which is also not beneficial for them. And this problem occurs in film, glass, and polycarbonate greenhouses. In this aspect there is no difference between these three types.

However, it is worth noting that the best option for growing tomatoes is still a polycarbonate greenhouse. In it, the harvest is usually obtained earlier than in film analogues. And structures made of cellular polycarbonate are very durable, quite resistant to strong winds and other atmospheric phenomena. They are also distinguished by good light transmission (up to 85% of sunlight) and low heat loss. Well, in the end, these greenhouses just look great on the plots.

It is also worth noting that in the future you can water the tomatoes more often - several times a week (as the soil dries out). The main thing is to always monitor both the condition of the soil and the condition of the plant itself.

In general, if you look at it, the frequency and abundance of watering depends on what stage the tomato bush is at. For example, when flowers appear on it, the amount of water needs to be slightly reduced. Now you need to spend 2-3 liters of water on one bush per watering. And if everything is left as before, then you can end up with rapid growth of the vegetative mass with not the greatest fruiting.

How often to water tomatoes

The frequency of watering tomatoes in a greenhouse is largely determined by the level of temperature and humidity that you managed to establish. Indeed, unlike open ground, greenhouse beds are not exposed to precipitation, the wind does not blow, and the bright sun does not scorch.

The average frequency of watering tomatoes in a greenhouse is 2 times a week

Always monitor the external conditions and temperature and humidity conditions in the greenhouse.

In polycarbonate greenhouses, in clear sunny weather with high temperatures it can be especially hot, so more watering and ventilation may be required.
In cloudy weather and cold weather, reduce the frequency of watering. At the same time, monitor the condition of the soil surface and the plants themselves - they will always suggest the right decision.
When determining the rate and frequency of watering tomatoes in a greenhouse, it is also important to take into account the development characteristics of tomatoes at different stages of growth.

Watering at different stages of growth

The frequency and rate of watering will depend not only on the greenhouse conditions of temperature and humidity, but also on the growth stage of the tomato plants. Depending on the specific stage of development, both the frequency of irrigation and the amount of irrigation water are regulated.

After disembarkation

When planting tomato seedlings in a greenhouse, you need to pour 4 liters of water into each hole, after which the seedlings are not watered for 8-11 days. During this period, no additional watering is required for tomato plants.

About a week after planting the seedlings, tomatoes begin to actively develop, but you need to remember that the root system of the plants is very weak and it cannot extract moisture or nutrients from the deep layers of the soil.

Therefore, until the tomatoes bloom, they need to be watered twice a week, using 2 liters of water for each bush.
If it is hot in the greenhouse, the watering rate is increased to 3 liters of water for each bush.

During the flowering period

Increase irrigation moisture begins when the tomatoes bloom.

The amount of water can be safely increased to 5 liters.
However, the frequency of watering should be reduced - once a week is enough.

During the formation of ovaries

As soon as the plants form ovaries, you need to return to the previous frequency of watering - up to 2 times a week.

You need to use water based on the moisture content of the soil - under no circumstances should you overwater your tomato plants!

You can reduce watering to once a week when the first tomatoes begin to acquire the typical color of the variety - turn red, yellow, etc. At the same time, it is necessary to reduce the amount of irrigation water - to approximately 3 liters per plant.

If you pour out too much moisture during this period, this can most likely lead to cracking of the fruit.

Water requirements

To irrigate tomatoes in a greenhouse, many people use ordinary rainwater. To do this, it must be collected in some container, and then used for its intended purpose. Although some question the purity of such water. The fact is that the ecology in many parts of our planet leaves much to be desired. And trickles of rain in our time may well contain lime dust, particles of exhaust gases, etc.

Be that as it may, instead of raindrops, it is quite possible to use water from the nearest river and from the water supply. The key condition is that it should be more or less warm. Therefore, many people install tanks on their sites so that their contents can be warmed by the sun's rays. It is known that the optimal water temperature for tomatoes is from +18 °C to +25 °C.

But it’s still better not to use ice water directly from the well for irrigation. It can have a depressing effect on the root system.

Planting tomatoes for seedlings

Before sowing seeds, containers for seedlings are filled with substrate, leveled and slightly compacted. The day before sowing the seeds, water the soil abundantly. Excess water collected in the pan is drained.
Tomato seedlings are planted using both dry and pre-sprouted seeds. In the latter case, seedlings appear faster.
For convenience, you can mark grooves on the ground for the seeds, or you can simply spread the seeds over the surface of the ground. You need to lay out the seeds in rows so that the distance between the seeds in a row is about 2 cm, and between the rows 3 - 4 cm. Do not sow tomato seeds too thickly: with thick planting, the risk of seedlings becoming infected with a disease such as “black leg” increases. It is more convenient to spread tomato seeds on the ground with tweezers.
The spread seeds are sprinkled on top with a thin layer of substrate and compacted slightly, or using a pencil, they are gently pressed into the soil to a depth of 1 cm and covered with earth. If tomato seeds are not planted deep enough, they will end up too close to the surface of the soil. If there is insufficient watering, the seeds may end up in dry soil and not sprout.
After sowing the seeds, it is necessary to slightly moisten the soil by spraying.
The box for the seedlings is placed in a warm place with an air temperature of at least 22 ° C and a label with the name of the tomato variety is glued to it. Under no circumstances should you place your crops on a hot radiator, as its heat can cause the soil in the seedling box to quickly overheat and dry out, which will lead to the death of newly hatched seeds.

Irrigation systems

Even before planting tomatoes, that is, at the very beginning of the season, you can think about how their watering will be organized. In principle, you can water the plants in your garden the old fashioned way, by hand. However, for some, this solution is unacceptable, and therefore they buy or make their own mechanical drip irrigation system. In addition, there are advanced automated irrigation systems that operate according to a given program. However, they are used mainly in large farms. At the dachas of ordinary people, this is still a rarity, and therefore there is no point in dwelling on them in detail.

Manual watering

This approach is used most often than all others, as it is the simplest and most economical. After all, for manual watering you only need your own physical strength and at least one of the items listed below:

bucket;
watering can;
old kettle;
hose.

The easiest way to water tomatoes with life-giving moisture is to use a watering can. With this method, it is possible to achieve, firstly, the effect of rain irrigation, and secondly, a uniform distribution of water over the surface of the earth. And in general, this method is very convenient for the gardener.

Many people use a bucket instead of a watering can, and there is nothing bad or forbidden about this either. If the soil is normal (this means loose and fertile), then moisture poured from the bucket will reach the roots without any obstacles. However, if the soil is very dense, such water may begin to stagnate. The disadvantage of this method is that it requires a lot of time and effort from the one who cares for the greenhouse.

You can also water the tomatoes with a regular hose. This is an easy and very common method, but it also has significant disadvantages. The fact is that there is no way to dose the amount of moisture. And you need to constantly monitor the movements of the hose in order to avoid the risk of damaging the bushes (and there really is such a risk).

Video about proper watering of tomatoes in a greenhouse

Additionally, watch video tips from Valery Kuzyuberdin, an experienced gardener, author of books on agricultural technology and host of the Do-It-Yourself Garden channel.

conclusions

In conclusion, I will summarize my conclusions and general recommendations on how to properly water tomatoes in a greenhouse.

When watering, try to prevent water from getting on the leaf blades and stems of the plant.
Water your plants in the morning or afternoon. Watering late in the evening and at noon is not advisable.
Do not water with cold water - it puts the plants into a state of stupor.
Try to water as evenly as possible.
Immediately after watering, do not loosen the soil in the greenhouse in order to conserve moisture, prevent it from evaporating, and therefore prevent an increase in air humidity in the greenhouse.
It is advisable to mulch the soil with humus in a 1 cm layer after watering.
If possible, use drip irrigation - this is a modern and reliable method of watering that reduces the cost of manual labor to a minimum.

I wish you success in growing tomatoes, and let my tips on proper watering help you with this! ______________________________________________

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