In addition to the typical advice on growing tomatoes, which is written in books and spoken about at seminars by experts, there are some that are “invented” by ordinary gardeners.
You are unlikely to read about them in a book, some of them often go against the usual recommendations.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told about the intricacies of growing tomatoes.
But those who use them in the garden are sure that these techniques also help them get an unprecedented tomato harvest.
Soil from the plot for seedlings
If seedlings are grown in a soil mixture prepared from the garden soil into which the plants are transplanted to their permanent habitat, they take root better and tolerate transplantation more easily, since they are subject to less stress.
Everyone loves to listen to music
Playing music near tomato plants creates vibrations that some gardeners believe have a positive effect on plant development and increase yields. However, it should be pleasant music, such as classical music.
This recommendation sounds strange, but it is supported by scientific research.
The impact of different musical pieces on the growth, development and fruiting of plants was conducted by scientists. In short, classical music has a beneficial effect on plants, accelerating their growth and improving fruiting, while heavy rock has the opposite effect.
Mustard powder for protection
Sprinkling mustard powder around tomato plants and adding it to the hole when planting repels pests.
Using newspapers and warm watering
Sometimes capricious nature can ruin gardeners’ plans. If the seedlings have already been planted, additional covering with film or spunbond may be required. You can use a layer of newspapers to protect the soil. Before the expected frosts, remove the covering and water the plantings with warm (35 °C) water. After the moisture has been absorbed, spread newspapers on the ground and tightly cover the plants with film or spunbond.
This method allows you to keep the soil warm at low temperatures. How does this affect the yield? Tomatoes grow mainly at night, but if the soil is cold, they stop growing and do not get enough nutrients. But under favorable temperature conditions, the plants develop evenly and bear fruit better.
Adding yeast
Yeast increases the biological activity of the soil, which improves the nutrition of tomatoes. And the full absorption of nutrients is the first step to obtaining a bountiful harvest.
To obtain a yeast solution, dilute a tablespoon of baker's yeast in a liter of sweetened water, let it stand for 1 hour, then dilute it in 10 liters of water. Water the tomato bed with this solution. This feeding is especially effective if organic fertilizers were previously added.
These unusual methods help gardeners increase the yield of tomatoes. Some of them seem strange, but you can always experiment in your garden to know for sure whether a particular method is right for you.
Previously we talked about how to choose high-quality onion sets .
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
