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12 Tomato Growing Secrets to Grow Big Yields 

 April 29, 2022

By  admin

If you’re a home gardener and are looking for the best tomato plants to grow, these plants may be your solution. They won’t disappoint!

The “how to increase tomato fruit size” is a popular topic. In this article, I will be talking about 12 secrets that can help you grow big yields of tomatoes.

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You’ve come to the perfect location if you want to cultivate tomatoes in your garden. We’re ready to reveal some tomato-growing techniques!

Tomatoes are one of the first vegetables that spring to mind for a new home gardener, and why not? 

Tomato Growing Tips for Maximum Yields

After all, it’s one of the most vital components in dishes like Lasagnas, Marinara Sauce, and even burgers and sandwiches.

However, if you’ve ever tried to grow tomatoes, you’ll know that it’s easier said than done. Most likely, you aren’t obtaining the projected high yield. 

Don’t worry; YardSurfer’s professionals have you covered. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-kept tomato-growing secrets for large harvests (growing tomatoes is about to get a whole lot easier).

Let’s go straight to work on them.

Tomato Growing Tips for Maximum Yields

1: Keep an eye on the PH of the soil.

tomato growing secrets

Have you ever been concerned about the PH of your soil and attempted to measure it? I’m afraid not. And, particularly when it comes to tomatoes, this is one of the most common blunders made by novice home gardeners.

The ideal soil for growing tomatoes has a PH of 6.2 to 6.5. But how does this assist? 

At this PH, the roots are better able to absorb a range of nutrients that aid in growth, resulting in a larger yield.

It’s simple to check the pH. All you’ll need is a soil testing kit with detailed instructions on the back. Calcitic Lime is recommended for soils with high magnesium levels, whereas Dolomitic Lime is recommended for soils with low magnesium levels.

To reduce PH levels, however, I recommend using elemental sulfur or aluminum sulfate. 

2: Maintain a warm environment for the soil

tomato growing secrets

Tomatoes, in case you didn’t know, are summer plants that don’t fare well in the winter. If you haven’t yet planted your tomatoes, warm up the soil first to encourage greater root development.

Warming it up takes 14-15 days since the soil must rest beneath a layer of black plastic sheeting or biodegradable sheet mulch. The heat from the sun is absorbed by these sheets.

Remove the sheets and plant the seeds after they’ve warmed up. Cut holes between them and plant the seeds through them if you’re ready to go the additional mile for a higher harvest. Yes, it is difficult, but it will aid in weed management.  

Oh, and if you’re concerned about plastic, the US National Organic Standards Program allows you to use plastic sheets as long as you remove them at the Conclusion of the growing season. 

3: Allow the Bumblebees to do their thing.

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Tomato plants are self-pollinating, in case you didn’t know. However, only after a little prodding. You may despise bees in your backyard, but guess what? It’s excellent to have bumblebees buzzing about your tomato plants. 

Why? Because their buzzing dislodges pollen more effectively than even the strongest winds. Buzz Pollination is the name given to this procedure. 

Bumblebees, on the other hand, do not just appear in any garden; they must be enticed. And what better way to accomplish it than with food, right? 

Bumblebees pollinate a wide range of flowers, including baptisia, blueberries, sunflowers, and even lupines, so make sure you have a few in your yard.

4: Remove the leaves from the bottom.

tomato growing secrets

One issue with producing tomatoes is that the plant is susceptible to a variety of illnesses, resulting in a lesser output.

However, by cutting the bottom leaves from all of the plants, you may reduce the danger. Because these leaves are near to the earth, this helps. 

But how much should the leaves be taken off?

From the lowest point on the stem, I proceed about 10-11 inches up. If necessary, you can even go higher. 

Because tomato plants are tiny, all you need is a scissor or pruner to get the job done. 

If you find a fungal or other illness on the plant, use a disinfectant such as Lysol on the equipment and wash your hands after cutting to prevent the disease from spreading to other plants in the garden.

5. Tomatoes need plenty of water.

tomato growing secrets

Do you just irrigate the top layer of the soil? Water, plenty of water, must soak the soil at least 11-13 inches deep if you want your tomato plant to develop properly.

Blossom end rot is a condition that occurs when the water needs are not met. This occurs when there is a calcium deficiency. 

What does calcium have to do with water, exactly?

While the soil may have sufficient calcium, it is transported throughout the plant by water, therefore a lack of water implies the plant is deficient in this vital mineral. 

If you can’t install sprinklers, just run a hose around the plants for 5-10 minutes until the soil is wet enough. 

6. Keep a safe distance.

tomato growing secrets

Physical separation is the standard these days, and this applies to tomato plants as well. Not because your plants or tomatoes are susceptible to Covid-19, but because they are big and need a lot of room to breathe.

Furthermore, it improves air circulation. As the plant or tomatoes dry fast after rain, this helps to avoid fungus and mildew. 

7: Give them the help they need

tomato growing secrets

You must also provide robust support for the tomato plants in addition to spacing. Although the tomato plants have vines, they are not resistant to severe winds or even foot activity. 

It, whether you’re erecting cages, posts, or trellises, make sure you do so before you sow the seeds.

These support structures also provide some breathing space for the plant and facilitate air circulation. 

Furthermore, since the vines do not tangle, the whole plant receives more sunshine, ensuring that it ripens rapidly and is less susceptible to moisture-related illnesses.

8: Don’t overlook mulching.

tomato growing secrets

When to mulch is one of the best-kept secrets of tomato gardening. Mulching around the base of your plant as soon as the seeds are planted might make all the difference (something everyone should do).

Mulch may boost the plant’s output while also improving its general health. But how do you do it? 

To begin with, it keeps vital nutrients from being carried away from the soil during severe rains. It also aids in the maintenance of the proper soil temperature. But, more significantly, it prevents weed from growing. Weed that feeds on the nutrients in the soil, depriving your plant of them.

Organic mulches such as straw compost, shredded leaves, or untreated grass clippings are ideal. Before watering the new tomato plants, apply a layer of mulch that is approximately 2-4 inches deep.

You should also think about the temperature of the soil. Because the soil will cease heating after the mulch is applied, let at least 14-15 days for the process to complete.

9: As you plant the tomatoes, feed them.

tomato growing secrets

Another little-known tip is to feed the tomatoes shortly before they go into the ground. Yes, feeding the plant while covering the holes gives it an immediate boost. What should you feed it, though?

You already know that your plant need calcium, and what better source of calcium than eggs? Worm castings (1 cup) and ground coffee are two more excellent sources of nutrients for the plants (2-3 teaspoons). 

Combine these ingredients, as well as part of the dug-up soil and compost, and your plants will be prepped for a higher yield right away.

The nutrients are delivered over a lengthy period of time, which is one of the reasons this combination works so effectively (1-2 weeks). Furthermore, the components are effective against black rot and blossom-end rot.

10: Sow tomato seeds deeply in the soil.

tomato growing secrets

Above, I said that you should dig a 10-inch-deep hole. However, at 12 or 13 inches, you can go much deeper. 

That’s because it’s crucial to put tomato plants as deep as possible since deep-rooted plants don’t dry up as soon. 

They also withstand severe winds and floods rather than being readily uprooted (you don’t want all your hard work undone in one night, right?).

More significantly, you’ll see that the stem is sprouting new roots. This guarantees that nutrients are delivered evenly throughout the plant, resulting in a higher yield. 

Yes, burying the seeds that deeply may result in the loss of some lower leaves, but those extra roots will benefit the plant more than you may imagine.

Also, if you aren’t a seasoned gardener or aren’t confident in your ability to dig deep enough, I suggest utilizing a post hole digger, which generates broad, deep holes in minutes without breaking your back.

Interplant is number eleven.

tomato growing secrets

Are bugs a concern for you? The remedy is straightforward: interplant. Carrots, dill, fennel, and sweet alyssum are some plants that go well with tomatoes. 

Because these plants produce nectar for pests, they keep them away from tomato plants and are one of the finest tomato growth secrets.

12: Altering the soil may be beneficial.

tomato growing secrets

Have you been repeatedly planting your tomatoes in the same spot? While it may seem to be a good idea, it is far from it. 

We all know tomatoes are disease-prone plants that demand a lot of nutrients. Changing to a different soil may assist with both of these issues.

It decreases the danger of new plants contracting any existing illness from the soil, but it also depletes the old soil of many nutrients that the new plant would now benefit from.

So, if poor yields have been an issue for you and you’ve been growing tomatoes in the same soil for three years or more, you know where the problem may be. 

Conclusion

That concludes our contribution. Here are all of our tomato growing tips for producing large crops in our kitty. 

While tomatoes need some attention, they are one of the most valuable plants for any home and are well worth the effort. And we’re certain that using these suggestions will result in a bigger yield than ever before.

If you have any questions or would want to share any tomato-growing secrets, please do so in the comments area below. 

Until then, I wish you all the best in your gardening endeavors. 

The “why are my tomatoes not getting big” is a question that many people have. There are 12 secrets to growing big yields of tomatoes.

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Emil Schoene


Born and raised in Austin, TX I come from a background of home renovation. By helping my family in my younger years with their construction business, I learned the ropes quickly and as I grew it became my passion that I still do today. Looking to share my knowledge with others. I invite you to leave comments on any post as I know you will have questions that you are not finding anywhere else.

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