The bite-sized cherry tomatoes are good for you.The cherry tomato plant is one of the most popular plants because it is easy to grow and produces a harvest quickly.It's a good idea to know how to grow cherry tomatoes if you want to start growing your own fruits and vegetables.You will need to prepare the environment, grow the cherry tomatoes, and maintain the plant to grow cherry Tomatoes.
Step 1: Plants or seeds to get.
It is possible to grow cherry tomatoes from seeds.Growing cherry tomatoes from seeds will take more time than growing from a seedling.You can buy tomato plants from a nursery or farmer's market.There are several types of seeds to choose from, and can be purchased from a nursery or seed catalogue.The Sungold plant has a few varieties of cherry tomatoes.This type of cherry tomato is usually the first to produce fruit.It's a great choice.The variety of sugar.The Sun Sugar variety is very similar to the Sungold plant, but the skin does not crack as easily.The Chadwick and Fox are heirloom varieties that grow very fast.The sweet treat variety is resistant to many diseases and has a deep red color.
Step 2: Purchase a tomato cage.
Once the cherry tomato plant starts to grow long, you will need something to support it.You can use either a tomato cage or wooden stakes.A tomato cage should be purchased from a nursery or home improvement store.You should buy the largest metal cage you can find.There are wooden stakes at home improvement stores.The vine needs to be tied around the stake as it grows.Cages don't need as much tying.Don't use plastic or vinyl.Plants can be exposed to lead from it.Air circulation for cleaner and healthier fruit is promoted by keeping plants off the ground.You can use stakes and cages together.The center of the cages is where the stakes should be placed.It is important to find a large metal cage because the vines grow quickly and may outgrow a smaller cage quickly.
Step 3: You can grow from pots or a garden.
You can grow cherry tomatoes indoors or outdoors.A lot depends on your location and no method is better than the other.It's best to grow it in a pot or bucket that holds four to six gallons.A foam, plastic, or fiber glass pot works well, but anything from a terra-cotta planter to a garbage can will do.
Step 4: You can choose a sunny location.
A lot of sun is needed for cherry tomatoes.You can choose a location that gets at least eight hours of sunlight a day.The plant should not be shaded.A plant that doesn't get enough sun will produce less fruit.
Step 5: Plants can be planted in fertile soil.
Dirt from the garden should not be used in containers.Pests and diseases can be transferred from outside to the plant.Purchase an organic mix.You should buy a 20-quart box.Fertile soil is usually darker.A soil that isn't fertile will clump.Organic Mechanics is a well known brand.
Step 6: Do you want to test the soil?
If you want to plant tomatoes in the area, you need to do a soil test.If you need to change the soil's pH, nutrient level, and tilth, this will help you.It is advisable to make these changes at least two weeks before planting.You can dig a hole of 6 to 10 inches.To test tilth, you need to separate a clod about the size of a soup can and break it apart.There should be different sized crumbs in the soil.It should not be powdery or clumpy.Check for living organisms.Living things like insects, worms, and centipedes can be found in healthy soil.Less then 10 organisms may not be ideal in your soil.You may need a testing kit to check the pH.You can find one at your local store.Follow the instructions if you scoop some soil into a plastic or glass container.
Step 7: Plant in warm weather.
When the weather is warm, cherry tomatoes will grow.You should begin planting a week after the last frost date.When planting seeds, the weather should be in the 70s and 21s.8 to 10 weeks before the last average frost date is when you can start planting seeds indoors.They need two or three months of warm or hot weather to grow and harvest tomatoes.
Step 8: The pot should have drainage.
There needs to be holes in the bottom of the pot for drainage.If it does not, drill 1 to 12 holes every few inches around the bottom edge and a few holes in the center.Given the results of your soil test, planting in a garden may need a little preparation.If you plan to keep the container inside or on a balcony, you will want to put a saucer underneath it so that the drainage doesn't run everywhere.A saucer can be found at a nursery, home improvement store, and some supermarkets.If you use a garden, make sure you choose a sunny place.Adding compost to the soil will make planting easier.
Step 9: The planter has a cage in it.
If you will be using a cage in a container, this step is necessary.If you use a stake or planting outside, you don't need to put them in position until you plant.Don't put the mix in the bucket before putting the cage in.Put the end of the cage into the pot and fill it with the potting mix.
Step 10: The mix needs to be filled in.
The mix should be put into the container.Wait until the mix is evenly moist.Continue filling until it comes 12 inch below the rim of the container.The soil should be even.Water the mix with a cup or watering can.
Step 11: A small hole can be dug into the soil.
If you are planting in a container, you should dig a small hole in the center of the soil.If you want to plant multiple plants in a garden, you'll need to dig holes two feet apart.Plants can be put into the small holes.Once the hole is covered, only four or five leaves are left to show.The hole needs to be small.
Step 12: The hole needs to be covered.
You can fill the hole with the soil you removed.The leaves should only be four.The surface of the soil should be the same when you have finished covering it.
Step 13: The cage should be in the garden.
The area where you planted should be around the point end of the cage.The seeds should be in the middle of the cage.If you use stakes, you can wait to put them in until the seeds have sprouted.The stakes should be three inches from the seedling.To get the stake into the ground, use a hammer.A damaged plant can be caused by waiting until the plant is larger to cage or stake.
Step 14: Water the plant frequently.
The plants need to be watered every two or three days.The soil should be moist.If it feels dry, water the soil or mix until it is moist again.The soil should not be filled with water.
Step 15: It's a good idea tofertilize once a week.
The plants get the nutrition they need to grow.It acts like food.An organicfertilizer can be used once a week.If you want to use thefertilizer, you have to work it into the first few inches of the soil.Thefertilizer should stay a few inches away from the stem.Gardener's Supply, Tomato-tone, and Burpee Organic Tomato Fertilization are some of the well known brands.There are different directions for the product.Follow the directions on the label.Chemical and organic fertilizers release the same amount of nitrogen.Chemicals can burn the roots, though they are often cheaper.
Step 16: Prune when necessary.
You will need to peck the plant every now and then.When leaves look dead or dry, and when branches start to grow off of the central stem, Prune.Small scissors or pruners can be used.Any branches that poke out of the tomato cage should be pushed back.If you don't, the plant will fall.
Step 17: Avoid diseases and pests.
There are pests in cherry tomato plants.There are a number of symptoms of a fungus problem.Stems may be affected as well.If you notice any of the symptoms, spray your plant with the fungicide immediately.Stink bugs and potato beetles are pests.Pick them off and use a spray to repel them.Some brands of fungicide are Plant Doctor, Daconil, and Garden Safe.EcoSmart and Safer are organic pesticides.It's most likely that the plant won't be saved.If you want to avoid infections, water your plants in the morning.The leaves are watered later in the day.Fungus can live in soil for a long time.The cherry tomato plants should be removed from the soil.There are different types of plants and flowers in that area.
Step 18: It takes about six to eight weeks for the harvest to start.
A flower will start to grow about a month from now.You should add two weeks to the amount of time if you used seeds.The flowers will turn into fruit.The cherry tomatoes will be ready a few weeks after that.The tomatoes should be easy to remove.Pull or twist the vine to pick a tomato.Pick individual fruits from the vine.Tomatoes should be produced until the first frost.Tomatoes will rot if refrigerated and should be stored at room temperature.They can be canned or dried.