Watering is like watering coffee: not too much, not too little !
- Frequency : When the floor is dry to the touch.
- Method : Water at the base to prevent disease.
- Fertilizer : Slow release initially, then every 15 days with a fertilizer rich in potassium (such as fertilizer for fruits and vegetables ).
Caution : Too much fertilizer favors the leaves at the expense of the fruits!
Why is supporting your plants essential?
Tomato plants can quickly become as untidy as an unpruned rose bush. To keep them in shape:
- Use tomato cages , stakes or trellises .
- Tie the stems gently with garden twine .
- Remove small shoots ( suckers ) between the main stem and the branches.
When and how to harvest your tomatoes?
The harvest is the apotheosis:
- Signs of maturity : Bright color, firm but supple texture.
- Ideal time : Early morning for fresh, unspoiled fruit.
Pick them lovingly, twisting the stem slightly to avoid damaging the plant. If the weather threatens, bring your slightly green tomatoes inside: they will finish ripening on your windowsill.
Common problems and how to avoid them
- Aphids and caterpillars : Spray with neem oil .
- Mildew : Watering at the base + spacing of plants.
- Cracks : Regular watering to avoid water shock.
Growing your own tomatoes is a delicious and rewarding adventure , accessible to everyone. A little sunshine, a little attention and you will see your balcony or garden transform into a real pocket vegetable garden . So, are you ready to grow your first red fruits?
