How To Get A Bigger Tomato Crop

By tejvan on June 10, 2008 in Flowers and Plants

Tomatoes are great fun to grow. They can also be very rewarding; to get a bigger crop follow these simple but effective tips.

Pinch out side shoots to focus energy on forming fruits rather than green growth.
pinch out the growing tip when 6 trusses have formed Allowing only 5 -6 branches enables the energy of the plant to be focused on the 5 trusses; this will maximise the yield.
Cut away ruthlessly any diseased or dying leaves. It is important to allow sufficient air to circulate, especially around the base of the plant.
Keep the area clean and tidy, this helps to minimise the spread of fungal diseases common in tomatoes.
When the flowers are blooming, give the plants the odd flick with your finger, this helps to pollinate the plant. This can be useful, if there are not many bees in your greenhouse.
As temperatures rise, keep the plants well watered. Also it helps to water down the greenhouse in the morning. This helps keep the temperature lower.
Feed little and often with tomato food
Stake plants to support the growing weight of the tomatoes.
In October take the green tomatoes and place next to ripe apples, this will help the green tomatoes ripen extending the cropping season into October and November.