Tomato Planting Time and Methods Explained in Detail

SummaryTomatoes can be planted in two seasons. In Northeast and Northwest China, they are generally planted in March and June; in North China, they are generally planted in January-February; in other regions, they are generally planted in March and August. Planting method: choose high-quality varieties, plant about 600 plants per mu, with a row spacing of 40-50cm and a plant spacing of 30-40cm. During the growing period, urea, potassium fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, etc. can be applied. When too many side branches grow, pruning should be carried out. Scientific management can improve the quality and yield of tomatoes.

I. Tomato Planting Time

In the Northeast and Northwest regions of China, tomatoes can be planted in two seasons, so they can be sown in March and June every year. In the North China region of China, sowing generally begins in January-February every year. However, apart from the above regions, tomatoes are basically planted in March and August every year.

II. Tomato Planting Methods

1. Choose varieties

There are currently many tomato varieties on the market, and different varieties have different tastes. Some have good taste and bright appearance, while some are of poorer quality. This is because different varieties planted in different regions will also have changes in quality. Therefore, planting should be carried out according to the conditions of the local area. For example, in the Hunan region, varieties with strong drought resistance and disease resistance can be selected for planting.

2. Reasonable density

(1) The yield of fruits, vegetables, medicinal materials, and crops is related to planting density. Therefore, reasonable close planting should be carried out according to the selected variety and the fertility of the planting site. Under normal circumstances, 500-600 seedlings can be planted per mu, but in relatively barren plots, the planting amount can be appropriately increased, while in plots with relatively abundant fertility, the planting amount can be appropriately reduced.

(2) The distance between each row is generally between 40-50cm, and the distance between each plant is about 30-40cm. This not only facilitates later field management, but also gives tomato plants enough space to spread out, which is beneficial for photosynthesis.

3. Scientific fertilization

(1) After applying sufficient base fertilizer, tomatoes still need multiple fertilizations during the later growth stage. The first fertilization is after planting, when urea can be applied to promote seedling growth. When tomatoes enter the flowering stage, the second fertilization should be carried out, mainly applying potassium fertilizer and phosphate fertilizer, which is beneficial for promoting flowering and preserving fruit.

(2) The third fertilization is after the tomatoes set fruit. At this time, fertilization can be carried out in multiple applications, because tomatoes can be harvested in batches, so after each harvest, a small amount of foliar fertilizer should be sprayed appropriately, which is beneficial for strengthening the fruit and promoting fruit ripening.

4. Pruning branches and leaves

(1) During the growth period of tomatoes, many side branches will grow. Many people think that the more side branches sprout, the higher the fruit-setting rate will be, but in fact it is just the opposite. If too many side branches sprout, the plant will consume more nutrients. Although many tomatoes are produced later, the number of high-quality tomatoes is very small.

(2) Therefore, all excess branches and leaves should be pruned off, leaving only the main stem and some side branches. Then, on the fruiting branches, leaves that are too dense should also be removed. This is beneficial for the plant to absorb nutrients and carry out photosynthesis. At the same time, the permeability of the field will also be better, and it can also prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests.