When to plant tomatoes in the greenhouse

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Timely planting of tomatoes in the greenhouse and proper care for them can increase the amount of harvest by autumn. It is important to understand the favorable planting dates.

Planting tomatoes in a greenhouse

Why grow tomatoes in a greenhouse

Growing tomatoes has many characteristics. Some gardeners prefer to plant their crops outdoors, while others prefer greenhouse conditions. With proper plant maintenance, building a greenhouse will bring many benefits. The fact is that it is easier to create microclimate conditions in a greenhouse. In addition, due to fumes, the air contains a large amount of carbon dioxide, which has a beneficial effect on the planted crop.

Another advantage of greenhouses is the protection of plants from diseases and pests. With proper care, the bushes will not be in danger. The main thing is that the transplantation of tomatoes to a permanent place of detention occurs at a favorable time for this.

Preparatory activities

The organization of planting tomatoes in a greenhouse includes several main stages. Special attention is paid to the preparation of the structure. It is necessary to create favorable conditions in the place where the gardener plans to plant tomato bushes:

1. It is necessary to decide on the design features of the structure. Today, gardeners make structures from polyethylene, glass and polycarbonate. The most profitable last option. The fact is that a polycarbonate product is highly durable and such a structure will last from 3 to 10 years on the farm.
2. Tomato bushes need not only carbon dioxide, but also fresh air. You should think in advance about the location of the vents and doors in the room.
3. It is important to think over the location of garden tools, as well as irrigation systems (installation of a barrel of water or modern drip or automatic irrigation systems). This is necessary so that planting tomatoes, as well as crop care measures, are convenient for the gardener.
4. Install lighting devices (artificial lighting is an integral part of the organization of favorable growing conditions).
5. Prepare the soil. Light loamy or sandy loam soil types are suitable for tomatoes.

Tatiana Orlova (Candidate of Agricultural Sciences):

The presence of vents and transoms in the greenhouse is a prerequisite for creating a normal microclimate for a tomato. Tomato responds poorly to high humidity. Optimal for him is 45 -50%. In the closed room of the greenhouse, after irrigation, the air humidity rises to 80-90%. This can lead to the development of fungal and bacterial diseases.

Tomatoes are planted only in places where they were not previously grown. Previous crops belonging to the same Solanaceae family can lead to infection with similar diseases and pests and the subsequent death of tomato bushes. With the beginning of spring, it is necessary to properly fertilize the soil. It is best to use humus and charcoal for these purposes.Fertilizer consumption is 6-10 kg of humus per 1 square meter and a glass of coal for the same area.

To remove harmful microorganisms, the soil should be disinfected before planting the plants. The most effective method is spraying the soil with potassium permanganate and copper-containing compounds. Only after such processing can you start planting tomatoes.

Tatiana Orlova (Candidate of Agricultural Sciences):

Not only the soil needs to be disinfected, but also all structures of the greenhouse. In a closed environment, many diseases develop very quickly. Before the next season, the greenhouse is fumigated with a sulfur stick. To do this, it is hermetically closed for the duration of the burning of the checkers and aired after 2-3 hours.

When should you plant tomatoes?

Before planting tomatoes in the greenhouse, it is necessary to determine favorable terms for this. They depend on the characteristics of the structure, the temperature of the air and soil, the age of the shoots, as well as their developmental characteristics.

It is also important which seedlings are used: self-grown or purchased. Plants grown at home from seeds will be easier. The gardener can independently calculate the time for sowing seeds and growing seedlings in the required time frame.

Design

The design of the greenhouse affects the time for planting tomatoes.

When preparing to transplant a seed-grown crop into a greenhouse, the choice of favorable timing will depend on the design features of the greenhouse.

With a polycarbonate construction and correct preliminary agrotechnical measures, it will be possible to plant tomatoes in April. But, those who will make a greenhouse for tomatoes from film or glass will have to plant seedlings in early May. The fact is that polycarbonate is not only a more durable material than glass or polyethylene, but also has excellent thermal insulation properties.

Tatiana Orlova (Candidate of Agricultural Sciences):

The larger the area of ​​the greenhouse and its volume, the better it "keeps" the temperature. Small greenhouses cool down quickly at night.

Growing conditions

There are other considerations for choosing the right time for transplanting tomatoes into the greenhouse. They concern the temperature regime and the method of growing seedlings.

When to plant tomatoes in the greenhouse:

1. You can start planting if the temperature of the air and soil is stable. The minimum values ​​for soil are 16 ° C, for air 20 ° C.
2. In April, if the premises are equipped with an additional covering layer made of polyethylene or a heating system is installed. Without additional equipment, planting takes place in May.
3. If the seedlings have passed the hardening procedure. The grown seedlings will be less demanding to new conditions if they are transferred to a cool place for 7-10 days. It is best to gradually increase the length of time young bushes stay in the cold so as not to harm them.

Hardening can also be carried out at home. You can take out pots with bushes to a balcony or loggia. On the first day, exposure to the cold is limited to 30 minutes. In the following days, the hardening can be increased by 1-2 hours. But, there should be one peculiarity. If the sun is shining brightly through the window on the balcony, the seedlings should be shaded to avoid burns on the leaves.

We plant tomatoes in a greenhouse made of polycarbonate or other material in pre-fertilized soil, water with warm, settled water and mulch. The latter procedure is necessary to keep moisture in the ground longer. Active evaporation can negatively affect the adaptation of young bushes to new conditions. Further care measures are carried out only after a few days.

Seedling age and its appearance

Provided that the greenhouse is made of polycarbonate, nightshades can be planted without fear of spring frost. The timing of planting will be determined by the peculiarities of plant development. The fact is that different varieties of tomatoes have their own ideal age for planting:

• ultra-ripe - 25-30 days;
• early ripening - 30-35 days;
• early and mid-early - 35-40 days;
• middle and late - 40-45 days.

The disadvantage of this method is the impossibility of counting days provided that you buy already grown seedlings. Therefore, gardeners rarely use it. More often they monitor the condition of the bush:

• 6-8 well-developed leaves;
• powerful stem;
• branched root system.

According to gardeners, it is better not to grow seedlings: when the first buds appear on the bushes, planting becomes impossible. Any change in conditions will lead to the dumping of flowering and the death of all nightshades.

How to plant tomatoes

The greenhouse planting process includes:

1. Digging holes. For stunted bushes, a staggered arrangement of holes is suitable. For tall ones, the distance between the stems should be taken into account. Effective seating is 60-70 cm apart.
2. Placing seedlings. The bushes are carefully dipped into the holes and sprinkled with a layer of fresh soil 4-5 cm.
3. Digging at an angle. Gardeners recommend planting them at an angle, which favorably affects the formation of additional roots.

There is no need for additional fertilization of the soil, since top dressing is part of the properly conducted preparatory measures. The added wood ash and humus will give young plants the strength for active growth in a new growing area.

Conclusion

A favorable time for planting tomatoes in greenhouse conditions depends both on the design itself and on the external and age characteristics of the seedlings. It is best to use a polycarbonate greenhouse, and plant only those bushes on which 5-7 leaves have appeared. The most suitable time for transplanting nightshades is 3-4 weeks of April or early May.