Not all people have the opportunity to grow tomatoes in the garden or in the garden. It is for this category were derived special varieties that can be grown right at home on the balcony. To understand how to grow this vegetable at home, it is necessary to disassemble each stage separately. Consider growing tomatoes on the balcony step by step.
Table of contents
Is it possible and how to grow tomatoes on the balcony at home
Growing tomatoes includes the following steps:
- Seed preparation. To do this, soak it in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, then process it with a growth stimulator Epin.
- Preparation of container. It is necessary to pick up such a container so that it contains at least 3 liters of land.
- Land preparation. For cultivation suitable land from the garden or purchased land from the store.
- Sowing seeds. To do this, first, small stones are poured into the bottom of the tanks, in which holes are made, so that excess moisture does not accumulate at the bottom. They are covered with earth and spread the seeds no deeper than 2 cm. They are covered with earth and watered.
- Picking seedlings. When the sprouts grow, and the second true leaf appears, you can dive the seedlings. Seedlings are carefully removed from the previous growth site and planted in separate containers.
- Transplant to a permanent place. Approximately in 30 days start transplantation. More spacious containers are filled with earth for a third, then the seedling is lowered, carefully covered with earth, and plentifully watered with earth.
When transplanting to a permanent place at the bottom of containers, stones must be poured to ensure drainage.
Planting and growing tomato cherry on the windowsill: step by step instructions
Consider a good example of how grow cherry varieties on loggia.
This will require:
- prepare the seeds;
- prepare fertile soil and cylindrical containers;
- sow the seeds. Tanks are filled with earth, sown seeds, watered, covered with foil and put in a dark place;
- when shoots appear, provide them with sufficient lighting. If necessary, include lamps for lighting up;
- dive seedlings in separate containers;
- Seated in spacious containers for a permanent place.
Growing tomatoes on the windowsill:
How to plant and grow in plastic bottles
This method of cultivation was invented in Japanwhere there is no opportunity to grow organic vegetables in vegetable gardens.
Planting and cultivation is carried out in any plastic containers, as long as there is enough land for the normal development of the plant.
Seeds are disinfected, treated with growth stimulants. Then sown in plastic bottles. With the advent of shoots, seedlings put on the lit place.
Picks produce with the appearance of one or two true leaves. Seedlings are seated in separate containers or planted in several pieces in one container, the main thing is to ensure the free growth and development of each plant.
Watering and regular feeding will allow you to grow a good harvest even at home on the windowsill.
What size pot is required
For growing fit any plastic containers or pots. Small bottles are used for sowing seeds, and when the seedlings grow older, they sit in larger bottles.
The most suitable capacity of 5 liters. One bottle is placed in each bottle.
What should be the balcony (loggia)
Tomato growing a balcony facing south-east or south-west is suitable. On the south-facing balcony, it will be too hot, shading is needed for seedlings.
The best place for tomatoes near the walls and railing of the balcony. It is important to protect seedlings from strong winds. High varieties are placed on a place protected from the wind and fixed to the trellis.
To scare off pests, you can plant spicy herbs next to tomatoes, for example, mint, oregano, parsley.
With the right location and care, the loggia will replace the usual garden, although the harvest will be somewhat less.
If the balcony is glazed, regular airing is necessary.
Proper care step by step
Tomatoes growing on the balcony, you want to care as well as growing in the garden. Watering, loosening, dressing, disease prevention essential when growing tomatoes on the balcony.
In addition to the basic elements, the care of tomatoes on the balcony has some special features.
How to care for balcony tomatoes
For successful cultivation on the balcony it is necessary to maintain the optimum temperature for the development of tomatoes.
Tomatoes can do without watering for several days, watered when the ground becomes dry.
Topping
With the growth of plants begin to appear stepchildren. The butchers are removed so that the plant is formed in 1-2 or 3 shoots.
For high seedlings, the best form of formation is 1-2 stems, for low ones - 2-3 stems.
When the ovary has formed, you can remove the bottom sheets. Spoiled, yellowed leaves must be removed.
When the plant is fully formed, pinching is necessary. Pinch the top and all the inflorescenceswhile leaving at least four. So seedlings will develop correctly.
Harvest is better to harvest unripe. Under flat conditions, tomatoes will finally ripen.
What and when to feed
After 40-50 days have passed after sowing seeds, seedlings can be fed. The best dressing - humus.
It is added to the ground at a height of 2 cm. Such dressing can be carried out 3 times before transplanting seedlings into a constant container.
Thanks to this feeding, the roots are saturated with oxygen and get the necessary nutrients. Humus in the finished form to buy in the store.
How often to water
The water from the tap is too hard, it is not suitable for watering. The best option is warm water settled for a couple of days, as tomatoes are a thermophilic plant.
It is very important to monitor the condition of the earth in tanks. The ground should not be too wet, then the roots of the plant will begin to choke, and the plant may die.
Too dry land will lead to a lack of moisture, the roots of seedlings will begin to dry, the tomatoes will turn yellow.
Tomatoes are not watered often: 1 time in 3 days. After watering loosen the soil. In case of cloudy weather, it is necessary to examine the soil, if it is wet, it is worth refusing to water it.
Diseases and pests
Tomatoes growing on the balcony may be affected by phytophthora disease. Brown spots are formed on the leaves, stalks and fruits. This fungal disease can quickly destroy a plant and fruit.
To prevent the disease using special drugs.
Can on balcony tomatoes whitefly mite. From the whitefly use the drug Inta-Vir, Commander. Akarin, Fitoverm, Borneo - drugs to combat spider mites.
Suitable self-pollinated varieties
With proper care, even a novice can handle growing tomatoes at home.
The most popular and suitable for growing on the balcony varieties:
- Pearl;
- Bonsai;
- Balcony miracle;
- Angelica;
- Ballerinka
Pearl the most unpretentious variety. The fruits are slightly elongated, tasty.
Balcony miracle - common balcony variety. Bushes are low, productive, resistant to diseases. Red fruits are suitable for fresh consumption and for canning.
Bonsai refers to the dwarf varieties. Fruits rarely grow more than 25 grams. These bushes look very beautiful.
Angelica one of the earliest varieties. Fruits ripen 80 days after germination. Bushes are low, do not need support.
Ballerina - tall variety, when ripe, the fruits become pink. The shape of the fruit is very interesting - pear-shaped.
All tomatoes are self-pollinated plants. There are also short and cocktail. The table shows which varieties are such.
| View | Grade name |
| Self-pollinated | All tomatoes are self-pollinated |
| Undersized | Angelica, Pearl |
| Cocktail | Ballerina |
Grow tomatoes on the balcony in summer and winter. Plants will decorate any apartment with their beautiful views. Proper care will provide the whole family with tasty and beautiful fruits.