Cultural Requirements for Tomatoes
Climate
-Tomato plants grow best when the temperature is between 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Fruit set is reduced if the temperature exceeds 86 degrees Fahrenheit or is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Information Source: AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center-Suggested Cultural Practices for Tomatoes-www.avrdc.org/LC/tomato/practices.html
Soil
-The optimal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0, and the soil should be well drained because tomatoes do not tolerate wet soils.
Information Source: AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center-Suggested Cultural Practices for Tomatoes-www.avrdc.org/LC/tomato/practices.html
Nutrients
-Use NPK fertilizer periodically during the growing season to encourage plant growth. Many soils do not require additional nutrients, but some may require additional nutrients because tomatoes are heavy feeders. The best times to apply fertilizers are after transplant, after flower, after fruit starts to develop, and after first harvest.
Information Source: AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center-Suggested Cultural Practices for Tomatoes-www.avrdc.org/LC/tomato/practices.html
Information Source: Cutler, Karan Davis. Tantalizing Tomatoes. Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Inc., 1997.
Weed Control
-Weeds should be suppressed with a mulch of organic compost or straw. If weeds become a problem, they will compete with the tomato for nutrients, light, and water. In addition, weeds can be hosts for diseases.
Information Source: AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center-Suggested Cultural Practices for Tomatoes-www.avrdc.org/LC/tomato/practices.html
Watering
-Tomato plants need at least one inch of water per week. Dry soils lead to slower growth and disease. 'Cracking' can occur when soils are dry, the skin hardens, and then water is applied in liberal amounts. Keeping the soil consistently moist is the key for best growth.
Information Source: Cutler, Karan Davis. Tantalizing Tomatoes. Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Inc., 1997.
Pest/Disease Control
-See Pests and Diseases of Tomatoes
Harvest
-When fruit is harvested, care should be taken to avoid injury to the fruit. If the fruit is damaged, it should be kept separate from the undamaged fruit. Harvest should be done in the cooler hours of the day like late afternoon or early morning to avoid injury.
Information Source: AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center-Suggested Cultural Practices for Tomatoes-www.avrdc.org/LC/tomato/practices.html