Growing tomatoes in open ground in the Moscow region: how to properly care

Using crop rotation

Better survival rate of tomato seedlings in the Moscow region, and subsequently optimal performance during harvesting, can be obtained if tomato beds are planned after:

legumes;
cucumbers;
cabbage

It is not recommended to plant for 3-4 years in areas where vegetable crops of the nightshade family grew (physalis, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes). Failure to comply with this recommendation can lead to the emergence of specific diseases in tomatoes and the appearance of insect pests.

Preparing the seat

For cultivating tomatoes, it is better to choose southern, southwestern or southeastern areas. Good yields are produced by tomatoes planted near the southern wall of buildings or a fence. Tomatoes can be successfully grown in the same place even for 2-3 years in a row, although then it is necessary to add

fertilizers The best predecessors for tomatoes -

. It is not recommended to grow tomatoes after

. In those areas where these crops were cultivated, tomatoes can be planted no earlier than three years later. Otherwise, you put your plants at risk of getting sick.

Tomatoes grow well after cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, and all legumes. We must remember that all crops from the nightshade family are not the best predecessors for tomatoes, so those beds where potatoes or eggplants grew last season cannot be used for planting tomatoes.

When choosing a garden plot for planting tomato seedlings, it is recommended to give preference to well-lit southern slopes that are protected from the wind. Since the crop does not like waterlogging, you should choose elevated places with light loamy soil of low acidity.

Preparing the soil for planting tomatoes

Crop rotation allows the soil to rest and restore the microelements consumed by the plant. Therefore, you should change the planting location of tomatoes every year. It is important to take into account which plants grew previously.

Tomatoes grow much better if they are grown and cared for in open ground in beds where legumes, herbs and root vegetables grew. Crops such as potatoes, peppers or eggplants are undesirable. They can cause late blight to infect the soil, which will spread to the seedlings.

Soil disinfection can be carried out in the fall. For the procedure, a solution of copper sulfate is used: 1 tablespoon of copper per 10 liters of water. Consumption is 1 liter per square meter of bed.

In the spring, the soil is fertilized with organic matter and mineral salts: peat, humus and sawdust are added in equal proportions per square meter of soil, 1 bucket each. Add 2 tablespoons of phosphate and a couple of glasses of ash.

The soil is dug up well and watered with a warm solution of bleach for disinfection (2 liters per square meter). The beds must be prepared in advance: 5-7 days before transplanting tomatoes into open soil.

Time to plant seedlings in beds

It is dangerous to plant tomato seedlings if the soil in the beds has not warmed up to 14-16 degrees. In the Moscow region, such ground temperatures can be expected in early May. Seedlings in containers are thoroughly watered with water at room temperature a day before planting in the soil to ensure safe removal of the plants. If the seedlings were planted in separate peat pots, then abundant watering is not necessary.

If the tender roots of tomatoes are damaged during planting, then before placing them in the soil, the root system is soaked in a special mash. Its composition consists of a mixture of mullein water and clay. Instead of clay, you can use lowland peat. You can prepare such a product even without using a container, but by mixing all the ingredients in a small hole dug in the soil. If you have to transport seedlings to the planting site, then such a chatter will protect the plants from drying out.

Note! It is advisable to choose a cloudy day for planting tomatoes, otherwise the sun's rays may cause the planted plants to wither. If this procedure is carried out in sunny time, then the tomato seedlings should be covered until the evening with a special awning.

Planting of seedlings is carried out in rows. If plants with tall stems are planted, then 60-70 cm should be left in the row between plants. Small bushes are planted at a distance of approximately 60-70 cm, and low-growing varieties - 30-35 cm.

The hole for planting seedlings should have a depth of about 10-12 cm. A handful of rotted manure or compost is placed in it. Then the soil is moistened with cold water (about 1 liter per hole). The plant is lowered into the hole so that the lower leaves are close to the soil surface. Peat pots are buried approximately 2-3 cm into the soil.

This allows the root system to grow along almost the entire length of the stem located in the ground. This process is especially relevant if you have to plant weakened or dried out seedlings.

When planting plants that are too elongated, they are deepened into the soil a little more. However, one should take into account the fact that the soil warms up to such a depth. If the soil is not warmed up, and besides, its structure is too heavy, then the seedlings are planted at an angle. It is usually planted at an angle of 45 degrees towards the north side. The stem placed in the hole is sprinkled with soil, and the part that remains above the surface is tied to a support. On such a stem, new roots gradually grow, which can provide the plant with additional nutrition.

Greenhouse or open garden bed: pros and cons

The Moscow region cannot be called a gardener's paradise, especially when it comes to growing such a heat-loving crop as a tomato. Unfortunately, tomatoes that arrived in our country from distant South America do not grow at temperatures below +10 0 C. Under such conditions, growing tomatoes in open ground in the Moscow region is possible only by the end of May, when night temperatures exceed the established value. A greenhouse allows you to speed up the process of growing tomatoes, since favorable conditions are established 2-3 weeks earlier. At the same time, there is no clear opinion among farmers about where to grow tomatoes, since each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages:

The greenhouse allows you to plant tomato seedlings earlier and harvest vegetables. In greenhouse conditions, plants do not experience sudden changes in night and day temperatures; short-term spring and autumn frosts are not scary for them. However, greenhouse conditions are favorable not only for growing tomatoes, but also for the development of harmful microflora, fungi and bacteria that cause diseases of tomatoes, causing damage to plantings and harvests. The greenhouse gets very hot during the daytime, and the temperature can only be reduced by ventilation. If it is installed in a dacha, remote from the place of permanent residence of the owners, then it is not possible to regularly open and close doors and vents, which means that the tomatoes in the greenhouse will most likely simply burn.
Open ground “sets” strict deadlines for the farmer to grow tomatoes, since spring frosts and autumn cold can destroy tomatoes in the beds. Rainy weather in the Moscow region in summer and the early arrival of autumn provokes the development of late blight, which damages plants and fruits. At the same time, open ground solves the issue of pollination of tomatoes, does not require financial costs for the purchase of materials, and partially solves the issue of watering tomatoes. You can eliminate the possibility of tomatoes freezing in unprotected conditions in the spring by using temporary shelter on arches. Open ground is the only correct solution for growing tomatoes in the garden without regular supervision from the owners.

Such contradictions are the basis for discussions among farmers. At the same time, each gardener in the Moscow region decides for himself in what conditions to grow tomatoes. Having chosen the appropriate cultivation option, you need to select the best variety, which is zoned for the area and can give the farmer a large number of tasty tomatoes when grown in the given conditions.

Caring for planted tomatoes

Caring for tomatoes by weeding begins only after the plants have completely taken root. Destruction of the integrity of the soil crust should be done after each watering of the soil or after rainfall. This type of care on hot days is identical to mulching, as it prevents intense evaporation of moisture from the soil. In rainy climates, this process will reduce the likelihood of fungal diseases occurring in plants.

The first feeding of tomato seedlings begins 0.5 months after it is planted in the ground. The next application of fertilizers is made after the bushes begin to flower. The third time the soil is fertilized at the moment of mass filling of fruits.

Tomatoes are fertilized with bird droppings dissolved in water at the rate of 100 g per 10 liters of water. After three days of infusion, the plants are watered with this liquid by adding 1 liter to each bush.

Keep in mind! After fertilizing the tomatoes, it is recommended to carry out regular watering to avoid burning the root system.

It is recommended to treat the plants with Bordeaux mixture twice a season. The first spraying is carried out 20 days after planting the seedlings in the ground, and the next, at the beginning of the tomato ripening period. To prevent the occurrence of late blight, spray with serum diluted with water (1x3).

How to grow good tomatoes in open ground

A good and tasty tomato crop can only be grown by choosing the right seeds and observing all the conditions for caring for them.

Early

To get an early harvest, you need to choose early and early varieties of tomatoes, such as: Riddle, Anastasia, Raspberry Giant, Camellia and others. They ripen in 85-100 days after sowing the seeds and produce an excellent harvest.

Plants need to be planted in a bright, elevated place. At first, the plantings are covered with film, this promotes better acclimatization. Watering and fertilizing should be carried out regularly. You can’t neglect pinching and shaping the bush. Tomato bushes are formed into 1-2 stems. In August, the tops of the plants are pinched, this stops growth and accelerates the ripening of fruits. The leaves below fall off gradually.

Early ripening varieties can be grown without seedlings. In this case, fruiting will be delayed by half a month, but the fruits will be more tasty.

Sweet

The sweetness of a tomato depends on the varietal characteristics, proper planting and care of the plants.

The most delicious sweet varieties can be called: Pink honey, Roma, Tsar Bell, Velmozha, Honey Drop and others.

The distance between the bushes is chosen taking into account the fact that each leaf must receive a lot of light for the formation of sugars. Early ripening tomatoes are planted at a distance of 40 centimeters between the bushes, late ones - 50 centimeters.

Tomato care is standard. Plants need to be watered and fertilized regularly. Watering during tomato ripening should be reduced, since with excess moisture the fruits become watery and less sweet.

Tall

The best tall varieties: De Barao, Cardinal, Mikado pink, Wild rose, Tarasenko and others. Seedlings of such varieties should be planted no more than 3 per square meter. The row spacing should be 70-90 centimeters.

Plants are tied to a support immediately after planting. For tall varieties, pinching and bush shaping are mandatory.

Indeterminate varieties are formed into 1-2 stems,
determinant - in 2-3,
bush - 3-4 stems.

Excess stepsons need to be removed once a week, as they reach 3-5 centimeters.

Tomatoes need to be fed during the flowering phase and at the beginning of fruit formation. Watering is carried out once every 5-6 days. The plant uses 5 liters of water, and during flowering 12 liters.

Large

To obtain large-sized fruits, when purchasing seeds, you need to choose low- and medium-sized varieties.

The best large-fruited varieties are Pink Elephant, Bull's Heart, Miracle of the Earth, Alsou, Delicious, King of Siberia and others.

The size of the fruit directly depends on the number of clusters; the fewer there are, the larger the fruit. So pinching is the main requirement when growing plants. The first brush with the ovary can also be removed.

Seedlings need to be watered at least 2 times a week. 1.5-2 liters of water are poured into each hole. When the fruits ripen, watering stops, otherwise the fruits will begin to crack.

The first feeding is carried out 4 days after transplanting to the main place. The second time - after the start of flowering, and the third time after the first fruits begin to ripen. For feeding, mineral and organic fertilizers containing phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen are used.

Cherry

For planting cherry tomatoes in open ground, the following varieties are selected: Salyut, Minibel, Arctic, Pygmy, Arbat, Bonsai, Balcony Miracle, Red Cherry, F1 Cherry Kira, F1 Sweet Cherry, Dessert, Zlato and others.
Cherry tomatoes are grown in seedlings. The method of growing them is no different from others.

Cherry tomato seedlings require more space when planting than conventional varieties. The distance between plants should be at least 50 centimeters. Plants are tied to supports.

2 weeks after planting, you can fertilize with complex fertilizers with a lower nitrogen content.

Stepchildren are removed as they appear.

Cherry tomatoes are collected from the garden beds at the fully ripened stage. If unripe tomatoes are picked and then ripened, their sweetness decreases. Overripe fruits fall off.

How to plant stepsons correctly and methods for tying tomato stems

Cutting off side shoots (stepchildren) is carried out with the aim of maximizing the intensive growth of the main stems of the plant, as well as the ripening of tomatoes. In addition, the top of the stem is pinched. In the Moscow region, you can successfully grow tomatoes when the bushes form one main stem. In this case, all side shoots are removed.

Pinching is carried out by breaking off the shoots growing in the axils of the leaves on the main stem. This process must be under the control of the vegetable grower. It is necessary to carefully monitor the tomatoes, since it is optimal to break them off when the stepsons reach 3-5 cm. But you should not remove the shoot completely, as this causes problems with the development of the plant. The stump from the stepson is left approximately 1 cm in size.

Planting tomatoes “collective farm style”

It is better to plant tomatoes in a small area, a maximum of 0.5 hectares. This will be the most appropriate solution for this region.

The varieties selected are low-growing, determinant, bred specifically for the northern territories. The beds are pre-prepared; Tomatoes are planted in 2 rows in a checkerboard pattern. The distance between seedlings should be 40 cm.

There is no need to tie up tomatoes; the entire bed is covered with a layer of hay or straw. As the bushes grow, they lie on this litter, thereby being protected from the effects of temperatures and various insects.

Low-growing varieties do not have to be formed, but it is better to remove all stepsons before the first flower cluster. The planting process requires minimal care and is suitable for gardeners with little time to plant.

Organization of irrigation regime

Watering tomatoes should be done regularly. To determine the need for watering, dig a hole next to the plant to a depth of about 20-25 cm. If the soil at the bottom is moist, then you can wait a while with watering.

Tomatoes are watered only at the root. You cannot spray their leaves, as this can lead to burns and late blight, especially if this procedure is carried out at lunchtime. The best method is drip irrigation.

Irregular watering can cause tomatoes to crack. This phenomenon is especially noticeable in hot weather. The intensity of watering during fruit ripening should be slightly reduced. Because excess moisture does not allow the fruits to ripen, and blossom end rot may also appear.

Planting and care

To grow both the tomatoes themselves and the seedlings, you first need properly prepared soil.

Soil preparation

To sow seeds for seedlings, take 1 kg:

forest land;
compost;
humus.

Add 2 cups of wood ash, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of potassium sulfate and superphosphate.

It is advisable to make the mixture in the fall. In spring, an alternative option would be ready-made soil for nightshade crops.

The soil on the site is prepared as follows:

in the fall, the ground, cleared of plant debris, is dug up to the depth of a spade bayonet;
for digging, add 5 kg of humus, 50 g of superphosphate, 25 g of potassium sulfate per 1 sq. m;
if the soil is acidic, then for each square. m add 500 g of slaked lime;
in the spring the bed is dug up with a pitchfork;
loosen the ground with a rake.

After this, you can create beds directed from north to south. The recommended width of the beds is 0.9-1.0 m, the width of the rows is 0.7 m. These dimensions will help with unhindered care of the plantings.

Harvesting tomatoes in the Moscow region

Early ripening tomato varieties grown in open areas are harvested starting in July. In this variety of tomatoes, the period before fruit ripening lasts only 45 days after seed germination. To speed up this period, unripe (brown) tomatoes are picked. You should also pick off fruits with obvious defects or signs of disease.

When growing medium-ripening or late-ripening tomato varieties in the Moscow region, they may be affected by late blight due to the fact that cold dew appears in the morning. To protect plants from this, you can cover them with film at night. If the cold season sets in and the tomatoes are not yet ripe, they should still be picked. You can put them to ripen, or preserve them green. There are many recipes for such pickling.

Features of choosing a location and preparing soil for tomatoes

When maintaining and studying an open-ground tomato collection, we use washed and disinfected seed boxes measuring 35 x 25 x 10 cm for sowing. We fill the boxes with a mixture of turf soil, humus, and sand in a ratio of 2: 4: 0.5. If possible, it is advisable to add one part of deoxidized peat to this mixture.

It is important to prepare boxes with the mixture in advance before sowing so that they warm up to the required temperature. Sowing tomato seeds in unheated soil leads to uneven germination, the occurrence of diseases and death of seedlings, which sometimes occurred in our practice. We spill the boxes with the mixture with a warm pink solution of potassium permanganate (KMnO4), and use a ruler to make grooves to a depth of 1 cm at a distance of 3-5 cm between the rows.

Sowing of the collection in the Moscow region - in the first ten days of April. We place the seeds next to each other, which gives more friendly and faster shoots than those spread 0.5 cm apart. We fill the seeds with the same mixture as in the box, and spill the boxes with a weak solution of potassium permanganate (pink), cover with film until shoots

We keep the boxes with sown seeds in a glass greenhouse at a temperature of 20...25°C until mass shoots appear. In most tomato samples from the collection, the seeds begin to germinate at a temperature of 16...18°C, but they germinate better and faster at a temperature of 23...25°C; in further phases of life, plants grow and develop better at a temperature of 20...25°C.

Tomato storage

Unripe fruits may turn red if stored in a warm room. Usually they are laid out in one layer on the windowsill. They also use a method in which the fruits are immersed in water at a temperature of 65 degrees for 2-3 minutes, and then cooled in a basin of cool water. After drying, the vegetables are placed in special fruit boxes. Unripe tomatoes are laid out, alternating with ripe tomatoes. This method helps speed up the ripening process due to the fact that ripe fruits emit ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening of other tomatoes.

The boxes are installed in a room with sufficient lighting. Otherwise, the tomatoes will have a weak color, and the ripening period will last longer. If it is necessary to lengthen the period of their ripening, then the temperature in the room is lowered to 10 degrees. Fully ripened tomatoes can be stored for up to 1.5 months, provided that the storage temperature is maintained between 5 and 10 degrees.

Growing seedlings

An important measure for strengthening seedlings after emergence is to lower the temperature to +12...15°C during the day and +10...12°C at night. However, it is practically impossible to implement this agricultural technique on a collection, since often some of the samples with good seed vigor in the same box germinate in 4-5 days, while others - in 8-12 and up to 15 days. In addition, the greenhouse contains collections of other crops that require warmth. You need to very carefully monitor the soil moisture in the boxes and avoid overmoistening. Watering of plants is carried out rarely, as the top layer of soil dries, preferably in the first half of the day with heated water not lower than +20°C. Frequent watering contributes to the spread of fungal diseases. In order to prevent seedlings from being affected by diseases, we use fresh ingredients to prepare the mixture, avoid thickened sowing in boxes, ventilate the premises, loosen between rows of seedlings, and water with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. If a “black leg” appears, sprinkle the soil with wood ash, mix it and mound the mixture above the affected area, which causes the growth of new roots.

To obtain high-quality tomato seedlings, you need a small, bright, warm room with controlled growing conditions. In the last two years, due to the renovation of greenhouses, the boxes were placed in the laboratory building. Germination was influenced not only by the quality of the sent seeds, which were stored for 9-10 years, but also by the placement of the boxes. As a rule, boxes located on the windowsill and on tables at a distance of 1-1.5 m from the heating radiator had friendly shoots after 4-6 days. In more remote places, the seeds sprouted unevenly and with a delay, were strongly stretched towards the window, and did not develop well. The seedlings were tender and refined, which later affected their growth and disease. Thus, without additional good, uniform lighting and temperature control, growing good tomato seedlings is difficult.

Amateur tomato seedlings. Photo from the GreenInfo.ru forum

Fruit harvesting

Although the tomato is a facultative self-pollinator, the fruits for obtaining seeds are collected from rows located inside the plot in the phase of full maturity. The outer butt rows play the role of protection, and the harvest collected from them is not used for seed production. We keep the tomatoes in the boxes until they are completely red, slightly wilted and softened.

Beginning of tomato ripening

The standard variety lay down under the weight of the fruits