When Backyard Farms head grower Arie van der Giessen is not working, he plants vegetables in his backyard. “It’s fun and relaxing.” Although greenhouse growing is his passion, he shared these tips for killer tomatoes in your backyard:
— Get a head start. Buy tomato plants with flowers that are almost open.
— Plant in mid-May, when threat of frost has subsided.
— Develop a green thumb by observing plants and seeing how they act. Every year you are going to learn something new.
— Pick the right spot in your yard: an area that has a lot of sun, doesn’t get much wind and where the soil is well-drained.
— Don’t plant in the same place every year.
— Don’t overwater. Tomato roots go deep into the ground or flower bed. Excess water makes them weaker. Also, the fruit will split.
— Jot down notes. This will help you develop a longterm grow and water strategy.
— Cut shoots often to give plants enough light. Start at the bottom and prune six to eight leaves. This increases air flow. If the leaves look healthy leave them alone.
— Feed your plants. Give them enough to eat such as nitrates, fertilizer and organic potting soil.
— Smile. You need to be happy around plants in order for them to grow.
