How to water tomatoes – simple rules

Proper watering is very important. Too little will make tomato plants, dry and weak and may even kill them but too much promotes rotting and moulds and we all know that tomatoes are particularly susceptible to moulds. You need to water properly. But how do you know when and how much? Well, there are several factors you should take into account.

Plant’s maturity

Young seedlings need more water to develop a deep root system. To achieve that you need to water slowly and thoroughly and for a sufficiently long time. Older plants with developed root system are more resistant and can withstand longer dry periods. Nevertheless, you need to check tomato plants frequently, especially at the beginning. On the other hand, large plants can take more water, because they consume water faster. And of course if you transplant, you need to water more.

Photo: Pixabay

Outside temperature

The amount of water also depends on the outside temperature. In hot weather, water evaporates faster, so you need to water more often. A good idea is to check tomato plants once a day to make sure they are not too dry.

Fruit formation

Tomatoes need a lot of water when they produce fruit but be careful! Too much water may cause fruit cracking. Further, if you limit watering after fruits are fully developed, you should have tastier fruits.

Rainfall

Rain is good and you cannot control it of course but a short or heavy, downpour is not good. Too much rain and water will run off instead of reaching roots. If that is case, you still need to water later. Long, but not heavy, rain is ideal.

Location

If you grow tomatoes in a container, for example on a balcony, you need water more often, as soil in pots dries out quickly.

Watering amount

Only water when the top two centimetres of soil are dry. Morning watering is ideal, when it is not hot yet. If you water in the middle of the day, water will evaporate faster and most likely will not reach deep down to roots. If you water in the evening, water droplets will remain on leaves and stems for too long and this can lead to mould. To get the right amount of water is not easy but with practise you can get it just right.

Source:

https://www.tomatobible.com/watering-tomato-plants/
https://www.dumazahrada.cz/clanek/3-nejcastejsi-chyby-pri-zalevani-rajcat-nedelate-je-taky.html

Preview photo: Pixabay