Re-Potting your Plants

1. Choose a pot that is at least 30 cm tall (12”).  The smaller the pot, the faster it will dry out and the less room the roots will have to grow.
2. Partially fill your pot with soil.  You will be planting your tomato plant deep because this will help them to develop a better root system. Roots will grow from the dirt covered stems!  
3. Gently remove the tomato plant from the original container and place it in the centre of your new container.  
4. Fill the new container with soil until the plant is buried to the bottom of the first true leaves.
5. Water!  We like to water them until you can see water seeping from the holes at the bottom to make sure the moisture has extended through the whole length of the container. Tomatoes are thirsty plants, so water deep and water often.

Hardening-Off

1. Place your plants outside during the day where they will be partially sheltered from strong winds and direct sunlight.  For example, the side of my house on my deck works perfectly because there is shade and my house blocks most wind.
2. Water your plants well to protect them as they adapt to being outside.
3. To start, only let your plant stay outside for a few hours up to half a day.  
4. Bring them inside for the first few nights, especially if the temperatures will be below 5 to 7 degrees C.  If nighttime lows are above 5 to 7 degrees C you can gradually begin to leave them outside overnight.
5. As each day passes, you can move them into more direct sunlight and wind.
6. After the first couple days, only have bring your plants indoors if the temperature is colder than 5 to 7 degrees C.
7. Wilt, burnt or yellowing is a sign that you are moving too fast. Ensure your plants have enough water and provide them less direct light for a bit longer. You should see them perk up again.

Water! Fertilizer! Sunlight!

1. The soil should be kept moist, but not flooded.  If you have a container with holes at the bottom, flooding will not be an issue.  For container plants, more often than not they will be drier than they like, so remember to water often.  During 30 degree C weather, you will likely have to water them daily if they are in containers (less so if they are planted directly in the ground).
2. Tomato plants love sunlight!  Sunlight gives them energy to produce flowers and tomatoes.
3. Tomato plants are heavy feeders, which mean that they require large amounts of nutrients in the soil.  Our best recommendation is adding a thin layer of compost to the top of the soil, which can be done at any time.  You can also use organic fertilizers, or other fertilizers.  We favour organic fertilizers for several reasons but any vegetable or all-purpose fertilizer will work.  When using a fertilizer, carefully follow the instructions on the container.  It is especially helpful to the plant to add fertilizer when your plants start to bloom (small yellow flowers).

Plant Support

Other Questions?