Content
It is quite possible to grow tomatoes hydroponically at home and can be done by all attentive gardeners who are not afraid of difficulties. Due to the fact that the crop has a superficial root system, it is perfectly cultivated in a soilless artificial system and, with proper planting and care, brings a good harvest.
When growing tomatoes in hydroponics, it is possible to regulate the development and growth of the plant
Tomato varieties for hydroponics
Before you begin, you should choose the variety of tomatoes that will be cultivated. Not every variety of vegetable can be grown hydroponically, so you should be careful when choosing. It is best to give preference to low-growing options for this technology; they will be much more convenient to care for. The most suitable varieties are considered to be Druzhok, Gavroche, Early Bird, Bon Appetit, Zhuravlik, Alaska, Geronimo, Favorit. Cherry tomatoes are also grown hydroponically.In this case, the bushes should be pinched when they reach a height of 100-120 cm.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
The technology of growing tomatoes at home using hydroponics has a number of advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when choosing this method.
You can grow tomatoes hydroponically from both seedlings and seeds.
Advantages:
- high productivity;
- excellent fruit quality;
- easy care;
- minimal risks of diseases and pest attacks;
- reducing costs for fertilizers and water.
Flaws:
- mandatory compliance with all planting and growing rules;
- labor intensity and complexity of the process;
- high initial costs for necessary materials and equipment.
Tomato yield in hydroponics
Tomatoes grown hydroponically yield more than plants grown using traditional methods. But it should be noted that the number of fruits is greatly influenced by the correct fulfillment of all conditions, compliance with agricultural technology requirements and the quality of care. Also, the amount of harvest directly depends on the selected variety of tomatoes. On average, according to experienced gardeners, with proper care it is possible to harvest about 3 kg of tomatoes from one healthy low-growing bush, and up to 14 kg per month from a square meter of greenhouse.
Conditions for growing tomatoes hydroponically
In order for the crop to be harvested, the plantings must be provided with suitable conditions, as well as proper care. In addition, you should select equipment and make a special nutrient solution. Place tomatoes suitable for hydroponics in a greenhouse, grow tent or grow box.
The temperature in the place where the crop is grown during its growth period must be maintained within +22-24 °C during the day, at night up to +16-18 °C, at the time of setting and ripening of tomatoes +25-28 and +18-20 °C.
Since the plant is highly sensitive to daylight hours, it needs to be provided with sufficient light for at least 18 hours a day. At the time of fruit formation, daylight hours can be reduced to 17 hours.
Hydroponic tomato growing technology
Gardeners with some experience should start growing tomatoes hydroponically. This process is painstaking and quite complicated for a beginner.
The technology consists of a number of procedures:
- Planting tomato seeds in corks.
- Transplanting sprouts at two weeks of age into cubes.
- Assembly and installation of the system.
- Transplantation (after three weeks) into the system.
- Organize thorough follow-up care.
How to grow tomatoes hydroponically
If a gardener decides to start growing tomatoes hydroponically, then he will need certain materials for this. You can buy them at garden centers and specialty stores or make them yourself. The technology can be used both at home and indoors.
In hydroponics, tomatoes do not come into contact with the soil and are less likely to get sick
Necessary materials
To grow tomatoes hydroponically, you will need equipment (water level meter, scales, electrical conductivity indicator), seeds, nutrient solution or elements for its preparation, substrate. To build a system, you need containers of different sizes, which are larger on the outside than on the inside.
System assembly
Plants for hydroponic tomatoes are sold in stores ready-made, but it’s cheaper to make them yourself. To do this, take containers with a height of 15 to 20 cm and make drainage holes at their bottom to remove excess moisture. Next, install them in boxes or pots of larger diameter and height. Opposite each inner container, holes are made with a slightly smaller diameter than its bottom to eliminate excess nutrient solution.
Excess nutrient fluid can be reused
How to make a hydroponic solution for tomatoes
The solution for hydroponics of tomatoes is prepared with your own hands or purchased in stores. There are several types of it, preference is given based on the type of culture.
To prepare a solution for hydroponics of tomatoes with your own hands, you can use step-by-step instructions:
- Weigh each necessary element as accurately as possible and scatter it into separate containers.
- Fill the containers with a small amount of water.
- Wait until the elements dissolve.
- Pour the resulting mixtures into the main solution one by one.
- Close the tank tightly and completely isolate the liquid from oxygen.
The optimal ratio of elements for hydroponic tomatoes per 1 liter of water is presented in the table below:
Element | During the growing season | During the flowering period |
P | 120 | 80 |
TO | 150 | 280 |
N | 300 | 180 |
microelements | 0,35 | 0,65 |
calcium nitrate | 1,9 | 1,1 |
monopotassium phosphate | 0,52 | 0,35 |
magnesium sulfate | 0,5 | 0,5 |
potassium sulfate | — | 0,45 |
Aftercare
Aftercare for hydroponic tomatoes involves a number of steps that are slightly different from those required by plants growing in the ground. The procedure is as follows:
- Control over the development and growth of the root system. It is recommended to constantly monitor the process of root germination to the required depth. Because once they reach the bottom of the neck, the level of the nutrient solution will need to be lowered. This is done to achieve the formation of an airy and moist layer for the roots.
- Feeding. The level of the solution should be constantly maintained (by drip irrigation or daily topping), and the concentration of nutrients in it should be regularly measured with an electrical conductivity indicator and kept at a level of 1.5 to 3 mS. Changes must be checked and recorded every day, and the concentration must not be allowed to drop below the permissible level. If there is a shortage of certain components, they should be added in the required percentage, or a new solution should be prepared. It is recommended to change it at least once a month.
- Garter. Hydroponic tomatoes need to be tied in a special way, allowing the crown of the stem to grow for a long time and form new ovaries. To do this, the rope is wound with a large margin onto a hook located on a trellis under the roof of the greenhouse. The end of the lace is lowered to the base of the stem and secured under the leaf using a plastic clip. As the tomato grows, the trunk is wrapped around a rope, tearing off the lower leaves. At the moment when the stem below is completely bare, part of the rope is removed from the hook, and the bare trunk is laid on top of the pot. If the tomato planting in hydroponics is two-row, then the bushes are tied in a V-shape.
- Stepsonning. The procedure is carried out periodically.The shoots are removed when their length is about 2 cm. At the same time, a couple of leaves are torn off.
- Pollination. If a tomato grows hydroponically in a greenhouse, then bumblebees are sent into it to pollinate the bushes; at home, the procedure is performed manually, using a brush or an electric toothbrush.
Without pollination of the plant, fruits will not set on it.
Conclusion
Hydroponic tomatoes at home have recently begun to be grown more often. This modern technology allows you to get a high crop yield without traditional planting in the ground. There are several options for such cultivation, each of them has its own characteristics and nuances, which should be familiarized with before planting.
