Most people would love to eat freshly grown tomatoes year round. While tomatoes may be produced in a greenhouse over the winter, the expenditures of heating and extra lighting, in addition to the greenhouse, can quickly mount up. Growing tomatoes in pots indoors is the most probable choice for enthusiasts who want fresh tomatoes all year. Consider the following facts.
* Since most tomato types appropriate for indoor usage are only accessible as seeds, it is essential to grasp the fundamentals of seed starting inside. The University of Minnesota has a helpful fact sheet available at: http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/flowers/starting-seeds-indoors/. Since the tomato plant will be cultivated inside, planting dates are unnecessary.
* Smaller tomato types are ideal for indoor cultivation. They are usually just 1 to 2 feet in diameter. A few varieties that may work well include Tiny Tim, Micro Tom, Terenzo or Lizzano. These seeds may be purchased online.
* To optimize the amount of light the tomatoes get, consider a sunny place for growth, such as a south or west-facing window. The window should be airtight. Temperatures below 50 degrees can harm tomatoes, and temperatures above 90 degrees may inhibit fruit set. Tomatoes should be grown under a cool-white fluorescent light. If you’re going to use compact fluorescent bulbs, make sure they’re at least 100 watt equivalent or higher. Ensure sure the plant’s tips remain within 3-6 inches of the bulbs. Commonly utilized lights include adjustable desk lamps and low-cost store light fixtures dangling from chains. More costly, specialized grow lights or systems are not required.
* Ensure that the container is big enough to hold the root system. A 1-gallon container is enough for the smaller types. For larger varieties, choose a 2 or 3-gallon pot, and note that it is better to have a pot that is too large rather than one that is too small. Also, as long as the growing container contains drainage holes, the material is unimportant.
* Choose a good peat moss-based potting soil for indoor plants. Never use dirt from your own yard. Fertilize with a well-balanced houseplant fertilizer, either granular or liquid, and follow the package instructions. Avoid overwatering and allow the soil to dry out somewhat between irrigations.
* A big, well-cared-for plant will certainly yield more, but may need more upkeep. Smaller kinds are more interesting and need less effort, but they will likely only yield enough fruit for an occasional salad or sandwich. In any case, tomatoes in the winter may be a delightful treat as well as a way to lighten up a gloomy winter house.
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Related Questions
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What is the lowest temperature for tomatoes in a greenhouse?
Tomatoes need temperatures much above freezing to live. It’s pointless to attempt to move them outdoors – or even into a greenhouse – until your latest projected frost date has gone. Temperatures below 10ºC (50ºF) can result in slow growth and problems with flowering and fruiting.
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Can you grow tomatoes year round?
Absolutely. They do, however, have certain unique needs. The biggest disadvantage of this technique of overwintering is that indoor tomato plants need a lot of sunshine. Well, you may place the pots on a sunny windowsill, but even in the brightest window, they will usually survive the winter with just a few scraggly leaves.
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Can you leave tomatoes in a greenhouse?
Tomatoes can grow in pots, troughs, or greenhouse borders. The containers should be deep enough and have enough soil to support your tomato plants.
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Can I keep tomatoes in a greenhouse in winter?
While tomatoes may be produced in a greenhouse over the winter, the expenditures of heating and extra lighting, in addition to the greenhouse, can quickly mount up. The most likely option for hobbyists who want homegrown tomatoes throughout the year is to grow them in containers indoors.
