Do-it-yourself drip irrigation of tomatoes in the greenhouse. DIY drip irrigation for tomatoes from plastic bottles

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation: diagram, video.

Regular dosed watering is a guarantee of a high yield of vegetables. Do gardeners solve the problem every season? how to simultaneously grow a bountiful harvest of tomatoes and cucumbers in a greenhouse, while spending less water and physical effort on cultivating the land.

It is possible to saturate the soil with moisture with minimal labor costs using a drip irrigation system. You can build an irrigation mechanism in a greenhouse with your own hands using a ready-made kit or by picking up hoses, a filter, drip tape and fittings yourself.

Why install drip irrigation?

With the beginning of the use of spot irrigation, the yield of cucumbers and tomatoes both in the greenhouse and in open areas increases by 30%, due to the fact that the micro-drip irrigation mechanism, in manual or automatic mode, delivers moisture directly to the roots of plants in the right dosage with the required frequency. In this case, plant roots develop in a small area and plantings do not thicken.

Expensive drip irrigation systems operate in multi-program mode, have a control unit and a built-in timer.

The crops that are grown in the greenhouse are moisture-saturated plants, they contain moisture from 75 to 97%. As a result, they require a large amount of water for ripening, for example, the water consumption coefficient for tomatoes is 90–150, for cucumbers 100–150. Plants are especially sensitive to lack of moisture during the period of initial growth, when the roots have not yet taken root. Both waterlogging of the soil and drought are dangerous, therefore automatic irrigation is preferable to manual.

What is the mechanism?

The principle of operation is the automatic supply of filtered water directly to the root system of each plant through droppers. Spot irrigation is installed in the country, both in an open space and in a greenhouse.

How to independently mount a drip irrigation system for greenhouses?

Installation is carried out in 3 stages. Before starting work, consider the required length of the main pipe, tape or drip hose, taking into account the location of the beds and rows of plants in the greenhouse. It is necessary to take into account the number of droppers, starter fittings and adapters on the prepared diagram.

For the convenience of the gardener, it is better to buy a ready-made drip irrigation kit for greenhouses. When choosing a set of drip irrigation systems, the type of control is important (manual or automatic water supply), the ability to change the humidification mode, the size of the covered area and for which type of vegetable crops the dropper step is designed. Collect spot irrigation in accordance with the instructions attached to the kit.

Stage 1. Materials

To install irrigation in a greenhouse, you will need:

1.Drip tape or tube.
To choose a PVC pipe or tape, each gardener decides for himself, based on the financial capabilities and characteristics of the greenhouse. The droppers are mounted into the drip tape at a certain distance, and holes are made independently in the PVC tube for a point release of moisture.

The tube is made of polyvinyl chloride, the diameter of the tube should not exceed 15 mm, in this case, the pressure required for irrigation is created. It is advisable to choose a dense black, light-stabilized hose. If you use a transparent hose under the influence of sunlight, after a few days the pipe will turn green, algae will multiply inside and this will clog the filters.

A PVC pipe or tape with drippers is responsible for the period of operation of the system and the quality of irrigation. Their consumption is equal to the sum of the treated areas plus a small allowance for the end cap.

Drip tape is produced in 3 types: emitter, labyrinth and slit. They differ in the principles of moisture distribution inside, the materials of which they are made and the service life.

Labyrinth drip tape is considered the simplest and most affordable. A labyrinth-shaped channel is located inside the thin-walled tube. This structure allows you to reduce the water pressure and redistribute the flow movement. The owner is required to ensure that the holes in the labyrinth drip tape are located on top, not overturned.

The crevice system is an analogue of the labyrinth system; it can withstand significantly higher loads due to the fact that the irrigation canal is located inside the labyrinth.

Drip tape with emitters (microdroppers built into the surface of the tubes at distances of 10-30 cm) is designed for 4-6 seasons of service. Compared to other types of drip tapes, the emitter is resistant to contamination due to the eddy flow formed in it.

Drip pipe thickness 0.125–. Thick material is chosen for rocky soil where the risk of damage is high. The average irrigation flow is 1-1.5 l / h. Distance between droppers for cucumbers 15–.

2. Main water supply.
The length of the main hose is equal to the distance of the water tank or well with a pump from the beds with plants. Its diameter is not less than 32 mm. The main line is located directly on the beds and combined with cranes and starters. To prevent displacement of the main pipe or hose, it is pressed to the surface of the ground using paper clips made of wire of arbitrary diameter.

An ordinary pipe for supplying cold water can serve as a trunk wire.

3. Fine filter.
The incoming stream of water needs filtration, without it, soil contamination and foreign objects in a short time will disable the device. Irrigation mechanisms are damaged by biological blockages, such as algae, silt; mechanical in the form of sand, stones and chemical nature - calcium deposits. To eliminate blockages, use special reagents and regular flushing at least 1 time per week. The filter is installed in the main hose.

4.Mini starters, valves, adapters, plugs, fittings.
Using the initial starter in the country, they regulate the supply of liquid to each bed, turn off the unnecessary one, while leaving the rest to work. This is important for the greenhouse, since plants of different water consumption grow nearby.

4. Droppers.
The set includes droppers of different structure, for example, in the form of knitting needles with a sharp end. A hose from a mini-starter is brought to them, and water penetrates through the spoke to the required depth to the roots. There is a compensated dropper that distributes water flows between neighboring plants. Drippers are subdivided according to the performance level - 0.6-3.8 l / h.

The number of droppers corresponds to the number of plants in the treated beds!

Stage 2. Calculation of costs

The gardener needs to prepare a greenhouse diagram indicating the size of the beds. The dots indicate the location of the plants in the rows. A main pipe is placed along the beds, a hose with droppers is run from it to the beds so that the flow goes to all the plants.

Consider the length of the main pipe, the sum of the lengths of drip tapes or PVC wires, the number of starting fittings, taps, droppers, splitters. The result will be individual for everyone, since the consumption depends on the size of the beds in the greenhouse, the frequency of planting and the type of material, for how many seasons it is designed, and so on.

Irrigation belts and accessories are designed for a different number of years of service depending on the material. At the end of the summer cottage, the system is cleaned of blockages, twisted and stored.

Stage 3. Installation and start-up of the system

The pipeline is connected to a water source. The container with water should be raised to a height of at least 15-25 cm to ensure pressure and fluid movement. in the country you can put a euro cube for watering - it is more convenient than a barrel and its installation is easier. To calculate the pressure, keep in mind that raising the water tank by 1 meter increases the pressure in the system by 0.1 bar.

The line is located at the ends of the beds, fixed on the ground and drilled holes for taps or fittings with a diameter of 15 mm. Installing a drip tape consists of attaching it to the taps and laying it along the rows of plants. From the opposite end, the tape is closed with plugs or pulled together with a wire, an elastic band. Optionally, a control unit is installed next to the filter, and water will be supplied in an automatically set mode. The system must be flushed before the first start-up.

Ten advantages of the system

1. Thanks to uniform injection, the soil does not erode during point irrigation, the ecology of the soil composition is preserved, the earth does not sink.
2. The irrigation tape is spread over the ground so that all plants are equally supplied with water.
3. Slowly moistens the earthen ball, while the water does not remain on the leaves, but penetrates into the roots of plants. For tomatoes and cucumbers in the greenhouse, it is important that no water gets onto the leaves during irrigation. This causes burn spots on the leaves.
4. Water from the soil surface does not evaporate, therefore, does not create excess moisture in the greenhouse. At optimal temperature and humidity, diseases of vegetable crops develop less.
5. Do-it-yourself watering takes much more time and physical effort than an automated irrigation system.
6. When growing plants in greenhouse conditions, the yield increases by 2 - "smart" moisture. Water is not wasted on adjacent areas, paths.
7. With the help of an irrigation system, large greenhouses or open spaces are treated.
8. The drip irrigation method is able to "make" a good harvest even on "difficult" soils, for example, heavy or too loose.
9. The automated system makes it possible to simultaneously perform several hydrotechnical operations: to moisten the plants, apply top dressing, use protective equipment in the required dosage.
10. Water savings are more than 50% compared to conventional sprinkler irrigation (spraying).

Conclusion

Do-it-yourself watering has long ceased to be the only solution for gardeners. The automatic irrigation system, despite the initial investment, pays off quickly, frees up the strength of summer residents for other work.

When planting tomatoes, it should be borne in mind that how to water the tomatoes in the greenhouse will influence their development. As a result, the yield of vegetables depends on this.

Growing tomato bushes are negatively affected not only by a lack of water, but also by excess moisture. A small proportion of gardeners mistakenly believe that watering should be done very often, using a large amount of water. However, as a result, from such actions, the plant is exposed to diseases, and the yield decreases.

Necessary microclimatic indicators

How to water properly, the frequency and volume of water must be determined based on the microclimatic conditions of the greenhouses. The air in summer has a humidity of about 60 to 80%. Only on very hot days the humidity can be lower and reach 40%. During summer showers, alternating with hot weather, air humidity can approach 90%.

If the watering of tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse is not organized correctly, then the humidity can significantly exceed the permissible value, which has a detrimental effect on tomatoes. The peculiarity of tomatoes is that the above-ground part of them prefers dry air, and the roots, to ensure the growth of the stems, require a sufficient amount of water. Therefore, in the greenhouse, optimal conditions should be created by choosing the correct irrigation regime.

Excess water, which forms stagnation at the level of the tomato root system, causes root rot. But if there is not enough water in the soil, then the foliage is dehydrated, causing the plants to overheat, this can lead to the death of the entire bush.

Note! If the leaves of tomatoes curl relative to the central vein, forming a kind of "boat", then this is a clear sign of insufficient soil moisture.

The calculation of the number of tomato irrigations in the greenhouse is carried out in such a way that they provide ninety percent soil moisture and 50% air moisture. This ratio allows the bushes to develop normally, at the same time, protects the plant from infection with fungal bacteria. To maintain an optimal microclimate in the greenhouse, tomatoes are watered after 3-7 days, based on the level of temperature and air humidity.

When irrigating tomatoes, it should be noted that each bush needs 4-5 liters of water, which should only flow into the soil to the root system of the plant, and so that drops do not fall on the foliage. On a sunny day, a drop of water acts as a lens, projecting a sunbeam and increasing its power at times, causing a leaf burn. Therefore, irrigation is recommended to be carried out early in the morning or in the evening, so that moisture can be absorbed into the soil without creating a greenhouse effect during evaporation.

Remember! Watering tomatoes with cool water creates stress on the plant. The optimum water temperature for irrigation should be no less than + 23– + 24 degrees.

Greenhouse watering methods

Greenhouse tomatoes can be watered in several ways.

Manual watering

For small structures, manual irrigation is often considered optimal. For this, watering cans and hoses are used to ensure the flow of moisture directly to the roots. If the water does not penetrate the soil quickly enough, you can make several depressions in the soil near the plant.

Watering tomatoes with hoses, using water from a well or a water supply system, is dangerous, as it is possible dangerous cooling of their root system. At the same time, there is no strict dosage that provides each plant with the required amount of liquid. And when you change the position of the hose, you can break the planted tomato seedlings. Another disadvantage of this type of irrigation is that a dense crust remains on the soil surface.

It is better if manual watering of tomatoes in the greenhouse is carried out with watering cans, with settled water of the required temperature. With this method of irrigation, it is necessary to ensure that water does not fall on the aboveground part of the plants, and does not cause burns or hypothermia of the plants during evaporation.

Sometimes a barrel is placed near the greenhouse, into which water is collected. Rainwater collected in containers is considered ideal for irrigation. When a container with water is placed in a greenhouse, then it should be covered with a film or a lid so that an excess of air humidity does not form, which can harm the tomatoes.

Drip irrigation device

This method is used if tomatoes are grown in a greenhouse in large areas. Manual watering in such premises will require a lot of time and labor. To simplify this procedure, a system is being built that will allow drip irrigation of tomatoes.

Moisture is delivered only to the roots, without raising the level of air humidity in the greenhouse, and the ingress of water spray on the aerial parts of the plant is also excluded.

In this way, you can water tomatoes without taking into account the time of day. Also, its advantage is that the soil is not washed out and salinization does not occur. The drip irrigation device for tomatoes in the greenhouse is mounted even before the seedlings are planted. Dense hoses with holes are laid along the length of the rows.

Complete systems are sold in specialized stores. They can be mounted in the greenhouse with your own hands according to the attached instructions. With this system, it is also possible to apply fertilizers during feeding.

Small greenhouses can be equipped with drip irrigation of tomatoes using plastic bottles. Small holes are made in the bottom of the bottle and they are dug in near the bush, and water is filled through the neck. You can bury the bottle with the neck down, and add water to the cut bottom. This can provide a slow access of water to the roots of the plant, and you can also accurately determine the volume of liquid required for the plant.

You can also water tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse using another drip irrigation device. It is necessary to build the system using a small hose buried near the plant. The end of the hoses is screwed into the bottleneck, and water enters through a small hole in the bottom, while moisture is slowly delivered to the roots of the tomato.

Automation

In industrial greenhouses with a large area, an automatic irrigation system is often used. Only with large areas it is possible to recoup its cost.

Watering tomatoes at different stages of development

How often to water tomatoes in the greenhouse, and how much water is needed, directly depends on the phases of their development. 2 days before the picking, the seedlings are thoroughly irrigated. This allows the plants to absorb moisture and it is easier to transfer the transplanting process to another container. The next watering in the greenhouse is carried out on the fourth day after the dive.

When planting seedlings in a greenhouse method, about 4 liters of water are poured into each hole. This contributes to the early rooting of tomatoes. The next watering is carried out only after at least 7-10 days.

After this time, the tomatoes begin to grow intensively. But, since by this time the root system of tomatoes is not yet too developed, it is difficult for them to get the necessary moisture. Because of this, approximately before the start of the discoloration, the tomatoes are watered in the greenhouse as often as the ground dries up, this is after about 3 days. For each bush, from 2 to 3 liters of water is consumed for each watering.

During the formation of flowers on a plant, they need 5 liters of water. The frequency of watering during this period is reduced to 1 time every 7 days, and when the fruits are poured, watering is again carried out twice a week. Do not water the bushes with too much water, so that moisture stagnation does not form. This causes rotting of the tomato root system. If fruits begin to ripen on the brushes, then watering is carried out once a week, the amount of liquid is reduced to 2 liters under 1 bush. Excessive soil moisture contributes to the formation of cracks in the fruits.

The frequency of watering and the volume of water should be taken into account, starting from the weather conditions and the specifics of the structure of an individual greenhouse. Warm and dry weather conditions, does not affect the frequency and abundance of watering. You should only pay attention to the fact that when watering, moisture is not splashed on the foliage, to avoid plant burns.

It should also be borne in mind that late watering will require prolonged airing of the greenhouse, which can be bad for the plants due to the cool night air. It is optimal to carry out irrigation in the evening. But if the weather is cool and damp, then it is recommended to water until noon, so that the excess moisture in the greenhouse disappears faster.

Kira Stoletova

The sale of vegetable crops is now very common in the consumer market. Planting and growing tomatoes is especially revered among farmers. But, like any plant, the bush requires proper care and attention, especially crops are in urgent need of irrigation. Drip irrigation of a tomato is one of the most effective irrigation systems, which allows you to correctly and timely introduce the necessary moisture into the soil and supply vegetables with nutrients.

Method description

The most optimal solution when growing a vegetable crop in open ground or in greenhouse conditions is drip irrigation of tomatoes, then a sufficient amount of water will always be introduced into the soil. The essence of the method is to draw water through a hose located along the perimeter of the beds due to pressure and to carry out a uniform flow of water.

The advantage of the method is its functionality, it not only irrigates the soil, but also frees you from exhausting manual application of liquid into the soil. Another advantage is the fact that with the help of drip irrigation of tomatoes in the greenhouse, you can do the work twice as fast, while water will enter all the beds in the right amount. With this system, it is very easy to maintain the required watering regime.

If you are growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, drip irrigation is the best solution for you, just like outdoors. The system is designed to water vegetables, house plants, flowers in the garden. Thanks to the automatic irrigation system, water is distributed only to the desired plants, which prevents weeds from growing.

Irrigation rules for crops

In order for drip irrigation of tomatoes to bring the expected benefits, you should adhere to the general recommendations for irrigation when growing vegetables in a greenhouse. Tomato species thrive in moist soil, but the air needs to be dry. Therefore, it is not recommended to aerate the soil immediately after irrigation - these manipulations will dry it out and will not have the desired effect. The most optimal would be to fertilize the ground with freshly cut grass, such actions will retain moisture.

Liquid application rules:

• it should be watered under the root system, the main thing is to make sure that with your actions you do not wash the rhizome;
• in order to avoid diseases, try to prevent the leaves and stems from getting wet in the greenhouse, excessive moisture may be created;
• all water procedures should be carried out in the morning;
• the liquid must be warmed up to 22-24 ° C;
• improper care can lead to excessive evaporation of moisture through the leaves, which will lead to the death of the plant;
• vegetable culture requires abundant, but not frequent introduction of liquid, in order to avoid dampness and suppuration.

It is optimal to carry out the water procedure several times a week. You will need about 4 liters of water for each bush.

Irrigation systems

Dropper systems for watering vegetables can be of different types.

1. Katif - a device for irrigation on an industrial scale, made from a hose of elastic structure, the width of the walls should be no more than 15 mm.
2. Supertyf is an external dropper with a flow rate of up to 2 liters per hour, which is designed to irrigate several beds at once. Such a device can be installed on steep slopes and not worry about excessive fluid consumption.
3. Also, in your personal garden, you can do without any devices and make a system with your own hands, for example, with plastic bottles. To do this, you need to take a bottle, make several holes in it with an awl at a distance of 3-4 cm from the bottom and dig in the container to a depth of 10-12 cm down the bottom between the plants.
4. The system of automatic irrigation signor Tomato is a drip tape, which is designed for 100 m of beds. It runs on a battery and does not need to be charged with electricity because it is powered by the sun.

With each of these systems, it is quite easy to observe the irrigation regime, which is so necessary for growing shrubs and adult crops.

Installation methods

Katif and Supertyf

The installation and operation of the Katif and Supertyf droppers are very similar. In order to make an irrigation system, we need to insert droppers into the hose with our own hands:

• we make holes of the right size;
• make sure that the holes are even;
• make sure all the tubes fit well into the holes.

A distinctive feature of the Supertyf installation is that the hose is inserted on special supports and is located along the perimeter of the garden. Such a system is capable of watering tomatoes in four directions at once. Depending on how much water you need for irrigation, you can choose devices with different performance.

In the presence of a small summer cottage, the best option for the gardener would be to create drip irrigation with his own hand. After all, such irrigation systems will require a minimum investment of financial resources, and to create them, you can use the materials at hand.

Benefits of Drip Irrigation for Tomatoes

Arrangement of a site with tomatoes with a drip irrigation system simultaneously solves a large number of tasks:

1. Water is consumed more economically and efficiently. The liquid enters exactly in the direction, without wetting the entire soil.
2. Time and effort are saved.
3. The soil is better saturated with water, because excess moisture does not spread over the surface, staying longer in the soil.
4. The risk of damaging plants by pathogenic microbes is reduced, since water does not get on the foliage and does not create a favorable environment for pathogens to reproduce.
5. Plants with drip irrigation experience less stress even when irrigated with very cold water.
6. Together with watering, fertilizing and dressing of crops from diseases and pests is successfully organized.
7. The root system under drip irrigation develops more powerfully, contributing to the active growth of vegetative mass.

DIY systems making options

In specialized markets, you can purchase universal kits for making a drip system. Such designs after assembly will not differ from factory samples, however, their cost will be considerable. But you can use the advice and recommendations of artisan gardeners by creating structures from old plastic bottles, medical products for injecting liquid, clay containers.

Standard design

Making a structure from polypropylene pipes for water supply has many advantages. The material is distinguished by its budgetary cost, reliability and practicality.

What you need:

• metal or plastic container with a volume of 150 - 200 liters;
• shut-off device for the passage of water and its overlap;
• device for water purification;
• plastic pipes without connections with a diameter of 1.5-2 cm - 100 - 200 m;
• old hoses or purchased drip tapes 50 - 100 m;
• connecting elements;
• soldering iron for soldering polymer pipes;
• screwdriver;
• sharp knife.

Manufacturing

Having made measurements of all the necessary elements before purchasing, it should be noted that irrigation of 1 square meter with planted tomatoes will require 20-25 liters of water per day and about 2 m of drip tapes. In order to ensure the supply of water to the plants with sufficient pressure, a volumetric container with water should be installed above the ground level by one to two meters.

After making a hole in the container at a height of about 10-15 cm from the bottom, mount the ball valve. Cut the polymer pipes with a sharp construction knife into pieces necessary for the length, use a screwdriver to make holes at a distance of 40 -70 cm. Using a soldering iron, fix the pipes to the fittings and make a wiring for connecting branches from an old hose or purchased drip tape. At the edge of each branch pipe, a plug of their wooden blocks should be made.

Attach the ends of the branches to the fittings, install a mini-starter, a splitter or a straight-through valve for a plastic pipe. The design of such connecting elements ensures good tightness, and opening and closing the valve does not require much effort. In addition, thanks to special regulators, you can smoothly change the amount of water supplied. At the last stage of manufacturing the structure, you should connect the water supply to the tank, fill it and start drip irrigation.

The water filter must be installed on the container. After all, the unit will retain sand and debris. Without filtering small particles, the irrigation system will quickly fail.

Application of plastic bottles

The most budgetary and ordinary method of watering tomatoes is to create a structure using plastic bottles that accumulate in every home. This method of irrigation is not a substitute for full-fledged soil moisture during severe drought. However, it is a good idea to keep the humidity up to save the life of the plants.

Necessary materials:

• plastic bottles with a volume of 1.5 to 5 liters;
• a needle, knitting needle or nail;
• nylon;
• twine;
• geyser plugs.

Dug-in containers

Manufacturing

Taking the prepared bottles and a hot sharp object, make holes around the entire circumference, stepping back from the upper and lower edges of the container by 5cm-10cm. After digging a hole next to the tomato bush, place the bottle with the neck up. Cover with earth, leaving 15 cm at the top. Fix a piece of nylon on the neck of the container to prevent dirt from entering. Using a watering can without a nozzle, pour water into the bottle, which will subsequently be evenly fed to the tomato root system.

Suspended containers

Manufacturing

To create this structure, it is worth worrying about the construction of wooden stakes or metal rods above the bushes with tomatoes in advance, on which a container with water will be attached. The maximum height of structures should not exceed 50 cm. Having made holes on the bottle lid with a hot, sharp object, the bottom must be cut off with a knife. Pierce two holes on the side of the bottle, thread the string and hang it from the stakes structure. Pour water, fix a piece of nylon over the top of the container to prevent debris from entering.

With a geyser stopper for plastic bottles

Manufacturing

To create that original design, in specialized markets you need to purchase a geyser-watering can, which is twisted on a bottle instead of a lid. The bottom of the container is cut off at will. After all, the advantage of the design is that as soon as the liquid in the container runs out, you can unscrew it from the geyser nozzle and collect water again. Pre-punctured holes on the bottle, a watering can is put on it, the structure is stuck into the ground at a distance of 10 cm from the tomato bush. The only drawback of this system is that the nozzle can be selected only on a 1L-2.5L bottle.

When creating a drip irrigation system from plastic bottles, you should know that the more holes are made in the containers, the more drops will fall on the plantings. In this case, the containers will have to be filled with water much more often. An excellent option when installing plastic structures would be to add fertilizers and disinfectants to the containers from pests and diseases. However, it must be remembered that top dressing, fungicides and insecticides should be added already dissolved. It is necessary to dilute drugs strictly following the instructions.

Using pottery

The method of spot irrigation using clay containers was used thousands of years ago by the Israeli people to irrigate fields. When using this method, much less water is consumed, weeds grow poorly, and there are fewer pests.

Necessary materials:

• clay containers of various sizes.

Manufacturing

Clay vessels should be buried in the ground at a distance of 15 cm from the root system of the plant. Bury small containers in the ground for irrigation of crops in small raised beds or containers, bury larger containers for irrigation of plants in small land plots. All that needs to be done after the pitchers are buried in the ground is to fill them with water in a timely manner, systematically monitoring the condition of the tomatoes.

With this method of drip irrigation, all lateral branches of the tomato root system will intensively reach for the buried vessel with water, braiding it over time, securely fixing itself on its outer walls.

Clay vessel drip irrigation technology can save up to 60% of the water used for surface irrigation. To preserve the dishes before sub-zero temperatures, the pots should be pulled out of the ground, cleaned with soda ash and vinegar, keeping in a dry place until next season.

When using the method of drip irrigation using clay dishes, fertilizers and dressing agents should not be added to the containers. Therefore, plants should be fed, treated with fungicides and insecticides separately.

Medical dropper design

Spot irrigation with medical droppers has a similar principle of work with other do-it-yourself designs. The supply of liquid to the root system of tomatoes in such a system can occur both from a volumetric container and directly from a water supply system.

Necessary materials:

• plastic or metal container with a volume of 100l-200l;
• polymer pipes for water supply 50m-100m;
• water filter;
• medical devices for the introduction of fluid into the body;
• ball valve;
• plastic plugs;
• fitting;
• angle-HDPE for connecting pipes;
• sharp construction knife;
• drill or screwdriver.

System with water tank

Manufacturing

After installing a container for supplying water to an elevation of 1m-2m, a filter and a ball valve must be installed in it, retreating 10 cm from the bottom. After installing the elements, you should carry out the installation of the corner-pnd, securing it with a coupling. To one of its edges you need to put on a piece of polymer pipe, and to the second one another corner for connecting to the main plastic hose. Having counted the number of beds, make a layout, securing the branches with fittings.

When the polymer pipes are installed and laid out throughout the site, you should start connecting medical devices. After making the necessary holes in the hoses with a screwdriver or drill, fix the tubes. After attaching the droppers, the needle should be placed at the base of the tomatoes, and the system wheel should be unscrewed until it stops. This action is necessary to check the operation of the structure, after which adjust the required level of water supply. For moisture-loving crops, you need to adjust a large flow of liquid, for others - lower the level.

Plumbing system

Manufacturing

Drip irrigation of their medical devices can be done directly from the water supply by attaching a hose to it. This method is applicable even with a high water pressure. After all, after waiting until the liquid reaches the most distant point, you can turn on the tap, reducing the water supply. To make a structure, lay out polymer pipes or old hoses around the site, make wiring. Using a screwdriver or drill, make holes, mount the droppers.

Stake system

Manufacturing

Having installed stakes near the plants with nails driven into the upper part, he will hang up droppers filled with water. Use the wheel to adjust the liquid flow to the tomatoes.

It is possible to increase the efficiency of the drip irrigation structure from medical devices for the introduction of liquid by laying mulch near the root system of tomatoes with a layer of 15-25 cm.

Underground system

Irrigation underground differs from similar drip structures in that water is supplied directly to the tomato root system.

Necessary materials:

• polypropylene pipes for water supply 100m;
• polyethylene;
• tees;
• plastic plugs;
• screwdriver or drill;
• agrofiber or nylon.

Manufacturing

Having dug a trench about 25cm-30cm deep, you need to put plastic wrap on its bottom. The element will serve as a barrier to prevent water escape. A layer of small stones should be laid on the film, then a polymer hose. For even distribution of the liquid, the inlet of the main pipe must be exactly in the middle. Having made holes with a diameter of 1.5mm-3mm with a screwdriver or drill, put plugs, connect to a water supply or a bulk container with water.

After checking the structure, you should wrap the polymer pipe with agrofibre or nylon, fill the trench with soil. After turning on the system again for a few minutes, dig out the soil in several places to check for wetness.

If there are plants on the site that require uneven watering, instead of tees on the underground structure, regulator taps can be installed that will limit the supply of water to individual crops.

Each gardener on the site will have items and parts to create the simplest drip design. Spending a minimum of financial resources on their production, you can achieve excellent results when growing tomatoes.

Before the seedlings sprout, the ground is sprayed with water once a day and covered with foil. In the future, the film is removed and the seedlings are watered 1-2 times a week.

The optimum water temperature for tomato seedlings is 20-25 ° C. Some summer residents heat the water and then dilute it with colder water. But when boiled, water loses oxygen necessary for plants. Therefore, it is better to let the water stand in a warm place for a while to warm up to room temperature on its own.

Depending on the phase of development, the tomato needs a different amount of moisture. When transplanting seedlings into a greenhouse, each hole is watered (4-5 liters), and the plants are left for 10 days for rooting. Previously, organic feeding is placed in each hole (compost or humus with the addition of wood ash).

After 7 days, the seedlings begin to grow actively and need regular and abundant watering. A weak root system itself is not able to obtain moisture from the soil, therefore, before the formation of peduncles, irrigation is carried out twice a week at the rate of 2-3 liters per bush.

Watering tomatoes in a greenhouse once a month is combined with the introduction of mineral fertilizers: 15 g of potash, 25 g of nitrogen-containing and 40 g of phosphorus are dissolved in 10 liters of water. Consumption rate based on 1 liter per bush.

When the flower stalks are already formed, the frequency of watering is reduced to once a week, but the volume is increased to 5 liters of water per bush. Watering is alternated with fertilization (1 tbsp. L potassium sulfate, 0.5 l of chicken droppings and 0.5 l of mullein per 10 l of water) at the rate of 1.5 liters per plant.

With the onset of fruiting, the frequency of irrigation is increased to twice a week, and in order to improve the taste and accelerate the ripening of tomatoes, 2 tbsp. l. superphosphate and 1 tbsp. l. liquid sodium humate dissolved in 10 liters of water. When the tomato turns red, watering is reduced to 1 time in seven days, and completely stop before harvesting for 20 days.

Read about what else you can feed tomatoes in order to get maximum yield in our article.

Organization of irrigation in the greenhouse.

During the formation of fruits, tomato bushes are watered abundantly (20 liters per 1 square meter) as the soil dries. However, this increases the humidity in the greenhouse, which is not very pleasant for the plants. Ventilation, as a rule, does not allow maintaining constant humidity at 45-65%. In this case, you can use a drip irrigation system with a centralized water supply or with the use of plastic bottles feeding each plant individually.

The use of drippers for irrigation allows you to ensure an even flow and movement of water at any point in the system by creating the same pressure. The volume of water that flows out of the structures can be set yourself.

The droppers are placed right next to the beds, so the liquid is directed in uniform streams directly to the roots.

Installing such a system in a greenhouse with your own hands is not an insoluble task and does not require special skills and abilities. Using the system in greenhouse conditions solves the problem of weed removal due to the direction of water flows strictly according to the intended purpose.

Drip irrigation of tomatoes in a greenhouse as an irrigation method has gone from devices built into the hose to droppers that are inside the hose. These are the so-called compensation systems that allow organizing irrigation in areas with difficult terrain.

The main types of droppers today are katif and supertyff.Their differences are that katif is used in flexible hoses with a wall thickness not exceeding 1.5 cm, and supertyff allows you to organize high-precision watering of several bushes using a special device for branching water flows.

For the full development of tomato bushes in greenhouse conditions, it is necessary to maintain soil moisture at 90%, and the ambient humidity should be 50-60%.

If the degree of soil moisture can be determined mechanically, by simply squeezing a handful of earth in your hand and at the same time it will slightly compact, then the gardener will need a hygrometer to determine the dryness of the air.

We should not forget about the quality of water for irrigation.

Water temperature

Do not water tomatoes with cold water directly from a well or water pipe. Sudden changes in temperature cause stress to plants, which can cause diseases and stunted development.

Water is collected in large containers and allowed to settle and warm up to a temperature of 22-25⁰С. If the tanks are in the greenhouse, then they must be equipped with lids, because evaporation of moisture in hot weather increases the air humidity inside the structure, and tomatoes do not like this.

Watering time in a greenhouse is directly dependent on the weather outside. On hot and dry days, irrigation is carried out early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the solar heat subsides. It must be remembered that by the evening coolness the plants had time to absorb most of the moisture, and watering did not cause an increase in humidity.

It is not recommended to postpone watering until late in the evening. in a closed space, a greenhouse effect will be created, air humidity will increase, and this, in turn, will entail an increase in humidity in the greenhouse.

Regularity of watering

The tomato plant is more drought-resistant than moisture-loving.

• Excessive hydration soil leads to decay of the root system and provokes the emergence of many diseases and the most insidious of them - late blight. In a matter of days, she can destroy the entire crop at the root. This is especially dangerous with thickened plantings.
• But also a prolonged drought adversely affects the development of tomatoes. Due to the lack of moisture, the leaves begin to curl, wither, which ultimately leads to the weakening of the plant and its death.

You can determine the need of plants for moisture by their appearance: the leaves lose their turgor and begin to droop to the ground. With prolonged drought, the tips of the leaves begin to dry out, which will certainly affect the amount of the crop.

Tomatoes in the greenhouse are watered on average once every 2-3 days and 3-5 liters of water are consumed for each adult plant. Again: it all depends on the condition of the soil, its structure and external factors.

Tomatoes are mainly grown in seedlings, due to the long growing season, which means that we are dealing with pampered plants that are not accustomed to providing themselves with moisture and this concern falls on the shoulders of the gardener.

Planting tomato seedlings is carried out in moistened soil and additionally watered from above so that the root system is tightly connected to the ground.

During the adaptation period - this is about 10-14 days - the seedlings are watered sparingly and only if necessary. Severe conditions are necessary in order for the plant to direct its forces to the development of the root system, which must go deep into the soil and learn to extract water on its own.

Frequent watering of seedlings after planting will make the plant lazy, and most of the roots will remain in the surface layers of the soil. For young seedlings, 2-3 liters per plant will be enough.

Read more in the article: Caring for tomatoes in the greenhouse from planting to harvest

During flowering

Do not allow the soil to dry out for a long time during the period of budding and flowering. Lack of moisture can lead to massive shedding of color, which will lead to a decrease in yield. Tomatoes are watered at least 2 times a week, taking into account the state of the soil, but the volume of water is increased to 4-5 liters per bush.

During fruiting, when the tomatoes begin to turn red, the frequency of watering is minimized: irrigation is carried out once a week. The amount of moisture supplied is also reduced.

Excessive moisture very often leads to cracking of the fruit, which reduces the presentation, quality and quantity of the crop.

It is necessary to water the tomato bushes at the root, preventing water from getting on the leaves and stems of the plant. Water droplets can act as a magnifying glass, causing yellow spots to appear on the leaves - these are sunburns. To eliminate this possibility, several watering methods are used.

• Traditional (manual),
• drip,
• using plastic bottles,
• dimple,
• auto.

Any option should provide uniform soil moisture along the entire circumference of the tomato bush stem.

In small summer cottages, you can observe how the gardener in the evening whips between the container with water and the greenhouse, carrying out the next watering. And this is not surprising, because manual watering with the power of a garden watering can or a bucket and a ladle is the most common.

Another thing is that the process is quite laborious and requires considerable physical strength. It is necessary to scoop up water, bring it to the greenhouse, water it, and given the size of the greenhouse and the number of tomatoes grown, when 10 liters of water are consumed for 2-3 plants, one can imagine how the summer resident feels at the end of the working day.

But, despite all the laboriousness, manual watering has a number of advantages.

• The gardener knows exactly how much water he pours under each tomato bush.
• It is possible to water the plant carefully, without water droplets falling on the leaves and stems.
• Combine watering with top dressing, depending on the stage of tomato development.

Hose watering

Watering the beds with tomatoes in the greenhouse with a hose, of course, makes the work of the gardener easier, but has some disadvantages.

1. There is a high chance of damage to plants when the hose is moved around the greenhouse.
2. There is no way to control the amount of moisture supplied.
3. With a strong pressure, the soil under the tomatoes is compacted and washed out, which leads to the exposure of root shoots located close to the soil surface.
4. If the hose is connected to a water pipe or a well, then the low water temperature negatively affects the growth of tomatoes: in extreme heat, watering with cold water causes a sharp cooling of the root system, the plants fall into a stupor and slow down in development.

To facilitate watering tomatoes, you can use drip irrigation. An irrigation line is purchased in a specialized store or made by hand.

I would especially like to note the high efficiency and highlight the advantages of drip irrigation.

• This method provides a slow and even water supply exclusively to the root system.
• There is significant water savings.
• The ability to connect to a regular container installed at a height, where, if necessary, you can add fertilizers and then watering will be combined with fertilizing with minerals.
• The soil is not compacted during watering, and, therefore, there is no need to loosen it.
• The physical and time costs for watering tomato beds in a greenhouse are reduced.

Gardeners with economic ingenuity have found use for plastic bottles, which accumulate in large quantities at the summer cottage from drunk lemonade and soda water. This is a simplified drip irrigation option.

Option number 1

• In the walls of a plastic bottle (of any volume), holes are made along the entire height with a hot nail or awl.
• Then the vessel is buried in the ground near the tomato bushes, leaving only the neck above the soil surface. You should be careful and try not to damage the root system. Ideally, this work should be carried out along with planting tomato seedlings in a greenhouse.
• The bottles are filled with water, which will slowly go into the soil, feeding the root system with life-giving moisture.

Option number 2

The plastic bottle must be cut by the hangers, and holes must be made at the bottom and at its bottom. The vessel is buried in the ground, deepening 2/3 of the height.

Such tanks are installed along the entire length of the bed and filled with water. The top cut is used as a lid to prevent water from evaporating and causing moisture inside the greenhouse to rise.

Option number 3

A hollow tube is dug into the ground next to a tomato bush. Holes are made in the lid of a plastic bottle, and the bottom is completely cut off - an impromptu funnel is obtained.

Watering tomatoes after planting

It is better not to water tomatoes for 5-10 days immediately after planting in a greenhouse or open ground. In the future, it is advisable to moisten the soil on average once a week (or more often as the soil dries up). Water consumption - 3-5 liters per bush.

Watering tomatoes during fruiting

Tomatoes are watered exclusively at the root. This advice is especially relevant during the flowering period, since sprinkling causes shedding of buds, and also delays fruit set. In addition, an increase in air humidity can cause the development of fungal diseases. During flowering, the amount of water is reduced to 1-2 liters per bush.

During the growing period of tomatoes, they are watered 1-2 times a week at the rate of 5-12 liters per square meter of the garden or 3-5 liters per bush (depending on weather conditions and soil moisture). If you are late with the next watering, and the soil is very dry, the amount of water should be reduced to 0.8-1 liters per bush. Otherwise, the fruits may begin to crumble or crack, and the plant will become especially vulnerable to top rot.

Watering methods.

Drip or capillary irrigation. It is used both for large greenhouses and for small ones.

Automatic watering of tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse is used for growing on an industrial scale, since this method requires significant financial costs. Autowatering is most often combined with a drip water supply system.

Farms use pumps, dispensers, filters, automatic control of the microclimate in the greenhouse, and many summer residents make a drip system from improvised means.

Watering tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse with a drip method is most effective when growing, since:

• the cost of water is reduced, while it falls directly under the roots and can be strictly dosed depending on the needs of the plant;
• the risk of soil salinization and leaching is reduced; no crust forms on the soil surface.
• the hoses are laid in the aisles along or in the middle once and not moved throughout the season - this prevents damage to the plants;
• watering a tomato does not require physical effort;
• yield increases.

Proper watering of tomatoes is carried out using the following methods:

1. plastic bottles;
2. hose;
3. bucket or watering can.

With the help of bottles.

The first method is simple and economical. Near each plant, you should dig a plastic bottle without a lid and with a cut bottom into the ground. So, the liquid will flow to the root system evenly and not fall on the green parts of the bush.

From the hose.

Traditional watering with a hose is difficult.

• during the ripening period of vegetables, it is difficult to dose moisture
• and there is a risk of damage to the tomatoes.

The best method is to irrigate the beds with a watering can or a bucket, however, it is not safe to transport heavy containers.

Drip.

It is most convenient to use drip irrigation. This device is located near the beds and delivers liquid directly to the plant roots. Thanks to this, they get maximum moisture and do not suffer from excess moisture.

Drippers are often used by gardeners to care for a large number of bushes in a greenhouse or large greenhouse.

Automatic irrigation is often used by summer residents in the process of growing popular vegetable crops - cucumbers and tomatoes.

This method has the following advantages:

1. full soil moisture;
2. no crust on the ground;
3. delivery of nutrients directly to the roots;
4. labor saving.

However, such a system has disadvantages.

• Its service life does not exceed 6 years, which must be taken into account when arranging a greenhouse.
• In addition, the structure is often damaged by rodents and is difficult to repair.

Ways to water tomatoes in a greenhouse

Water temperature

An open barrel of water should not be left in the greenhouse, as it will create excessive moisture in the air. It is best to cover it with foil or place it outside the greenhouse.

This vegetable crop needs a sufficient amount of water from the moment the shoots emerge, therefore, after the shoots are found, they must be sprayed with moisture from a spray bottle.

When young plants grow up, the bushes should be irrigated sparingly, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out. Organic food is added to the liquid every month.

Shortly before the pick, the seedlings are saturated with moisture for the last time, after which the seedlings are temporarily not watered.

When the fruits are poured, they need more water.

Air humidity here in the summer varies from 60 to 80%, with the exception of dry periods, when it drops to 40%, as well as cloudy days, which increase this indicator to 90%.

Such differences are destructive for tomatoes, which are demanding on the presence of water in the soil, but at the same time the culture loves dry air, which has a positive effect on the green mass of plants.

It is important to maintain a moisture balance, because both scarce and generous watering negatively affects the health of tomatoes.

Proper irrigation of the beds in the greenhouse provides soil moisture of about 90%, while the air remains sufficiently dry. In such conditions, the bushes are protected from fungal infections and other garden ailments.

In addition, active sun creates a greenhouse effect and promotes water evaporation.

It is important to monitor the ripening process of tomatoes, as soon as the upper brushes give a crop, watering can be interrupted. In September, summer residents harvest vegetables of late varieties, after which the garden is cleaned of plant residues.

Low-growing varieties of crops are watered less when vegetables ripen, since abundant watering can provoke the formation of rot, and irrigation stops 30 days before the final harvest. So, the fruits ripen amicably and are not subject to garden diseases.

That's all, guys. Take good care of the plant bushes and you will have a good harvest!

The summer cottage season will begin soon and the preparation time has already come. Knowledge and experience is what you need to get a harvest and be stocked in winter.

See you!

You will find detailed information on caring for tomatoes in the open field in our material.

Watering in the greenhouse is carried out early in the morning before sunrise or late in the evening after sunset twice a week. After irrigation, the greenhouse must be ventilated so as not to create excessive moisture. On average, about 4 liters of water are consumed per 1 bush.

In greenhouses, it is necessary to control air humidity (not less than 50%) and soil (not less than 90%). To check compliance with these standards, at a depth of 10 cm, take a small lump of earth, which should be easily molded into a lump with your hands, and not crumble.

Watering a tomato is always carried out at the root. It is important to ensure that no drops fall on the foliage - in the open field this can cause burns, and in the greenhouse the development of phytophthora. The water temperature should be at least 22-24 degrees Celsius.

Signs of underwatering and overwatering

Strong and healthy seedlings receive the required amount of liquid, the following signs indicate possible problems:

• curling leaves;
• cracking of the stem.

The first symptom indicates a lack of water, but abundant watering causes damage to the green parts of the plant and fruits - they become inedible.

In the greenhouse, it is important to irrigate the beds moderately, however, in dry and hot weather, the rate of liquid can be increased.

Signs of lack of moisture in tomatoes:

• Twisting the sheet plate along the center in the form of a "boat";
• Drying of ovaries and buds without disease symptoms.

With a lack of watering, the plants become weak and frail. There is an increased vulnerability to fungal diseases and insect-borne viruses.

Signs of excess moisture:

• Over-watered tomatoes become watery and tasteless;
• The stem and fruit crack, which leads to further infection and disease of the plant;
• Fungal diseases spread rapidly in the greenhouse.

With high humidity and poor ventilation of the greenhouse, all types of rot occur, late blight rapidly develops, the fruits deteriorate and lose their keeping quality and transportability.

The rate of watering tomatoes in the open field depends on the weather conditions. For these plants, both excessive and insufficient moisture are harmful. To prevent the leaves of tomatoes from turning yellow, it is necessary to water the bushes as the soil dries.

On average, irrigation can be carried out 1-2 times a week. For one bush, 5 liters of water is usually enough.

For watering tomatoes in the open field, you can use rainwater, since the degree of its hardness, saturation with trace elements and oxygen are optimal for plants. Of course, there are exceptions: for example, if you live near industrial plants or if you collect water from roofs whose materials contain copper, lead, asbestos and other substances that can have a negative impact on plant and human health. In no case should such water be used for irrigation.

Drip irrigation: how to do it yourself

If the purchase of ready-made devices for the drip irrigation system is not suitable for financial or other reasons, you can create a similar system in the greenhouse with your own hands using medical droppers. You need to find a pipe with a diameter of 20 mm with a wall thickness of 2 mm. Then cut it according to the size of the beds, make holes in it every half a meter.

Such a system is a really economical and practical option for creating an inexpensive drip irrigation system in greenhouse conditions. However, you can make such a design in a greenhouse, the costs will be even less.

Before starting installation work, it is recommended to plan well the length of the system, the location of the water supply through which the water will be supplied (it is preferable to put it perpendicular to the tomato rows). Longer lengths increase the risk of uneven watering.

It will not be superfluous to make a drawing of the site and fix all elements of the landscape on it, this will allow you to correctly and conveniently place the greenhouse and the irrigation system.

Drip irrigation of tomatoes in a greenhouse is an opportunity to organize a convenient and efficient irrigation system. Its use will not only facilitate the hard work of the gardener, but will also make it possible to harvest an excellent tomato harvest with minimal time and effort.

Drip irrigation is the most convenient technology for soil irrigation, since water consumption is significantly reduced. At the same time, it is not spent on the needs of the weeds and does not get on the leaves of plants, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. It is especially convenient that, along with drip irrigation, root feeding can be organized.

Drip irrigation can be organized from empty plastic bottles, along the walls of which small holes are made at different heights. The plastic with water is not completely closed and is buried upside down so that the seeping moisture constantly flows to the roots of the plant. If necessary, unscrew the lid and add water.

A homemade drip irrigation system must be constantly checked so that the holes are not clogged with soil. If this happens, the plants will die from drought.

Phased watering and feeding of tomatoes in the greenhouse: from seedlings to harvest

Many fertilizers, including organic ones, are quite aggressive and can burn the fragile roots of plants. Therefore, it is advisable to combine feeding with watering. And in some cases, this is a prerequisite, for example, if you are bringing bird droppings to the beds.

Watering tomatoes with iodine

Experienced gardeners believe that feeding tomatoes with iodine can accelerate fruit ripening and protect plants from late blight. The simplest recipe is to dissolve 4 drops of an alcohol solution of iodine in 10 liters of water and water the tomatoes at the rate of no more than 2 liters per bush.

Also, in order to combat late blight, you can add 1 liter of skim milk and 15 drops of iodine to 10 liters of water and spray the plants with this solution no more than once every 2 weeks.

You can feed tomatoes with yeast already a week after transplanting into the ground. For this, 100 g of dry yeast and 2 tbsp. sugar is dissolved in 10 liters of warm (25-30 ° C) water. After two hours, this mixture is diluted with 50 liters of water and poured under one bush no more than 0.5 liters of solution. Re-feeding is carried out after rooting the bush and before flowering.

Spraying with boric acid (5 g per 10 L of water) can be beneficial for tomatoes if flowers begin to crumble in hot weather. Also, foliar dressing using boric acid (2 g), manganese sulfate (4 g), copper sulfate (2 g) and zinc sulfate (2 g), diluted in 10 liters of water, can have a beneficial effect on the growth of tomatoes in a greenhouse. Do not fertilize in the daytime or in sunny weather - this can cause leaf burns.

The mullein is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:20 and the tomatoes are fed 10 days after planting in the ground. You can re-apply this organic fertilizer no earlier than after 10-14 days. You can also feed your green pets twice during the fruit formation period. Under one bush, previously abundantly watered with water, add 0.5 liters of solution, after which the plants are watered again.

Ammonia is a nitrogenous compound that is sometimes used for root feeding and insect control. A pungent smell, which after a while a person does not feel, scares away pests for a long time.

Most often, 10 ml of ammonia is diluted in 1 bucket of water and the beds are watered up to 4 times over 2 weeks. When signs of nitrogen deficiency appear, the seedlings are watered with a 2% solution of ammonia in one of the four usual waterings.

Watering tomatoes with ash

Wood ash contains about 30 minerals that contribute to the proper development of plants. These elements are involved in the process of photosynthesis, improve metabolic processes, help your green pets absorb vitamins and regulate water balance. Ash is brought under digging when preparing beds for tomatoes (3 cups per 1 square meter) or into the holes when planting seedlings (a handful of ash in each hole). Ash infusion can be used as an alternative.

Watering tomatoes with potassium permanganate

Due to its antiseptic properties, potassium permanganate fights fungi and bacteria. Therefore, it is most often used for seed dressing (for tomatoes, it is recommended to use a 1% solution). Experienced gardeners with a solution of potassium permanganate (3 g per 10 l of water) also spray the soil for seedlings.

Manganese increases the resistance of young plants to diseases. The main thing is not to exceed the dosage in any case, because if the solution turns out to be too concentrated, the plants will die.

Garden equipment can be wiped with a sponge dipped in a 2% solution of potassium permanganate; it is recommended to rinse seedling pots with a 1% solution.

Watering, of course, plays a huge role in growing tomatoes. However, it is equally important to choose the right varieties that will be not only productive, but also resistant to diseases and adverse weather conditions.

11 best varieties of tomatoes for the greenhouse and open field - rating from our readers