this post was submitted on 17 Oct 2023
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and so it has come to pass that I have been gifted some tomato seedlings, cherished children of Italian colleague's nonna...
How do I, who can kill even a money plant, look after these babies?
Don’t overwater them is all I can say. Fungal infection killed mine many years ago. They’re heavy feeders (I think), like full sun and acidic soil. Get some trellis or stakes to tie them to for support or pots that have that built in.
Definitely hit up some guides because I’m not too experienced with tomatoes
full sun I can do! cheers
Oh yeah, by not overwatering I meant more allow good drainage. Really good drainage, not having pots sitting in water. Because mine hated that and died about it
Edit: Also try not to let them dry out too much between watering because if they get super thirsty then super hydrated heirlooms are more prone to the skin splitting. I heard that.
As for how to balance those water/drainage needs your guess is as good as mine?
Maybe check them often, regular watering, stick your finger in the soil to check it’s the comfortable level of damp. Here’s a better guide https://www.thespruce.com/why-do-tomatoes-split-2540002
Also ask a Bunnings worker about the right potting mix, grab one with tomatoes on the label, or if in-ground and you have heavier more clay soil ask about additives for digging in to help drainage (like sand or micah or something).
There’s also something about epsom salts for acid loving plants but I don’t know the right way to go about that and that seems advanced.
Personally I’d just use safe bets for fertiliser like a slow release fertiliser for vegetables or Seasol according to directions. Because tomatoes are hungry bois. Or manure if it’s been rotted down.
A more experienced person might have better tips.
…Damn. I wanted to do tomatoes one day but they seem like they take a bit of maintenance? 😥