Question 1

When to plant tomato seedlings outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Transplant seedlings to their permanent location after the danger of frost has passed — approximately two weeks after the last predicted frost. The soil temperature should be at least 10 °C, otherwise tomatoes will not grow. In a greenhouse, you can plant a few weeks earlier.

Question 2

How often to water tomatoes?

Accepted Answer

Watering frequency depends on the weather, soil, and mulch. During dry, warm periods outdoors or in a greenhouse, you might need to water every 2–3 days, in pots — daily. It's important that the soil is moistened to a depth of 20–25 cm. Water early in the morning or in the evening, directly at the roots, avoiding the leaves.

Question 3

Why do brown spots appear on tomato leaves?

Accepted Answer

Brown spots usually indicate a fungal disease — late blight (Phytophthora infestans) or early blight (Alternaria solani). They spread in humid, cool weather. Remove affected leaves, improve ventilation, avoid getting water on the leaves, and if necessary, use copper-based preparations.

Question 4

Why does the tip of the tomato fruit turn black and rot?

Accepted Answer

This is blossom end rot — a physiological disorder due to calcium deficiency, most often caused by inconsistent watering. Water regularly, mulch the soil to retain moisture, and ensure sufficient calcium in the soil.

Question 5

Do I need to prune suckers (side shoots)?

Accepted Answer

For indeterminate (tall) tomatoes, pruning suckers is very beneficial — the plant dedicates energy to fruits, not extra branches, and air circulation improves. Usually, 1–2 main stems are left. Determinant (bush) varieties often do not require sucker pruning.

Question 6

What to fertilize tomatoes with for a good harvest?

Accepted Answer

Different stages require different nutrients: phosphorus for strong roots at the beginning, calcium and potassium during flowering. Use balanced fertilizers according to the N-P-K ratio, fertilize every 1–3 weeks. Organic fertilizers are also suitable: wood ash, fish emulsion, compost.

Question 7

Why do tomatoes flower but not set fruit?

Accepted Answer

The most common reasons are too high (above 30 °C) or too low temperatures, poor pollination in an enclosed greenhouse, or excess nitrogen. Ventilate the greenhouse, gently shake the plants to encourage pollination, and don't overdo it with nitrogen fertilizers.

Question 8

Why do the lower tomato leaves turn yellow?

Accepted Answer

Yellowing usually indicates a deficiency of nitrogen or other nutrients, overwatering, or the natural dying off of old leaves. Pinch off yellow lower leaves, check your watering regimen, and if necessary, fertilize additionally.

Question 9

How to protect tomatoes from diseases?

Accepted Answer

Rotate planting locations, choose resistant varieties and a sunny spot, maintain distance between plants for good air circulation, water at the roots, mulch the soil, and promptly remove affected plant parts.

Question 10

When to pick tomatoes and do they ripen after picking?

Accepted Answer

Tomatoes can be picked when they start to change color — they ripen perfectly at room temperature, especially near apples or bananas, which release ethylene. At the end of the season, before frosts, pick all larger green fruits for indoor ripening.

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