Now is the perfect time to shift your indoor projects to the outdoors. With the spring air quickly moving in, homeowners are preparing their yard for long-awaited backyard season! From family barbeques to vegetable gardens, preparation is key to ensure a successful season. At Ace Hardware NH, we have the tools and supplies homeowners need to make spring prep less stressful and more successful!
In this article, we’re taking a look at one of America’s favorite summer month pastimes – gardening. Vegetable gardens provide people with a fresh source of seasonal fruits for a very low cost. One of the most popular things to grow is tomatoes.
Staring your seeds
Although there are several stores and nurseries which provide consumers a variety of high-quality tomato plants, some gardeners choose to start their gardens by seed. If you’re one of those people, you’ll want to start your tomatoes indoors approximately 6-8 weeks before the last frost. So, if you haven’t already, now is the time!
Choose a soil that is specific for tomatoes or created for gardening. This type of soil contains added nutrients to help your seeds sprout and flourish. Another factor in choosing the soil that is best for your crop is whether or not you’re looking for fully organic. Believe it or not, several bagged soils contain materials that are not considered fully organic.
Transplanting outdoors
Once the chance of frost has passed, you can begin moving your plants outdoors to your garden. However, there are a few steps to be taken first.
First, your outdoor soil will also need preparation. You’ll want to turn the soil and add a mixture of compost. Digging around two feet down ensures the best results. By doing so, you’ll replenish any nutrients that are depleted. Depending on the size of your tomato garden, rule of thumb is to allow yourself at least three feet in width with plants around two feet apart.
Secondly, you’ll need to harden your plants before bringing them outdoors. Think of it this way, you’ve been indoors all winter long – your cozy and then bam! Someone rudely throws you outside 24/7. Chances are, you’ll shrivel up and possibly die. Well, the same goes for your seedlings. Slowly introduce the outdoors to your plants for a few hours a day when the sun is warmest. Not until the nights maintain 60-degree temperatures should you consider making the permanent move.
They’re planted, now what?
It’s important to plant your tomatoes in an area that receives full sun. However, remembering that these veggies require plenty of water is crucial – especially during the hot summer days when the soil dries out quickly. If not provided with a sufficient amount of water consistently, your tomatoes will crack and possibly split. For more helpful information on proper tomato growing, visit our friends over at Farmer’s Almanac.
Whether you need soil, seeds, or gardening tools, Ace Hardware, NH, has everything you need for a successful gardening season. Be sure to check out our selection online and drop us a call anytime!
