Tomatoes Feeding and Pruning for Juicy, Giant Harvests!

Growing bigger tomatoes involves optimizing both feeding and pruning practices. Here are some detailed steps to help you achieve larger, healthier tomatoes:

Feeding Regime

Soil Preparation:

• Nutrient-Rich Soil: Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
• pH Level: Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Test your soil and amend it if necessary.

Fertilization:

• Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time.
• Phosphorus Boost: Apply a fertilizer high in phosphorus (e.g., 5-10-5) to promote strong root development.
• Consistent Feeding: Feed plants every 2-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, or use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season.

Supplemental Nutrients:

• Epsom Salt: Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) to the soil at planting time and again when flowers first appear to promote fruit set and growth.
• Calcium: Prevent blossom end rot by ensuring your plants get enough calcium. You can add crushed eggshells or a calcium supplement to the soil.

Watering:

• Consistent Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Tomatoes need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
• Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.

Pruning Regime

Remove Suckers:

• Early Removal: Pinch off suckers (the small shoots that grow in the leaf axils) when they are small to direct energy towards fruit production.
• Pruning Technique: Use clean, sharp pruners or your fingers to remove suckers. Be careful not to damage the main stem.

Lower Leaves:

• Remove Lower Leaves: Remove the lower leaves that touch the ground or are starting to yellow to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

Top Pruning:

Topping: Once the plant reaches the desired height (usually when it has set 4-5 fruit clusters), prune the top to prevent further vertical growth and encourage the plant to focus on fruit development.

Maintain Airflow:

• Thinning: Thin out dense foliage to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Remove excess leaves but keep enough foliage to protect fruits from sunscald.

Additional Tips

• Support Structures: Use cages or stakes to support the plants and keep fruits off the ground.
• Disease Management: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action to manage them.
• Variety Selection: Choose tomato varieties known for producing large fruits, such as Beefsteak or Big Boy.

By carefully managing feeding and pruning practices, you can significantly enhance the size and quality of your tomatoes.