Explore the essentials of tomato planting in horticulture, including ideal spacings, seeding depths, and common cultivation considerations. Reinforce your tomato-growing knowledge with this beginner-friendly quiz.
What is the recommended spacing between tomato plants in the open field to promote healthy growth and reduce disease risk?
Explanation: Tomatoes perform best when spaced 45-60 cm apart, allowing ample airflow and sunlight, which helps prevent disease. 10-15 cm is too crowded and can lead to disease problems. 150-200 cm is unnecessarily wide and can waste space. 5-8 cm is much too close, hindering proper development.
When planting tomato seeds, how deep should you typically sow them into the soil or seed tray?
Explanation: A shallow depth of 0.5-1 cm ensures seeds are covered but can easily sprout. Planting deeper, such as at 3-4 cm or beyond, risks poor germination as seedlings may struggle to reach the surface. The 2-3 inch option is especially too deep for small seeds like tomatoes.
At what stage are tomato seedlings typically ready to be transplanted outdoors?
Explanation: Tomato seedlings are usually transplanted when they have 2-3 true leaves, indicating established roots and resilience. Moving them immediately after sprouting risks damage due to fragility. Waiting until they are 30 cm tall or after flowering is too late, potentially causing stress or reduced yields.
Which soil type is most suitable for growing healthy tomato plants?
Explanation: Well-drained loamy soil offers the right balance of moisture retention, aeration, and nutrients, ideal for tomatoes. Heavy clay soils can retain excess water, risking root rot. Sandy, nutrient-poor soils and saline soils are unsuitable as they lack necessary fertility and structure.
What is the standard recommended distance between tomato rows in field cultivation?
Explanation: Row spacing of 90-120 cm allows for comfortable plant growth, easy access for care, and sufficient airflow. 20-30 cm and 10-15 cm are too narrow, which can lead to crowding. 200-250 cm is excessively wide, wasting field space and reducing production efficiency.