The Cultivation Method of Potted Cherry Tomatoes
In the urban life where every square inch of land is precious, potted cherry tomatoes, with their dual value of ornamental and edible, are becoming a new favorite for balcony planting. This plant, with its ruby-like fruits and emerald green leaves, can be harvested abundantly in a small pot through scientific cultivation. This article will systematically analyze the complete planting process of potted cherry tomatoes, from substrate preparation to daily maintenance.
I. Basic Preparation for Potted Cherry Tomato Planting
1.1 Container Selection and Treatment
It is recommended to use a terracotta pot or gallon pot with a diameter of 25-35cm, with 3-5 drainage holes at the bottom. New pots need to be soaked for 24 hours to remove alkaline substances before use, while old pots should be sterilized with boiling water.
1.2 Secret Recipe for Substrate Preparation
Use a golden ratio of humus soil: perlite: vermiculite = 5:3:2, and add 5% fermented sheep manure as a base fertilizer. Spread it flat and expose to the sun for 2 days before use, or water it thoroughly with 800 times the concentration of carbendazim solution to sterilize.
II. Seed Treatment and Seedling Raising Techniques
2.1 Four Steps of Scientific Germination
① Selection: Remove seeds that are shriveled or discolored; ② Disinfection: Soak in 0.1% potassium permanganate for 15 minutes; ③ Promotion of Germination: Soak seeds in warm water at 50℃ for 6 hours; ④ Germination: Wrap in damp gauze and place in a constant temperature environment of 25-28℃, turning twice a day.
2.2 Points for Seed Sowing
Plant the white seeds at a depth of 0.5cm, with a row spacing of 3cm. After covering with soil, cover with plastic wrap and ventilate for 2 hours a day, maintaining the substrate moisture at 60%.
III. Transplanting and Daily Maintenance Tips
3.1 Golden Transplanting Time
When the seedlings have 4 true leaves and a height of 8-10cm, choose a sunny day to transplant with soil. Keep 2/3 of the original soil ball, fill the new pot with soil to 3cm from the rim, and water thoroughly after planting to settle the roots.
3.2 Management During Growth Cycle
Apply diluted fish protein fertilizer every 10 days before flowering, and increase the application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate during the fruit-setting stage. Maintain 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, guide the main vine growth with bamboo stakes, and promptly remove old leaves at the base.
IV. Pest and Disease Control Strategies
Common powdery mildew can be prevented with a solution of baking soda 500 times diluted, and aphids can be repelled with a spray of chili water. Maintain good ventilation and avoid leaf积水 at night to effectively reduce the incidence of diseases.
By precisely controlling the three major factors of light, water, and nutrients, potted cherry tomatoes can be harvested in just 90 days from sowing. When the fruits show uniform red color and a white ring appears at the fruit stem, they are ready for harvest. Mastering these techniques, even balcony beginners can harvest abundant fruits and experience the life miracle from seedlings to fruits.