How to properly water tomatoes in the greenhouse and in the garden: a mistake can destroy the crop

Proper moisture is the key to a high-quality and bountiful harvest. Often, despite all efforts, watery, small tomatoes grow, and no amount of fertilizing helps. This is probably due to watering errors.

OBOZ.UA figured out how to properly water tomatoes in the greenhouse and in the garden. It is important to know the watering rates at each stage of plant growth and development.

Watering in the garden

Experts have calculated the optimal watering regime and developed appropriate standards that can vary depending on weather conditions: drought or prolonged rains.

Before planting seedlings, 0.5 to 1 liter of water should be poured into each hole, depending on the size of the seedlings. Seedlings need to go through the rooting process, and excess water can interfere with this.

Gardeners advise to remember an important rule: in the first seven to ten days after planting, it is better not to water tomatoes.

During the period of active growth, tomatoes should be watered once a week at the rate of 20-30 liters per square meter.

After the inflorescences appear on the bushes, watering should be reduced. It is enough to moisten the soil twice a week with 1.5-2 liters of water.

When the ovary appears, watering is increased again. Each bush should receive 3 to 5 liters of water twice a week. In case of persistent summer drought, the amount of water can be increased to 10 liters per bush. It is the stage of ovary formation that is most important for a quality harvest, so it is important not to limit the water supply. Lack of moisture will cause the ovaries to fall off or reduce fruiting.

Watering in the greenhouse

Watering greenhouse tomatoes is almost no different from moistening plants in the open field. Be sure to monitor the air humidity. The optimal figure is 45-50%, while the soil moisture should be 85-90%.

At low humidity, tomatoes begin to evaporate more water, so flowers and ovaries can fall off.

On the other hand, high humidity prevents tomatoes from accumulating the necessary amount of sugar - the fruits become watery and begin to crack.

An important warning: at a humidity of more than 80%, tomato flowers stop being pollinated.

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