There are many factors that can cause common problems when growing tomatoes, so we've compiled our top recommendations for growing healthy tomatoes.
- Plant your tomatoes at the right time! Don't plant too early in the season!
- Choose strong, healthy plants when shopping. Avoid buying plants with mold or algae growth on the surface of the soil, or plants whose foliage has dried out due to a lack of water.
- Choose varieties that are more tolerant to diseases… This doesn’t mean your plants will be immune, but they will be less affected. Also read: maladies tomates nouvel article
- Plant in the right spot! Your tomatoes need at least 8 hours of sunlight per day.
- Grow varieties that are adapted to the conditions of your region (climate, humidity, heat, etc.).
- Practice crop rotation: avoid planting your tomatoes in the same place two years in a row. Discover the best tips for growing more in less space by reading our other article.
- Plant in soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Make sure the soil drains well.
- If growing in pots, use fresh potting soil each year (many diseases are soilborne) and disinfect your containers with a 10% Javel water solution before planting. Learn how to grow a container garden in our article.
- Use a growing medium with mycorrhizae when planting, such as our Organic Vegetable and Herb Mix; your plants will be more vigorous and therefore more resistant. This also ensures a better absorption of water and nutrients.
- Keep your tomato plants at least 24 inches apart to ensure good aeration and limit the spread of disease.
- Avoid planting potatoes near tomatoes as they are prone to late blight.
- Apply an adequate layer of mulch, making sure to clear the base of the plants. This helps retain soil moisture and prevents fungal spores in the soil from splashing onto the leaves of your plants when you water.
- Ideally, water in the morning, without wetting the foliage. Water slowly and deeply so that the water reaches the roots.
- When the foliage of your tomatoes is wet, avoid working in the garden to prevent the risk of spreading pathogens from one plant to another.
- Clean your tools! Diseases can spread easily. Avoid contaminating healthy plants by disinfecting your tools with 90% alcohol.
- Remove any diseased leaves as they appear. Discard or burn them, but never compost them.
- Avoid keeping tomatoes on the plant for too long, especially when they show signs of disease or when they have holes or cracks.
GOOD TO KNOW : Overwatering promotes the development of fungal diseases. Conversely, underwatering can weaken tomato plants and make them more vulnerable to disease.
Also read: Culture de la tomate : problèmes et solutions
