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Growing tomatoes
PROPAGATION AND CULTIVATION OF TOMATOES
The primary objective is to produce the best quality young plants in the simplest and easiest manner. The sterile nature of Grodan stone wool gives you the opportunity to create the conditions for making aclean start for the young plants.
Sowing
- Thoroughly soak Grodan Kiemplugs with a complete nutrient solution EC 2.0 mS pH 5.2-5.5.
- Place a single seed into each plug and cover with vermiculite.
- Cover with clear plastic for 2 or 3 days at 23°C.
Pricking out
- Thoroughly soak Grodan blocks with a complete nutrient solution EC 2.2 mS pH 5.0-5.5.
- Prick out the seedlings 12-14 days after sowing.
- Space the blocks at 16 to 25 per square meter.
- Grow the seedlings for a further 19 to 21 days at 20°C day and night.
Planting
- Fully saturate the Grodan slabs with a complete nutrient solution EC 3.5 pH 5.0, 24-hours before planting.
- Ensure good root development in the bottom of the block before transplanting to the slab.
- Place the propagation block onto the planting hole and insert the drip stake.
- Cut drainage holes in the plastic wrap before planting.
- Set the greenhouse temperature to 20°C day and night and reduce this as soon as needed depending on variety and climate conditions.
Planting to the 4th truss
- Maintain the greenhouse temperature at 18°C day and 16°C night
- Irrigate at EC 3.5 pH 5.5 with warm (18°C) water to promote strong root growth.
- Take side shoots to increase the original plant population to the final head density.
- Ensure the bees are working correctly by monitoring fruit set on each truss.
4th truss to 1st harvest
- As the plant reaches maximum fruit load monitor conductivity and nutrient levels in the slab closely.
- Remove leaves to above the ripening truss.
- Beware of developing pest populations and take action if required.
Main harvesting period to the end of the season
- Avoid root problems through accurate irrigation management.
- Keep the plant balanced with an optimal fruit load and number of leaves.
- Maintain the conductivity of the irrigation at 2.5-4.0 mS and pH at 5.5-6.0.
- Monitor the conductivity and pH levels in the slab daily.
- Send nutrient samples from the slab to a laboratory for analysis every two weeks.
Growing tomatoes
PROPAGATION AND CULTIVATION OF TOMATOES
The primary objective is to produce the best quality young plants in the simplest and easiest manner. The sterile ......
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