Tomato Planting Instructions
If you've purchased seedlings, or if you've grown your own, here are the steps for transplanting the tomatoes. You'll need:
· shovel or trowel
· soil amendments (compost, aged manure, etc.)
· for larger tomato plants, a "cage" or a post (to help keep the tomatoes off the ground)
· mulch
· your hardened-off tomato plants.
Begin by thoroughly preparing the bed where your plants will be planted. Work the soil at least a foot deep and add organic matter to the top few inches at least 2-3 weeks before planting.
The plant spacing will be determined by the type of tomato and whether or not you intend to stake or cage them. The most space is required by an un-pruned indeterminate which will require about 3’ in all directions. Pruned and staked indeterminates can be planted from 1½ -2’ depending on the degree of pruning and staking. Determinates can generally be planted 1 - 1 ½’ apart. However, widely spaced plants of all types will be less susceptible to several diseases.
Water the plants with a diluted fish emulsion thoroughly the day before you plan to transplant so the soil will hold together on the roots. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate your plant up to its first healthy leaf + 4”. Place amendments in the bottom 4”of the hole. Spread your fingers and span the stem of the plant, touching the top of the seedling container. Turn the container upside-down and gently tap the container until the tomato plant comes out. Place the plant deeply in the ground - up to its first set of healthy leaves. Add soil until full, gently firming the soil around the plant. Place the cage or the post in place. Give it a good drink of water, and add more soil, if necessary.
If mulching, (remember, mulch prevents weeds, regulates the moisture in the soil, and also helps to control soil-borne bacteria) you can either plant the tomatoes first and then fit the mulch over the plants by cutting slits in the material and sliding the mulch into place or you can put the mulch in place first and do your planting through the slits in the plastic.