Expert unveils top tomato tips

13:44 7th February 2011

Greenhouse and gardening enthusiasts may be interested to hear the thoughts of one plant growing specialist who has revealed her top tomato growing tips.

Writing for the Statesman, Renee Studebaker said the first step is to start seeds indoors and grow them in a greenhouse or under lights for six to eight weeks.

After that, she continued, the seedlings should be fed weekly with liquid seaweed or fish emulsion.

At this stage they must be kept in a cool area, with grow lights just two inches above, the expert added.

Ms Studebaker went on to say that to promote good root formation, lower leaves should be pinched off and the stems should be planted deep.

For the soil, the specialist recommended adding rock powders such as phosphorus and potassium.

"If you're growing in containers and want to keep it simple, try mixing compost with a good quality potting soil, then once a week, add a bit of organic fertiliser," she commented.

Last week, Guy Barter wrote in the Daily Telegraph that identifying nutritional deficits via soil analysis can help gardens flourish.