The tomato variety for your garden should be selected taking into account your harvest plans. When planting, it is important to know whether you are going to use the tomatoes in salads and other dishes, or whether you will be salting or drying them. What if you have a small plot and it is difficult to place many beds of different varieties of tomatoes? You have to choose - plant more tomatoes for pickling, salads or drying.
Fortunately, at the beginning of the 21st century, the Siberian Research Institute of Plant Growing developed a tomato variety called Metelitsa. Tomatoes of this variety are suitable for salads, pickling, pickling, and drying - they are even used to make tomato jam.
Tomato Metelitsa characteristics and description of the variety
The Metelitsa tomato does not belong to the F1 hybrid varieties .
It is included in the State Register of the Russian Federation and is recommended for cultivation in the open air, although it also produces a good harvest in greenhouses. The fruits ripen 105-108 days from the moment the seeds are sown for seedlings.
Metelitsa is a determinate variety with a height of 45 to 70 cm and does not require pinching. The inflorescences are simple, each of them produces 5-6 fruits.
Metelitsa tomatoes are flat-round, slightly ribbed, red. The average weight of the fruit ranges from 60 to 100 g. They are covered with a smooth skin, under which lies a dense, fleshy pulp with four nests of seeds. Fruit sugar content is from 1.9 to 2.9%. Dry matter in fruits is 4.2-4.6%. The taste of the fruit is pleasant with a slight sourness.
The yield of a variety varies depending on the region and growing conditions. In the Ural region, from 172 to 244 centners of tomatoes are harvested per hectare of plantings, and in the West Siberian Territory - from 72 to 487 centners per hectare.
Distinctive features
Tomato Metelitsa features:
- high resistance to the most common diseases;
- yield up to 17-20 kg per square meter;
- yield of marketable fruits 97%;
- cold resistance;
- versatility of use;
- possibility of long-term storage.
Main characteristics
Tomato Metelitsa, according to the description, has a yield of about 15-17 kg per 1 sq. m of planting in open ground. The yield in a greenhouse is traditionally slightly higher - up to 20 kg per 1 sq. m. Methods for increasing productivity are standard: more light, appropriate watering and fertilizing. Temperature has virtually no effect on yield indicators, since the plant was created for growing in relatively cold climates.
The plant is resistant to almost all existing diseases of nightshade crops. There are no cases of mass damage or serious vulnerability of the Metelitsa tomato variety to any diseases in the literature.
Advantages and disadvantages
The variety has the following positive qualities:
- high yield (depending on the growing method from 15 to 20 kg per 1 sq. m);
- unpretentiousness in cultivation (according to the description, the Metelitsa tomato is able to grow in cold climates and in areas of risky farming);
- regular fruiting, lasting until late autumn;
- versatility in the use of fruits;
- good presentation of the fruit;
- high shelf life of fruits and excellent transportability;
- good immunity, resistance to almost all tomato diseases.
The disadvantages of the variety include, perhaps, its hybrid origin, which does not make it possible to obtain sufficient quantities of seeds suitable for cultivation. No other shortcomings have been found in Metelitsa for a decade and a half.
How to grow seedlings
Tomato is a heat-loving crop with a long growing season. In central Russia, it began to be grown from the end of the 18th century thanks to the famous agronomist Andrei Timofeevich Bolotov. After lengthy research by A.T. Bolotov developed a technology for growing tomatoes, not much different from the modern one.
A.T. Bolotov identified three stages in growing tomatoes:
- obtaining seedlings in rooms or greenhouses before the last spring frosts;
- growing plants from seedlings in open ground before the onset of cold weather;
- ripening of fruits at room conditions.
Thanks to modern advances in breeding, the third stage (fruit ripening in room conditions) can be skipped, since the fruits of the Metelitsa variety, when properly grown, ripen on the bushes.
Seed preparation
Growing seedlings begins with preparing the seeds for sowing. To do this, select large, full-weight seeds and, in small portions, stirring, immerse them in a 5% solution of table salt (50 g of table salt per 1 liter of water).
After 2 hours, full-bodied seeds sink to the bottom, and small and empty ones float to the surface. After removing the floating seeds, the solution is drained, and those seeds that have sunk to the bottom are thoroughly washed and dried.
Container and soil
A week or two before sowing the seeds, water the soil with a solution of Fitosporin.
This helps get rid of diseases, moreover, during this time bacteria will begin to work in the soil, which have a beneficial effect on the growth of seedlings. Any container will do: a large plastic container, coffee cups, mayonnaise containers, etc. If each seed is planted in a separate container, then the tomatoes will not need picking.
Soil for growing seedlings is sold at any flower shop, but some prepare it themselves in the fall by mixing turf soil with humus or compost and adding a little river sand and wood ash.
Sowing seeds
Many novice farmers mistakenly believe that there is no need to comply with the timing of sowing and growing seedlings. However, failure to meet deadlines leads to low-quality seedlings. Seeds of the Metelitsa variety should be sown for seedlings 50-60 days before the intended planting in the ground, i.e. in late March - early April.
The soil is watered before sowing. The seeds are pressed into the soil to a depth of 1 cm, keeping a distance between them of 5-10 cm. Before germination, the container with the seeds is covered with glass or a plastic bag and placed in a room with a temperature of 25-30 ° C.
Growing and care
The first tomato shoots appear after 5-6 days, sometimes earlier.
Attention! Don't forget to remove the film or glass after germination.
At this stage, care should be taken to ensure adequate lighting. To increase the effect of lighting, install a reflective screen, for example, made of thick cardboard covered with foil, near the containers with seedlings opposite the window. The daylight hours of plants should be 12-14 hours. Install a phytolamp.
Water the seedlings as the soil dries. Water with warm, settled water. The temperature for the growth and development of seedlings is lower than the temperature required for their germination - 20-25 °C.
The seedlings are fed once a week. Before fertilizing, the soil must be lightly watered with ordinary water so as not to burn the fragile roots with fertilizers. They are fed with such preparations as: “Agricola”, “Effekton”, “Fitosporin”, “Gumi”, as well as folk remedies: ash, yeast solution.
From time to time it is necessary to carry out disease prevention by watering the soil with a solution of Trichodermin, Glyokladin, Fitosoprin and other similar drugs.
When 2-3 leaves appear on the plants, they need to be picked into separate containers to increase the feeding area and give them the opportunity to evenly develop the above-ground part.
Remember! Delaying the picking of seedlings leads to the fact that the plants stretch out and become more fragile, especially with thickened sowing.
When planting, the plants are buried down to the cotyledons and the roots are cut to 1/3 of the length. After picking, the plants need to be shaded for the first 3-4 days, until rooting.
Before planting in open ground or a greenhouse, seedlings are hardened off and accustomed to new growing conditions. This procedure prevents plants from stretching, promotes the development of the root system, and improves adaptogenic properties. It starts around the first half of April. The seedlings are placed in the refrigerator and kept there for about an hour. A week later, repeat the procedure and increase the time to 3-4 hours.
Positive qualities and disadvantages
The most characteristic positive qualities of the variety are increased productivity, the possibility of universal use, and resistance to typical tomato diseases. Their important distinctive feature is the possibility of long-term storage and a variety of ways to use the fruits. People who sell tomatoes are impressed by the fact that the marketability of fruits of the Metelitsa variety is 97%.
The variety does not have any particular disadvantages, which is why the tomato enjoys well-deserved popularity among vegetable growers. Their reviews characterize the variety as the most suitable for planting in cool climates.
How to grow tomatoes
Healthy seedlings are the key to a good harvest, but improper care of tomatoes after planting them in a permanent place in open ground or a greenhouse can ruin all your efforts.
Although tomatoes are unpretentious plants, in order to get healthy, large, ripened “on the bush” fruits, you will need to pay some attention to the crop.
Transplantation into open ground
Plants are planted in open ground when the danger of frost has passed, usually in late May - early June. Tomatoes are planted in the greenhouse earlier. If the time for planting seedlings in the ground has come, but it is not possible to plant them in a permanent place, limit watering.
To improve the survival rate of seedlings, 5 days before planting in a permanent place, they are fed with a solution of calcium nitrate in the ratio of 2 g of calcium nitrate per 1 liter of water.
Prepared seedlings are planted in holes with the addition of a tablespoon of double superphosphate, a handful of wood ash, a handful of compost or rotted mullein, and a few bird feathers (a source of silicon). When planting tomatoes, they are lowered into the holes, deepening them by 2-5 cm.
If the seedlings have a main stem that is too long, it is deepened into the soil by 2/3 of its length. The planted seedlings are well watered and mulched with any organic matter.
When planting, you should adhere to the scheme: at least 50 cm between bushes and 40-50 cm between rows. It is considered optimal to place no more than 6 plants per 1 sq.m.
Care
Further care for tomatoes consists of regular watering with warm water after sunset, maintaining low air humidity, fertilizing and loosening the soil.
Tomato feeding is carried out every 10 days. Before the fruiting phase, it is necessary to choose fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, and after setting the first fruit cluster and during the ripening period - potash fertilizers.
In August, 2 weeks before harvest, all fertilizing must be stopped to avoid the accumulation of nitrates in tomato fruits and to speed up the ripening of tomatoes on the bushes.
Remember! The use of fertilizers when growing tomatoes not only favors an increase in yield, but also an increase in the content of useful substances in fruits, improves the shelf life of fruits, increases resistance to various viral and fungal diseases, and increases resistance to negative environmental influences.
Features of cultivation and possible difficulties
Caring for Metelitsa is relatively easy - just like other tomatoes, it needs to be watered, weeded, loosened, hilled, and fed.
The main difference from other varieties is that pinching and gartering of stems is not required . However, some gardeners note that the best results were obtained when planting the plant up to the first flower cluster, which appears above the 6-8 leaf.
Diseases and pests
Metelitsa shows good resistance to the main diseases of tomatoes, but it is recommended, especially when the weather is wet and cool, to treat the plants with a solution of Fitosporin.
Features of cultivation and storage
The hybrid was created specifically for open ground, but in northern regions with short summers and unstable weather it is better to grow it in a greenhouse. You can plant there in free places between tall bushes to save space. In open ground, choose sunny areas.
It is recommended to plant the bushes before the first brush appears. You don't have to tie them to the support.
The fruits can be stored for a long time, especially in a cool and dry place. Well transported.
Harvesting and application
The fruits are harvested at milky ripeness, as they ripen well without losing their beneficial properties.
Harvesting
Ripe tomatoes are picked in dry, sunny weather, placed in boxes or crates and stored in a room at room temperature.
It is better to store harvested tomatoes outside the refrigerator. Low temperatures during storage impair the taste of fruits and cause them to rot.
As mentioned above, Metelitsa tomatoes, according to the description of the variety and reviews from gardeners, have a universal purpose. They are good for pickling and drying; they are even used to make tomato jam.
Recipes
Below are the most popular recipes for pickling and drying tomatoes. Any housewife can make them.
Marinated tomatoes "Metelitsa"
For marinating you will need:
- 2 kg of tomatoes;
- 1.5 tbsp salt;
- 6 tbsp. l. granulated sugar;
- 1 tsp. citric acid;
- 3 peas of allspice;
- 1 pod of sweet pepper;
- 10 black peppercorns;
- 1 tbsp. l. grated garlic;
- 1.5 liters of water;
- 2 sprigs of parsley.
Preparation:
- Place all ingredients except a spoonful of grated garlic into a sterilized jar.
- Fill the jar with tomatoes and pour 1.5 liters of boiling water.
- After 15 minutes, pour the water into the pan, bring to a boil, and pour it back into the jar for 15 minutes.
- Drain the water into the pan again, add salt - 1.5 tbsp. spoons, granulated sugar - 6 tbsp. spoons and bring to a boil.
- Place one tablespoon of grated garlic and one teaspoon of citric acid in a jar.
- Pour boiling brine with salt and sugar into a jar of tomatoes and roll up with metal lids.
Dried tomatoes (sun-dried)
In Italy, tomatoes are dried in the sun, sprinkled with rosemary, thyme, marjoram, basil, oregano and sage. Dried tomatoes are added when preparing pizza, soup, and minced meat.
To prepare dried (dried) tomatoes you will need:
- 2 kg of tomatoes with thick skin, not very juicy, without damage;
- 1 liter of refined sunflower oil;
- 1 packet of Italian herbs spices;
- 20 sweet peas;
- salt - to taste.
Preparation:
- Rinse the fruits thoroughly, then cut each one in half and remove the “tail” and the middle with the seeds with a knife, cut into another 3-4 slices and place in an electric dryer, oven or in the hot sun.
- For those who do not have an electric dryer and the sun does not spoil them, you need to take a large baking sheet, cover it with parchment, place the tomato slices skin side down and put them in the oven. Dry over low heat with the oven open for several hours.
- When the tomato slices have tripled in size, they are ready.
- Carefully examine the dried tomatoes, add a packet of Italian herbs spices, and salt. Top off the sun-dried tomatoes with allspice and peppercorns.
- Sterilize the tomato jars for 10 minutes by placing them upside down in a bowl of water. Place the lids of the jars there so that they too become perfectly clean.
- Place tomato slices in hot jars, filling not all the space with them (during storage, the tomatoes will “spread out” slightly and begin to take up more space).
- Add seasonings to evenly distribute throughout the jars.
- Pour refined oil into each jar, also not reaching the very top. Immediately screw the lids on the jars.
Rules for planting and care
Growing the Metelitsa tomato is similar to growing any other tomato variety, however, there are some nuances regarding the timing of planting seedlings. In addition, the plant can be grown with almost any method of bush formation.
Sowing seeds for seedlings
Planting young plants in the soil of the Metelitsa tomato should be carried out 50-60 days after planting the seedlings. Since tomatoes are planted in open ground at the end of May or beginning of June (taking into account the fact that the plant is grown in a cold climate), seedlings for this case should be planted at the end of March.
Traditionally, for greenhouse cultivation, seeds are planted for seedlings in early or mid-March.
The soil for germinating seedlings consists of garden soil mixed with sand, as well as humus or compost in a ratio of 2:1:2. It is recommended to add wood ash in the amount of 100 g per 10 kg of soil mixture.
Planting and caring for seedlings is carried out according to a standard scheme, it includes the following main stages:
- Seeds are planted in groups of 2. to a depth of 1 cm. The distance between the seeds is at least 5 cm, between the rows - 10 cm. After planting, the seeds are watered, covered with film and taken to a warm and dark place.
- As soon as the seedlings appear, the seedlings are brought out into the light and kept at a constant temperature of + 18-20 °C.
- When 2-3 true leaves appear, the seedlings are placed in a separate container. It is advisable to immediately plant the plants in individual pots to avoid damage to the root system when picking or replanting.
- A week after picking, the seedlings are fertilized with complex fertilizer.
Transplanting seedlings
Young plants are transplanted into open ground in early June. Plants are usually planted in a greenhouse a month earlier. Usually, for the Metelitsa tomato, the seedling hardening procedure is not necessary.
At the same time, no more than 6 plants per 1 square meter are planted both in open ground and in the greenhouse. m. Planting pattern: 50 cm between plants, 40 cm between rows.
After transplantation, water the plant abundantly. Like any other variety, it is recommended to transplant seedlings to a permanent place in cloudy weather or in the evening.
Tomato care
Caring for Metelitsa tomatoes is the same as caring for any other variety and includes regular watering (usually once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions), regular loosening of the soil and weeding. The latter can be avoided by mulching the ground around the bushes with cut grass or sawdust.
The plant is grown by forming a bush with one or two stems, although some gardeners recommend not complicating your life at all, but simply letting the plant grow “as is” even without tying it to supports. It is believed that the stems creeping along the ground are capable of producing large yields. Naturally, with this method of cultivation, mulching is mandatory.
However, after the first ovaries appear, the stepsons should be regularly removed until the first ovaries appear.
Farmers' reviews of the Metelitsa tomato variety
Despite the laudatory characteristics of the manufacturers, it is interesting to know the reviews of amateur gardeners regarding how Metelitsa shows itself in life.
Svetlana, Yekaterinburg: “I like low-growing tomatoes most of all, since caring for them is much easier than tall bushes. I have been growing the Metelitsa tomato for five years now. Excellent tomatoes with high yield and fruits of excellent taste. Suitable for fresh consumption and for winter preparations. I advise you to plant at least 2-3 bushes, you won’t go wrong.”
Victor, Irkutsk region: “My wife and I plant tomatoes in a greenhouse and open ground. Last spring I saw seeds with an interesting name. I got acquainted with the description, characteristics and bought a bag. I wasn't disappointed at all. My whole family liked the fruits. I left one tomato for seeds. Let's see what happens."
Ekaterina, Trans-Baikal Territory: “When I bought tomato seeds of the Metelitsa variety, I watched a video about growing this plant. What I liked most was that tomatoes can be grown in a lying position. This was a revelation for me. I didn’t tie up the bushes, the fruits lay on the mulch. Not a single one went bad. The harvest outside is excellent. But most importantly, a minimum of care, truly a variety for “lazy” summer residents busy at work.”
So, reviews from gardeners characterize the variety as cold-resistant, more suitable for open ground. According to most reviews, the variety is resistant to diseases and weather conditions.
Diseases and pests
The Metelitsa variety exhibits good resistance to major tomato diseases. For prevention, you can treat plants with fungicidal and insecticidal preparations. Even a novice gardener can cope with growing Metelitsa tomatoes. Thanks to its tasty fruits and unpretentiousness, this variety of tomatoes has already become a favorite among many vegetable growers.
Planting seedlings in the ground
Low-growing Metelitsa bushes can be planted at a density of 6 plants per square meter. This can be realized using patterns of 40x40 or 50x35 cm, depending on the format of the bed. A teaspoon of NPK fertilizer is first added to the planting hole and mixed with the soil.
It is better to plant with the stem deepened. To prevent the roots from being too deep, the seedlings can be buried at an angle (lying down).
