Introduction

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown by gardeners. They are easy to grow and produce a delicious crop. In this article, we will be discussing how to plant tomatoes using the Burpee video as a guide.

Choosing the right site

The first step in planting tomatoes is to choose the right site. Tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of sun per day, so make sure you choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight. It's also important to plant them in well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, it's a good idea to amend it with compost or other organic matter before planting.

Preparing the soil

Once you've chosen the right site, it's time to prepare the soil. This involves breaking up any hard clumps of soil and removing any weeds or rocks. You can use a garden fork or a tiller to do this. Once the soil is prepared, you can add a layer of compost or other organic matter to improve fertility.

Planting the tomatoes

Now it's time to plant the tomatoes. The Burpee video recommends planting them in holes that are about 2 feet apart. They also recommend burying the stems up to the first set of leaves. This will help the plants develop a strong root system. Once the plants are in the ground, make sure to water them well.

Staking or caging the plants

Tomatoes grow tall and will need support. You can use stakes or cages to keep them upright. The Burpee video recommends using cages as they are easy to use and provide great support. Place the cage around the plant after it has been planted and secure it in the ground. As the plant grows, make sure to train it to grow up through the cage.

Maintaining the plants

Now that your tomatoes are in the ground, it's important to maintain them throughout the growing season. This involves regular watering, pruning, and fertilizing. Water the plants deeply once a week or more often in hot weather. Prune the plants by removing any suckers that grow between the main stem and the branches. Finally, fertilize the plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Conclusion

Growing tomatoes is a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in the Burpee video, you can grow healthy plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Remember to choose the right site, prepare the soil, plant the tomatoes properly, stake or cage the plants, and maintain them throughout the growing season. Happy gardening!