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Soil to Supper Tomatoes

From Soil to Supper: The Tomato Journey

Welcome to our delightful journey through the life of a tomato plant! This week, we've explored the stages of growth, from the humble seed to the bountiful harvest. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide offers insights and resources to support your tomato-growing adventure.

🌱 Stage 1: Seed Stage

Every tomato begins as a tiny seed, full of potential. Sowing seeds with care and optimism sets the foundation for a fruitful harvest.

Key Tips:

Seed Starting: Begin indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in a quality seed-starting mix.
Temperature & Light: Maintain soil temperatures between 70–85°F (21–29°C) for optimal germination. Provide 14–16 hours of light daily using grow lights or a sunny windowsill.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent damping-off disease.
Fertilisation: Once true leaves appear, begin feeding with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser.

If you haven't downloaded your Collectable card yet, you can do so here

Seed Card for Tomato

Stage 2: Tall & Leggy (But Worth It!) - The Growing Stage

As seedlings grow, they may become tall and leggy, reaching for light. This stage requires attentive care to ensure strong, healthy plants.

Growing Tips:

Transplanting: When seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots, burying the stem up to the first leaves to encourage root development.
Hardening Off: Before moving plants outdoors, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.
Spacing & Support: Plant tomatoes 18–36 inches apart, depending on the variety, and provide support with stakes, cages, or trellises at the time of planting.
Soil & Fertilisation: Use well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.2–6.8. Incorporate compost and a balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth.

Tomato Grow Card Here

Stage 3: The Red Reward - The Harvest and Use Stage

After weeks of nurturing, the first ripe tomatoes are ready to harvest. Their vibrant red hue is a testament to patience and care.

Growing Tips:

Watering: Provide 1–2 inches of water per week, watering at the base to prevent fungal diseases.
Mulching: Apply 2–4 inches of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting: Pick tomatoes when they are fully coloured and slightly soft to the touch. Use scissors or pruners to avoid damaging the plant.
Storage: Store harvested tomatoes at room temperature and avoid refrigeration to maintain flavour and texture.
Enjoy fresh or incorporate into your favourite recipes. I love to make them into relish, like my Tomato and chilli relish, which can even use Green tomatoes if they haven't ripened.