Whether you start your tomatoes from seed or buy tomato seedlings, keep in mind while you plant them that proper spacing is essential for successful growing. As a rule of thumb, allow 2 to 3 feet of space in all directions for each plant, though the exact spacing depends on what type of tomato you’re planting....READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE |
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Read on to learn about properly spacing determinate vs. indeterminate tomatoes, the pitfalls of insufficient spacing, and other tomato growing tips.
Spacing Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes
Before planting, check the seed package or the plant label, which should tell you if the tomato variety is determinate or indeterminate. Both tomato types are vines, but determinate tomatoes require less space than indeterminate tomatoes so the exact spacing depends on what type of tomato you are planting.
Tomato spacing is usually given in two measurements: space between plants and space between rows.
Determinate Tomatoes
Determinate tomatoes grow only to a certain height, then flower, set fruit, and ripen within a short timeframe. They can be planted as little as one to two feet apart (though ideally in the 18-14 inches range) in rows 3 to 4 feet apart.
The plants are often compact enough that they don’t require support. Because of their limited growth, they also don’t need pruning.
Indeterminate Tomatoes
Indeterminate tomatoes are the exact opposite—they have a long growing season that only ends with the first fall frost. They need a much more generous spacing than determinate tomatoes and should be spaced at least three to four feet apart in rows at least four feet apart.
Indeterminate tomatoes should always be staked, trellised, or caged. Pruning the plants is also essential to keep the vigorous growth under control.
If You Don’t Know Your Tomato Type
When in doubt, plant tomatoes further apart rather than closer together. There is no harm in giving them extra space, but too little space can result in a disappointing tomato season.
Why It’s Important to Space Tomatoes Properly
Proper spacing between plants is important to keep tomato plants healthy. Even with the best care, these plants are prone to numerous diseases including fungal diseases (like early blight and late blight) and viruses (like tomato mosaic virus).
Plants growing in crowded conditions with poor air circulation are an ideal breeding ground for fungal diseases to spread. Generous spacing between tomato plants is also important to give you easy access for pruning, weeding, and harvesting without the risk of damaging neighboring plants.
Signs Tomatoes Are Planted Too Close Together
Unfortunately, not giving your tomato plants sufficient space will backfire sooner or later in the growing season. You’ll know that you skimped on spaced if these symptoms are true of your plants.
Poor harvest. The plants are growing slowly or producing a poor harvest because they are competing for nutrients and water.
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No visual borders. You cannot tell where one plant ends, and the next one starts because the vines have become entangled.
Soggy foliage. The foliage remains wet for hours after rainfall even in warm summer weather because there is inadequate airflow.
Difficulty harvesting. Harvesting the tomatoes is tedious because you cannot easily access the plants from all sides.Read The Full Article/Content Here.