How to grow Tomatoes at home in 6 simple steps

Growing tomatoes at home is very interesting and easier than you think. What it requires is for you to be committed. Starting your farming aspirations with tomato farming is a good start. You can then move to other fruits. The growth of your tomato starts from selecting the best seed. 

In Nigeria, there are varieties of tomato seeds; you have to consider certain factors before opting for any. These are the basic factors to consider before growing your tomatoes;

Disease: The best seed to go for is the ones that have some level of resistance to diseases.

Climate: This factor determines how well a seed can grow. A tomato seed that grows well in the North may not perform well in the South. Climate must be considered; including soil before purchasing your seeds.

Affordability: In everything, it is advisable to consider what you can afford. Imported seeds can be quite expensive than the local varieties. The choice is yours.

The following are the steps to grow tomatoes at home.

1. Select your seed

This is a stage you cannot take with levity. If you do not get it right, you’ve automatically disrupted your chances of growing a healthy tomato. Before another thing, seed selection is what you must consider first.  The varieties of seeds in Nigeria are listed below. 

Planting F1: It is known for its resistance to diseases and is one of the highest-yielding tomato seeds in Nigeria.

Padma F1: It is known for its early maturity and resistance to diseases.

Cobra F1: It is a variety known for its uniform size and excellent fruit quality.

2. Soil Preparation

Loamy and sandy soils are good for tomatoes. You should use pots or any other container to plant your seeds for proper germination. There should be enough space for the tomato seeds to grow. Water the plant regularly but don’t overdo it. It can take five to ten days for germination to occur, during this time, you must nurture it because this determines how it will flourish. 

3. Transplant grown seedlings

When the seedlings have grown and are about 5 to 8 inches tall, you can transfer them to your prepared site or area. Mind you, this process must be carefully carried out. Before transplanting, you should have dug a hole as deep as the pot or container you used previously. Be careful, don’t damage the root; then gently place it in the hole.

4. Fertilization and Watering

Tomatoes need fertilizers to support their growth and regular watering. Fertilizers rich in potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen should be considered. It is better to apply it when tomato seeds have grown their first leaves; it would have a healthy growth and strong root system. Don’t over-apply the fertilizer on your plant; follow instructions or recommended applications.

5. Remove unwanted plant

A good measure in ensuring the growth of your tomatoes is preventing them from intruders — weeds. These unwanted plants compete for water, sunlight and nutrients. You can remove them using appropriate tools or your hand. Don’t wait till they grow older before you eradicate.

6. Harvest 

As soon as your tomatoes are ripe, harvest them. You should do this to promote its production. You can use pruners or your hand; just be careful so you won’t break the branches.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you should also read How to grow Onions at home in 5 simple steps, How to grow sweet potatoes at home in 5 simple steps and How to grow garden egg at home in 6 simple steps