Custom «Growing Tomatoes at Home» Essay Paper Sample

One of the best reasons for growing vegetables, fruit and herbs at home is to make, and take, the best of each season. Fresh seasonal food is something that most people would agree is at the heart of a healthy and delicious diet (Monty, 2006, p. 80).

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables for growing at home. They contain lots of lycopene, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, which suggests some amelioration of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and even male infertility (Giovannucci et. al, 1995, pp. 1767–76).

First of all, the seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or just tomato plants at the nursery for planting may be bought right after all danger of frost has passed. Next a site that gets full sun and has soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 should be chosen. The soil should be amended with plenty of compost; as tomatoes need soil, which rich for organic matter.

Ready seedlings, homegrown or purchased, should be moved to the prepared site it the garden, after the nighttime temperatures do not fall below 50 F. The plants should be sett at about 12 to 18 inches apart from each other depending on a variety. For each plant dig a hole of about a basketball size. Compost and crushed eggshells should be added to each of the holes. The seedling for better new root development should be planted deeply - up to the fourth of the branch from the top - to encourage.

In order to protect the plants from insects and cool temperatures thy may be covered with cloches. It is also recommended to place a paper collar around each plant in order to deter cutworms. The covers may be removed when the weather warms. After that the soil should be mulched and supports to the plants install should be attached. The plants should get 1 to 2 inches of water every week.

The tomatoes are to be picked when they are midway between soft and firm, and their color is even and glossy.