Growing tomatoes at home is no longer uncommon. There are special varieties intended for home cultivation, and it is important to carefully read the instructions on the seed package, which indicate the characteristics of the variety and the ripening period. I want to share my impressions of growing some varieties of tomatoes at home.
My tomatoes grow on a warm balcony and in a south-facing window. Sowing begins by soaking the seeds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for an hour, after which I wrap them in a damp cloth, label the varieties and place them in a half-liter jar with a lid to retain moisture. When the seeds swell, I plant them in soaked coconut or peat tablets.
After the shoots have sprouted, I remove the cover and try to prevent the disease of “black legs”. I water it carefully, sometimes adding phytosporin to the water.
When the plants reach 7 cm or develop three pairs of leaves, I transplant them into pots, removing the shell from the peat rod. I put one plant in each 3-liter pot. For the soil, I mix humus with seedling soil and add hydrogel or vermiculite to make it loose.
When the plants get too big or expand, I plant them deeper and cover the trunk up to the first leaves.
To hold the tomatoes, I use supports or ladders. As they grow, I remove the upper and lower leaves and young shoots.
It is important to regularly ventilate the room where the tomatoes grow. I open the windows when the weather permits and leave them on the balcony even when it rains.
My favorite varieties include:
- “Miracle of the Balcony” for its compactness and productivity, although the fruits are small.
- “Elo F1” is a miniature variety with yellow fruits that does not require pinching.
- ‘Pinocchio’ is a mid-season variety that grows up to 40 cm tall.
- “Minibell” is an American variety up to 35 cm with early ripening red fruits.
- “Mikron NK” for its compactness, with red and yellow fruits up to 20 cm.
Growing tomatoes indoors is a fascinating process that is especially rewarding when it’s time to harvest.
