Tomato plants should have well developed roots. This is to ensure your plants can support the leaves and the fruits. Lack of well developed roots lead to root rot due to water logging around the roots.
When transplanting ensure that you dont make deep holes so that the roots are not too deep in to the soil. It‘s recommended that you mimic the condition in the nursery to ensure the smooth transition. In the green house, a farmer should a have a good irrigation schedule throughout the day. This is because the plants suffer if starved for long. Irrigate for a short period every hour throughout the day to avoid over irrigating.
Balancing soil and water
Press a sample of soil in the palm to check the moisture content. When the temperature is high give more water to ensure the soil is wet. To ensure plant balance create an equilibrium between flowers and fruits, and stem and leaves.
Pruning is important, by getting rid of old leaves, a tomato fruit will develop after every three leaves. Pruning should be done when one is ready to harvest. Leaves touching the ground. Harvest with the stalk to increase the shelf life of the fruits
Pest control
Tomato are prone to diseases and pests. To prevent diseases use cultural practice, crop monitoring sanitation and chemicals. Diseases encountered are Pythium which is associated in the soil.
Pests include white flies and thrips. To manage pests, use traps to control them. The yellow traps is for the white flies and the blue for the thrips. The Tuta absoluta is trapped using pheromone. If you provide a good environment for your crops they will do well up to maturity..
