How to Plant Tomatoes from Seed with Manure

Tomatoes are an essential ingredient in many dishes around the world. With their sweet flavor and juicy texture, they make for an ideal ingredient to have in your kitchen garden. However, it isn't easy to cultivate these plants, especially if you're planting them from seed. In this article, we shall guide you on how to plant tomatoes from seed with manure:

Step 1: Choose the Right Seeds

The first thing to do is to select the right tomato seeds. It's best to get seeds from a reputable supplier to increase the chances of successful propagation. You can choose from many types, such as beefsteak, cherry, and roma.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Tomatoes love fertile, well-draining soil that's rich in nutrients. You can start by digging a hole, approximately one foot deep and one foot wide. Then, add the manure to the hole, about 4-6 inches deep. Mix it thoroughly with the surrounding soil to improve the nutrient content of the soil. Manure is an organic fertiliser that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are crucial for plant growth. It also helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is vital for the plant's root system.

Step 3: Plant the Seeds

Now that the soil is ready, it's time to plant the seeds. Make a small hole in the prepared soil and place the seeds inside, cover the hole with soil, leaving no seed visible at the surface. Gently water the area around the planting hole to help the soil settle around the seeds. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Do not worry if only some of the seeds germinate as it is normal.

Step 4: Temperature Control

Tomatoes thrive in warm temperatures, so make sure the soil stays between 60-85°F. You can use a small greenhouse or start the seedlings indoors and move them outside once the weather conditions are favorable. This step does not only help the seedlings grow quickly but also ensure they are covered and easily accessible to control pests like birds and rodents.

Step 5: Provide Water and Sunlight

Tomatoes love regular water supply, so make sure to water them regularly. Water deeply till the soil is moist, but not soaked to prevent waterlogging, which inhibits growth. Tomatoes also require adequate sunlight, at least six hours each day to thrive. Ensure you place them in a place that has enough direct or indirect sunlight to ensure the leaves are healthy and adequate flowering for fruit production

Step 6: Pruning, Weeding, and Feeding

To ensure your tomatoes grow well, consider removing the leaves that grow close to the soil as they may collect dirt, debris, or moisture, which may attract pests and diseases to the plant. You can also support the plant by attaching a stake or trellis to allow it to climb upwards that ensures it grows stronger and healthier. Further, weeding the area around the plant may also reduce competition for nutrients improving growth. Lastly, adding liquid fertilisers, like Comfrey, will boost the plants' nutrient intake, ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for the right amount to use and the right time to apply.

Step 7: Harvesting

Once your plant has blossomed, and the fruits start to appear, it's time to harvest the tomatoes. Pick them while they are still bright and firm, and use a knife or sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant. Tomatoes usually get ready for harvesting after about 50-80 days after planting.

Now, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor - a farm-to-table experience with juicy, flavorful tomatoes that can complement many dishes. Proper pruning, weeding, and fertilization will determine good yields with a healthy and robust plant.