How to grow tomatoes in the greenhouse in winter
The question as to how to grow tomatoes in the greenhouse in the winter, many summer residents are puzzled. This is especially true of those who love fresh vegetables at any time of the year. And since in the winter to get real, high-quality vegetables is difficult, the tomatoes grown with their own hands will become a real delicacy in the cold season.
The main stages of growing
To grow tomatoes in the winter or in any other cool season, you will need to apply a sufficient amount of knowledge and, of course, effort. In itself, as many gardeners know, nothing can grow.
So, the main stages are the following:
- to build a winter greenhouse before the frost;
- bring heating and plumbing;
- consider the concept of ventilation;
- pick up types of tomatoes suitable for growing in winter.
Despite the fact that there are many works on the cultivation of these crops, few gardeners cope with this non-trivial task, especially for the first time.
First stage
So, initially it is necessary for the cultivation of tomatoes in the greenhouse in winter to prepare the greenhouse itself. To do this, you should definitely clean it from the inside of various contaminants left over from previous plantings.
At the same time, before the planting of seedlings in a suitable state, various kinds of communications should be brought - heating, lighting and plumbing.
If vegetables were previously grown in the greenhouse, then it is imperative that the soil be washed. This can be done using a solution of iron and copper sulphate. Next, you need to dig the ground to a depth of not less than 20 cm, introducing 1-2 parts of the compost per 1 m².
It should be noted that if earlier cucumbers grew on this place, then there is no need to add peat compost. Instead, it is more correct to introduce 1 part to 1 m² of crushed sphagnum fertilizer or sawdust.
2 days before planting the seedlings in the greenhouse, it is necessary to irrigate the land abundantly at a depth of at least 15 cm, and after that the greenhouse should warm up. If it is cold enough outside, experts advise to additionally cover the treated area with a transparent film.
Planting seedlings
If the greenhouse is prepared, you can proceed to the selection of varieties. To do this, you need to know what kind of tomatoes in the greenhouse can be grown in winter.
It should be remembered that not all varieties and varieties of tomatoes are suitable for growing in cold or winter greenhouses.
From a large number of species available on the market, it is necessary to select those that can be grown in harsh conditions, those that are ready to endure a shortage of watering, are resistant to various diseases, and in addition, have good taste and guarantee a good harvest.
To realize the cultivation of tomatoes in winter, seedlings must be grown in advance in the autumn, in the 2nd half of September and before the end of November. If you plan to transplant seedlings in a continuous position until January, then you will need to water it with hot water and turn on the heating at a temperature of 20-22 ° C. The percentage of humidity should be in the range of 65-70%.
If your plans do not have an early disembarkation, then you need to adhere to the following rules:
- After the emergence and emergence of 5-6 leaves, the greenhouse should be heated at a temperature of 6-7 ° C, the humidity should also be reduced to approximately 60-65%.
- 2 weeks before it is planned to plant tomatoes in the greenhouse earth, water is also reduced by hot water, and the temperature inside the greenhouse should be increased up to 20-23 ° C.
Care for tomatoes in the greenhouse (video)
Professional Tips
It is preferable to increase the temperature in the greenhouse gradually. This is necessary in order not to provoke a temperature shock, as a result of which the cultivation of tomatoes in the winter will be delayed.
Determinant, as well as semi-determinant species form into 2 stems, retaining numerous shoots that are placed in front of the original inflorescence. Approximately 1 month before the end of the growing season, absolutely all the plants are pinned on the branches of all the processes, while keeping 1-2 leaves near the inflorescences.
As for the further care of the plants, the tomatoes after transplanting into the greenhouse should grow at a temperature of 22-25 ° C. Watering plants is necessary after drying the ground. This is done with warm water, while it should not be too hot, but close to the temperature of the soil itself. Usually watering is carried out in the 1st half of the day.
As the formation and growth of tomatoes, it is worth loosening the land between the lines of planting from time to time. From the same time, 2-3 leaflets are removed over the 1st cluster every week. For a start, this refers to the yellow leaves, and then to the light green. From pinching to the fruits comes much more light, as a result, they ripen faster, and the earth dries better and becomes more resistant to all sorts of fungal diseases.
When removing leaves, it is necessary to remember that, nevertheless, on a plant it is constantly required to have 15-16 healthy leaves. If done correctly, then soon you will be able to harvest the first harvest of fresh and healthy tomatoes.
Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse (video)
Gallery: tomatoes in the greenhouse in winter (15 photos)