Growing tomatoes how much water

When it comes to tomato containers , bigger is better. The more soil in the container, the more it holds water. Also, the more soil, the more available nutrients for your plants. Consistent water and food are two of the most critical elements for happy, healthy tomato plants and large harvests. Watering your tomato plants properly is the key to tomato success. Too much water and the plants drown—too little could cause blossom end rot, when the tomatoes turn black on the bottoms.

Inconsistent watering can also cause blossom end rot, split tomatoes , and stressed plants. A critical component for tomato success and the most difficult if you are using conventional pots instead of self-watering is to keep the soil in your pots consistently moist—not wet, but damp.

Before you water, check soil moisture first. To do this, push your finger into the soil about an inch or two—about down to your second knuckle. Add water if the soil feels dry to the touch at your fingertip. Another method to check moisture is to pick up the pot. If its weight feels unusually light or top heavy for its size, moisture content could be low. Don't forget drainage—make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain out. Pot feet are also a good idea if the pot is located on a patio or non-porous surface.

Add water until it drains out of the bottom of the pot to ensure that water has reached roots growing near the bottom of the pot. Another great way to control water in your containers is to use a self-watering container , such as a grow box. You may want to try the Earthbox or the GrowBox brands. You'll soon determine how much water is required to maintain dampness at the appropriate depth.

This is where science enters the equation. Some university studies indicate that most tomato plants need about an inch of water per week to thrive. It is possible to quantify this amount of water in terms of gallons, and some growers have done that with scientific formulas. About 1" to 1. Here's the tricky part. You can't administer all that water in a single day. This will create standing water and run-off, which is no good for your plants.

Hopefully, there will be some weeks when you get a little help from rainfall. Again, let the dampness of the soil around your plants be the common-sense guide. Experience is going to be your best teacher.

Pay attention to the measures you must take to maintain moisture. Make good notes. You should be able to refer to those notes year after year in the same climate. When starting tomatoes from seed , the soil can dry out quickly since seedlings are typically in small containers or trays.

Check soil daily to ensure it has not dried out. However, seedlings require very little water. Use a spray bottle to mist seedlings and keep just the top of the soil moist. If the soil becomes too wet, move the seedlings to an area with increased air flow and hold off on watering again until needed. Never let seedlings sit in a puddle of water. As seedlings begin to sprout and grow, they will need more water.

If the soil in the tray dries in less than 24 hours, it might be time to move your seedlings to the garden or a larger container. When you plant tomatoes right in the ground, the roots can extend deep into the soil as they seek out water. How well the soil drains and its water-holding capacity also affect the amount of water they need.

Observing your tomato plants throughout the day gives you important clues to their watering needs. Healthy tomato plants that wilt excessively or soil that feels dry to the touch indicate that more water is needed.

Nannette Richford is an avid gardener, teacher and nature enthusiast with more than four years' experience in online writing. Home Guides Garden Soil Care.