Explore essential concepts of tomato cultivation through practical questions covering planting, care, and growth habits designed for all experience levels.
Which type of soil is best suited for growing healthy tomato plants in home gardens?
Explanation: Well-drained loamy soil provides optimal water retention and aeration needed for tomatoes. Heavy clay tends to waterlog, sandy desert offers poor nutrient retention, and rocky gravelly soil lacks fertility and water-holding capacity.
When transplanting tomato seedlings, how deep should you plant them for sturdy roots?
Explanation: Planting up to the first set of true leaves encourages strong root development along the buried stem. Exposed roots dry out, burying only the root ball misses an opportunity for extra roots, and planting entirely underground prevents stem access to sunlight.
For most tomato varieties, how often should you water established plants during dry periods?
Explanation: Tomato plants generally need deep watering once or twice per week to avoid overwatering and encourage deep roots. Hourly or thrice-daily watering causes stress and disease, while once per season is far too infrequent.
How much direct sunlight do tomato plants ideally need each day for optimal fruiting?
Explanation: Tomatoes require 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily to produce well. One or two hours are insufficient for growth, and 24 hours is unnatural and can disrupt plant development.
Which of the following is a common way to support tall, indeterminate tomato plants?
Explanation: Stakes and cages provide support, preventing stems from breaking and fruits from rotting. Laying plants flat or covering with sand can cause disease and poor growth. Tying fruits to roots is not a horticultural practice.