Growing our own food is a trend that we see more and more frequent and widespread.
All those reports where they show us the harmfulness of agriculture that is subjected to pesticides and agrochemicals leaves us thinking every time we buy fruits and vegetables and puts us in the difficult decision to consume them or not.
That is why many choose to grow their own vegetables and we must recognize that it is a fascinating experience, especially when we discover that it can be something very easy to do and that it can even develop in a small space, or even in pots!
What do you think about taking that pot that was left empty in a corner and destine it to grow beautiful and ecological tomatoes?
Although you do not have much space, even if you know little about gardening or even if you think it is difficult, cultivate your own tomatoes; Try this simple way that will not demand more than a few materials and some time. A low investment that will result in great benefits.
Gather the following materials:
1 ripe tomato
1 wide and deep pot of at least 30 cm high with drainage.
Earth, quantity needed.
Process:
Keep in mind that the tomato you are going to use should be very ripe.
Cut it into slices that do not exceed 2 cm in width.
Place soil in your pot up to 8 cm from the edge approximately.
Distribute the tomato slices on the ground and add a thin layer more than just cover the tomatoes.
Water daily.
You have already done the most difficult part, now it only remains to place your pot in a place where it receives a lot of light and direct sun. Do not forget that tomatoes are fruits that need heat.
Some useful tips.
Your tomatoes can grow in any soil, but if you want to make sure they do it with force, you can add some fertilizer or prepare a compost based on the remains of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, bags of infusions and coffee remains.
Once your tomato plants have already acquired a certain size, surround the stems with a copper ring that you simply rest on the ground (you must not make contact with the plant). This will prevent snails and other insects from eating your tomatoes.
When the stems begin to take height, place a branch in a parallel way that you will attach to the main stem to help it to hold and the weight of the fruits do not break them. The wind can be an enemy of your plants if they do not have a support that keeps them firm.
Take care that the whole plant receives sun. If any sector is left in the shade, it will not develop.
Tomato plants also need a lot of water. As soon as your tomatoes start to appear, you will need even more. Do not forget that the tomato is a fruit that consists largely of water.
A symptom that you are not getting enough is shown in the cracked tomatoes.
A trick widely used by gardeners is to place Epsom salts on the earth. You can add the salts at the time of placing the soil in the pot (one spoonful will suffice) or you can also water your plants with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts per 3 liters of water.
Always water the tomatoes from the base. The earth should have about 15 cm of permanent humidity.
If you plant your tomatoes directly on the ground, you can also surround them with attractive flowers so that insects and other predators do not eat your plants.
One of the most loved tomatoes are nematodes, worms that weaken plants and infect diseases.
Garlic is a good ally of tomatoes! Do not stop using it! Planting some cloves of garlic near your tomatoes will intensify their flavor and prevent the development of fungi and parasites. Another option is to chop some garlic and mix it with the water that you will later use to water your plants.
As soon as your tomatoes become larger plants, consider changing them to a larger container. You must do this at about two years, because at the same time, it will be necessary to change the land that by now will have lost part of its nutrients.
¡Do you know any tricks to get big and juicy tomatoes? Do not forget to share your tips!