In pursuit of the best, growing tomatoes using the method of I.M. Maslov became popular. The method itself does not contain anything new and unknown; as a rule, all vegetable growers know and have heard something about it, and many even use it in their own countries. However, I.M. Maslov systematized and justified every agrotechnical operation. Those vegetable growers who have already tried growing tomatoes using this method from “A” to “Z” respond very positively. Some took one thing from the technique and were just as happy with the result.
Basis of the method
By carefully observing a tomato plant, you can see that roots can grow from any point on the stem. Stepchildren also take root well, both bent to the ground and separated from the mother bush and placed in water. Watching the stepson in the water, you can see how root thickenings (white “pimples”) first grow throughout the shoot and then they turn into young roots. After some time, there is not even a small space left on the stem without a root shoot. It was this botanical feature that formed the basis of the method.
Features of the seedling period
Talking about his method, Maslov recommended using overgrown seedlings. Experimenting with tomato crops, he repeatedly proved that a tall stem, when rooted, will naturally produce more roots, only because the area, linear meter, allows it.
To follow the biology of the plant and grow tall, overgrown seedlings, they need to be sown much earlier.
Many vegetable growers have already managed to improve Maslov’s method, and carry out repeated transshipment with transplanting into pots of greater and greater height, thereby achieving an increase in the root system long before the seedlings fall into open ground.
Features of the structure of a tomato bush
Taking a closer look at the tomato seedling, you can see that the base of its stem is covered with small tubercles - pimples, and the roots are not too powerful.
With the standard method of growing tomatoes, the seedlings are buried perfectly evenly in the ground, and then the bush is artificially given a vertical position throughout the entire season. This allows the plant to actively grow green mass. The bush blooms profusely, but, unfortunately, the fruits either do not set at all or fall off before reaching technical ripeness. And all because the root system does not have time to form properly. To correct the existing imbalance, gardeners are forced to regularly apply fertilizers that promote root growth. If this is not done, the plant may not have enough “vitality” and you may not expect a bountiful harvest. THEM. During the process of work, Maslov noticed that if a tomato stem rests on the ground, then after a few days small roots appear from the existing tubercles. Tomatoes are prone to active formation of adventitious roots and in their natural habitat they grow this way. Igor Mikhailovich took this botanical feature as the basis for his technique.
Tomato seedlings
Variety selection
When selecting seed, preference should be given to those tomatoes that plant the first cluster above the 9-11th leaf. Next, you need to choose varieties that do not have short internodes, so that the entire space can be abundantly overgrown with root shoots.
Consequently, low-growing, verminous, determinate varieties are completely unsuitable for this method.
By giving preference to a tomato variety or hybrid that is labeled as indeterminate, you can safely plant any. The choice of color, shape, use is yours.
When purchasing seeds, you should remember that the author of the method recommends sowing 5-7% more than the planting area allows. This is done so that the best, strongest specimens can be selected from all the seedlings.
For what varieties of tomatoes is the method used?
The method is suitable for growing both determinate (with limited growth) and tall, indeterminate varieties. In regions with a cool climate, when growing using the 2nd method, early-ripening tomato varieties are taken.
The harvest on the stepsons appears 1-2 weeks later than on the main plant, so the fruits of late varieties may not have time to ripen.
For planting, choose varieties with thick stems, since more fruits are produced than usual, and the branches may break under their weight. Maslov considered the tall variety De Barao to be the best variety for planting the crop using his method.
We grow seedlings
Growing tomatoes according to Maslov has its own characteristics of the seedling period.
- Sowing must be done in advance. By sowing the seeds at the end of February, this will give us the opportunity to have more mature seedlings by the time they are planted in open ground;
- If ordinary seedlings are grown to be “plump”, low and dense, then these should be elongated;
- In order for seedlings to grow, it is necessary to withstand lighting and temperature conditions. The darker and cooler, the taller and “thinner” the seedlings;
- It is better to sow in groups and quite densely, then already at the first stage the seedlings will stretch upward;
- During the period of formation of the first true leaves, we carry out picking No. 1 and plant it in a box with a feeding area of 2 x 2 cm;
- After 2.5-3 weeks, actually after the first rooting, we carry out picking No. 2. To do this, we tear off the bottom two leaves and plant them in a common box with a feeding area of 3 x 3 cm;
- After the next 2.5-3 weeks, we again tear off two leaves and plant them again even deeper. This will be pick No. 3 and the feeding area will already be 4 x 4 cm.
Some vegetable growers grow without picking, but they do it in a unique way. For growing, take a 0.5 liter plastic container, transparent. A seed is sown at the very bottom and as it grows, nutrient soil is constantly added. Thus, the root system, by the end of the seedling period, occupies almost 25 cm.
Planting in open ground
If you grow seedlings far enough from the planting site, you will need to be prepared for the difficulties of transportation. Seedlings grown in this way are quite voluminous; they are tall, elongated and fragile. Experienced vegetable growers manage to transport it not in a vertical position, but in a horizontal position, since it will be planted. Plants are stacked in a box on top of each other “jack” and are easily transported.
Maslov's method of growing tomatoes involves planting seedlings lying down - horizontally. To do this, make a fairly deep trench and fill it with water. Next, they allow the water to absorb and fill it with water again.
Almost 23 shoots of the seedlings are cut off and placed in ditches. Maslov recommends laying with the head facing north, so that the rooting site warms up well, and the seedling “forelock” will in any case rise and grow vertically.
However, according to agricultural experts, this can only be planted in the northern regions, where the sun is not very hot. In the southern regions, agricultural technology for planting seedlings involves planting elongated seedlings with their “heads” to the south, so that when they stand up, they cover the rooting site. If the area where the root is located and the stem is covered with soil is in the shade for at least some time, this will not allow it to overheat too much, and root formation will proceed better.
Having placed the plant in the furrow, cover it with 10-12 cm of soil mixture.
If planting is carried out in the northern region and the weather conditions for the tomato are not comfortable, then the rooting site should be covered with mulch material to prevent the young roots from getting too cold.
When planting, do not fill the trench at the same level with the ground; it should be well deepened.
Growing tomatoes using oil increases yield by 8 times
Features of the tomato cultivation method . The essence of the method is the reasonable use of planting space, stimulation of root formation, as well as saving the number of grown seedlings. The author focused on the fact that tomatoes are creeping plants, not adapted to growing in a vertical position.
The root system of tomatoes is weak, and on the stems there are root primordia - white pimples. If you give them the opportunity to take root along the entire length of the vines, with their addition, the amount of nutritional components supplied to the plant and the yield of tomatoes increases.
Growing according to the Maslov method involves planting plants in a horizontal rather than vertical position. To plant seedlings in open ground, it is necessary that they grow a little and become stronger. This is not difficult to achieve: it needs to be “overexposed”. The power of the roots is directly proportional to the thickness of the stem. No planting is carried out. Low-growing branches act as an additional source of nutritional components.
The roots that have sprouted on the buried part of the plant are much stronger compared to the main ones. Determinate tomatoes, as a result of this technique, increase yield by 3 times, and indeterminate varieties by 10.
The use of this method makes it possible to rationally use the potential of plants, while when growing using standard technologies, less than half is used.
Methods of planting tomatoes to increase yield
THEM. Maslov proposed 2 planting methods for growing the root system of plants:
- Horizontal planting of seedlings. Initially, it is planted vertically in unheated greenhouses so that it stretches and gets stronger. Then you should transfer it to open ground and remove the first pair of leaves. The seedling is placed with its roots strictly to the south (this will make it easier for it to rise towards the sun), placed in a furrow, and not only the root, but also the stem of the plant is sprinkled with soil. The depth of root embedding is from 10 to 12 cm. The larger part of the seedling is covered with soil, the greater the area for root formation. Thus, weakened, elongated bushes will gain strength; it is allowed to plant 2 seedlings in one hole. To strengthen the root system, the author of the method recommends replanting the seedlings twice, since tomatoes love replanting.
- Avoid removing side shoots in favor of forming roots. Leave the bottom pair of stems and allow it to grow. And after the bush begins to bear fruit, remove the leaves from them, give them an inclined position, secure them with a bracket, and cover them with soil. It is necessary to deviate side shoots from the main one as far as possible. The cuttings will bear fruit only a few weeks later than the main plant. This method is called growing in 3 stems. Such bushes do not interfere with each other, since they have a common root.
Most adherents of cultivating tomatoes using the Maslov method combine these 2 methods and reap an excellent harvest.
Preparing seeds and caring for plants
To grow tomatoes using the Maslov method, it is necessary to carefully select planting material. Preference should be given to the best varieties, focusing on the climatic conditions of the region. The minimum period from sowing to harvesting the first fruits should be from 75 to 90 days.
According to long-term observations of summer residents, to obtain the maximum yield, it is necessary to choose tall varieties of tomatoes. When using low-growing ones, the shortage is up to 70%.
As a rule, the number of fruits on indeterminate varieties when grown in 3 stems is much higher than during cultivation using traditional technologies. There are never too many tomato seedlings; from a large number it is easier to choose the most suitable one.
This method does not involve pinching plants, as in conventional tomato growing. The author of the method convincingly insists that removing the side shoots that form above the lower leaves reduces productivity and immunity.
Sowing, diving. Sowing seeds for growing seedlings is carried out at the end of February. During its growth, it is necessary to create conditions under which it will be elongated and at the same time thick. After the formation of the first pair of leaves, the seedlings are picked and transplanted into containers with a feeding area of 2x2 cm. After 3 weeks, repeated picking should be done.
Seedlings must be planted at a distance of 1 m from each other. Depending on the tomato variety, the age of the seedlings varies:
- early ripening - from 50 to 60 days;
- late – from 70 to 90 days.
Caring for tomatoes is no different from the usual method:
Watering should be done in moderation; excess moisture will only harm the tomatoes. In the absence of drip irrigation, you can moisten in the usual way. To do this, between the rows, closer to the plants, you need to dig shallow furrows through which water is released. The soil around the plant does not harden.
Fertilizers . A small amount of humus during planting or a teaspoon of superphosphate will provide tomatoes with nutritional components for the entire growing season. Although those who like to dig in the beds, to increase productivity, insist on adding nettle infusion or cow manure diluted with water.
Tying up plants . According to the method, to obtain an additional root, the bush bends greatly, but we still must not forget about tying it up. THEM. Maslov advises using nylon threads, knitting wire, fishing wire, and plant stems to which must be attached with rubber bands. Sick, wilted, damaged leaves should be removed.
Positive aspects of the method
Growing tomatoes with 3 stems gives gardeners only positive emotions, as it consists of only advantages:
- Caring for horizontally cultivated plants and those planted in the usual way is carried out in the same way.
- All varieties of tomatoes are suitable for growing according to Maslov’s method.
- It is profitable to grow expensive varieties; much less planting material is needed.
- High profitability, no need to waste time on planting plants.
- When using this growing method, plant productivity increases 3 times.
Features of cultivation that cannot be ignored:
- When growing low-growing varieties, in order to avoid rotting of the fruits (located very close to the soil), it is necessary to cover the soil with fresh grass. In addition, moisture in the ground will be retained longer.
- It is necessary to establish drip irrigation and monitor the condition of the soil. The soil does not need to be waterlogged, but it should not be dry either.
- The development of the above-ground part of the plant is suspended for an average of a week due to refusal to remove the stepsons.
On bushes of a determinate variety, a decrease in the size of berries is observed due to an increase in their number. There is also an opinion that this method does not solve the issue of saving landing space. The volume of fruits obtained from the plot as a whole practically does not change due to an increase in the yield of the bushes.
The most suitable varieties of tomatoes
The best harvest according to the described method in closed and open ground is obtained by tall, early and mid-ripening varieties. Late-ripening varieties are also successfully grown in heated greenhouses. They have proven themselves excellent:
- Tomato Giant . A medium-ripening variety that has a strong stem and is quite productive. The subcutaneous part of the berries is fleshy, bright red, round-flat in shape. Used fresh and for preservation.
- Russian giant. Belongs to the middle late variety. Resistant to diseases that affect representatives of the nightshade family. Breeders have developed varieties with red and yellow berries. The fruits are stored for a long time and are large.
- Ukrainian giant . Used for preparing salads and eating fresh. A medium-ripening variety that needs staking. The berries have a pale red color, a flat surface, and juicy pulp. Relatively resistant to late blight. Since the weight of berries on average reaches 600-650 g, in addition to tying up the shoots, it is practiced to use small hammocks (mesh bags) to support the fruits. They hold the tomato suspended until the tomatoes are fully ripened.
Cultivation care
A plant planted in this way needs very abundant watering and very abundant feeding. How could it be otherwise? If we plan to get a huge harvest, and for this we have grown a huge root system, therefore, we need to provide a large amount of nutrients.
There is no point in growing rhizomes in fresh soil, no matter how many roots there are, there is nothing to take. No matter how those who recommend the method convince you that care is no different from usual, this cannot be so. Feeding should be carried out:
- regularly;
- in a timely manner;
- comprehensively;
- root and non-root.
"Ukrainian giant"
This is a fairly productive variety with medium ripening periods (110-120 days from germination to fruiting). The plant is very tall, reaching up to 1.5-2 meters, so if you are not a supporter of these methods, be sure to use a trellis. It is best to cultivate in three stems. The root system of tomatoes of this variety is very powerful, so appropriate soil is required - light chernozems with humus, the application of complex mineral and phosphorus fertilizers in the first phase of growth. The fruits of the plant are fleshy, weighing up to 600 g, flat-round in shape, pale red in color.
To stepchild or not
Maslov convinces everyone that removing side shoots means reducing the yield. His method does not allow the removal of side shoots at all.
With stepchildren they act as follows: as soon as the stepson grows 25-30 cm, they begin to bend him down. It is better to do this when the plant has not been watered for several days and the turgor is slightly lost. Otherwise, if excessive force is applied, the stepson may break off.
The stepsons, which, under the influence of the tilt, have reached the ground level, are completely cleared of leaf plates and covered with earth, and then grown as a neighboring plant.
No matter how good the method is, regulate the number of stepsons yourself, otherwise you risk turning your garden into a jungle without achieving the desired harvest.
Nuances of care
When carefully considering the method, you should consider that the stepchildren will have to be rooted near the mother plant. This entire “structure” should be watered and intensively “fed”. You will need to somehow move between these plants in order to carry out agrotechnical measures.
Moreover, highly dense plantings in regions where late blight is often rampant will also introduce their own nuances, since there are no completely resistant varieties yet, and they will have to be processed frequently.
Looking at all the nuances, you should understand that for such planting it is necessary to allocate a meter by meter space for each bush. Initially it will seem that the plants are planted sparsely, but when the rooting of the stepsons begins, it will become clear that there is not even enough space.
Plants need staking in the same way as with other growing methods. However, if you are used to slender, neat rows, then with this method everything is more complicated. Maslov recommends tying it to a stretched mesh, otherwise the configuration in which you tension it will depend on your bush.
What to use for tying tomatoes
To tie tomatoes, experienced gardeners recommend using fabric ribbons, preferably made of cotton fabric (increases reusability), pieces of nylon and twine.
Do not tie the twine too tightly, otherwise the bush may break. There are many ways to tie up bushes. Most often they resort to:
- trellis tying,
- use of individual support,
- free loop method
- linear fastening,
- wire frame,
- growing on a grid.
For some unknown reason, gardeners are more fond of low-growing varieties of tomatoes; the reason for this is not clear, because it is the tall bushes that are the most hardy and prolific. But low-growing tomatoes, like taller varieties, need staking or cultivation using a support.
Trellis growing tomatoes
For this design you need:
- metal pipes or timber,
- wire, nylon cord,
- special mesh made of plastic with a large mesh,
- shovel, hammer and nails.
Keep in mind that the height of the trellises should be at least 2 meters. This height is perfect for growing tall varieties of tomatoes. Metal pipes or wooden blocks must be dug into the ground with a shovel 10-15 cm deep. To make one row of trellises, if the width of the bed is 2 meters, you need about 4 pieces.
Next, if you want to move the tomatoes when harvesting, you need to attach bars to these columns, for example, using metal wire.
Then the bars can be stretched with ropes, one end of which will be attached to the bush. And if you need to get more spreading bushes, then in addition to the rope you need to stretch the mesh over the entire length of the trellis.
is considered more complex, but also more reliable. To do this, you will need trellises - long stakes that need to be driven into the ground at some distance from each other. Between them in a horizontal plane, it is necessary to stretch a cable or cord, maintaining a step of 35–40 cm. As the plant matures, the stems and branches must be tucked into the stretched thread, first on one side, then on the other, guided by the braiding principle. Clusters with a large number of fruits can be additionally tied up or hung on hooks. This method is good because it allows you to do without pinching and ensure the growth of branches to increase the number of fruits. This can be achieved in a heated greenhouse, where plant growth will continue even after the onset of cold weather,
Advantages of the method
The greatest advantage of this method is that a small number of seedlings is needed. By planting several bushes and using stepchildren, we get a whole bush with a huge number of daughter plants.
When figuring out how to grow tomatoes using Maslov’s method, sometimes vegetable growers are perplexed about how to water it all. However, a technique was found here too. Grooves are dug around this entire planting and water flows through them. They also serve supplements. Some people find this very convenient, saving energy and time.
With the introduction of a drip system into vegetable growing, the issue of watering has become even easier. A “drop” laid in diameter and sectors will allow watering and fertilizing to be carried out regularly and in a timely manner.
When deciding to plant tomatoes using the Maslov method, do not plan a lot at once, plant several plants, and then, if you like it, expand the plantings. Having grown tomatoes once, adjust the method “to suit you” and perhaps you will forever abandon the traditional cultivation of tomatoes.
