Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse seems simple, but many people face crop failure, weak seedlings or diseases. Why does this happen? Did you plant tomatoes in the wrong soil? Did you make a mistake with the temperature regime? Or did you simply not take into account important nuances of care? This article will help you understand each stage: from choosing a greenhouse to collecting a rich harvest.

Choosing a Greenhouse: Important Parameters

Before planting tomatoes it is important choose a greenhouse, which will provide stable conditions for plant growth. The main parameters that are worth paying attention to:

• Polycarbonate coating – protects plants from overheating, reduces heat loss and allows for even distribution of sunlight.
• Frame – galvanized metal or aluminum ensures durability of the structure and resistance to loads.
• The height should be at least 2 meters – for comfortable formation of plants and their tying.
• Window vents and automatic vents – regulate humidity levels and reduce the risk of diseases such as late blight.
• Beds and paths – it is important to think through the location of the plantings in advance and leave convenient passages.

When to plant tomatoes in a greenhouse?

The optimal planting dates depend on climatic conditions and the type of greenhouse:

• Heated greenhouse – planting is possible as early as the end of March – beginning of April, with a stable soil temperature of +14…+16°C.
• Unheated greenhouse – seedlings can be planted in late April – early May, when night temperatures do not drop below +10°C.

Mistakes in early planting:

• Low soil temperatures slow down the growth of the root system.
• Fungal diseases may develop due to over-watering and cold.
• Seedlings need more time to adapt, which slows down growth.

Soil preparation

The soil in the greenhouse should be fertile, light and loose.

How to prepare the soil:

1. Cleaning – remove remnants of previous plants, weeds and possible root systems.
2. Disinfection – treatment with a solution of potassium permanganate (1 g per 10 l of water) or copper sulfate (1 tablespoon per 10 l of water).
3. Improving soil composition:
   • Humus or compost – 5-7 kg per 1 m².
   • Wood ash – 200 g per 1 m² (source of potassium and phosphorus).
   • Peat or sand – to improve drainage and air exchange.

When using the same soil for several years in a row, it is recommended to change the top layer of soil (10-15 cm) annually.

Choosing a tomato variety

The choice of tomato variety depends on the growing conditions and the gardener's preferences:

• Early ripening varieties are suitable for quick harvesting: "De Barao", "Chio-chio-san", "Chelnok".
• Mid-season varieties provide stable yields: Budenovka, Medovy Spas.
• Late-ripening varieties bear fruit longer and are suitable for preservation: “Bull’s Heart”, “Rio Grande”.
• Hybrid varieties (F1) – have high resistance to diseases and stable yield: “F1 Benito”, “F1 Tolstoy”.

It is important to consider that determinate (low-growing) and semi-determinate varieties are better suited for greenhouses, since they do not require complex care and shaping.

Planting seedlings: scheme and depth

Optimal planting patterns:

• Tall varieties – 50×60 cm (3 bushes per 1 m²).
• Low-growing – 40×50 cm.

Planting depth:

• The seedlings are planted deep down to the first true leaves.
• Overgrown seedlings are planted “lying down” to strengthen the root system.

Temperature conditions and watering

• Daytime temperature: +22…+26°C.
• Night: not below +14°C.
• Watering: with warm water (+20…+24°C), at the root, 1-2 times a week.

Excessive watering causes late blight and root rot.

Top dressing

1. 10 days after planting – nitrogen fertilizers (urea, chicken manure).
2. During flowering – potassium and phosphorus (ash, superphosphate).
3. During fruit formation – calcium (prevents blossom-end rot).

Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse

Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse is a process that requires a careful approach to each stage: from choosing a greenhouse and preparing the soil to proper care of the plants. Following all the recommendations will help you get a bountiful harvest of healthy and tasty fruits.

If you want to create ideal conditions for growing tomatoes, you should pay attention to reliable and high-quality greenhouses from NovaTeplitsa. They are designed specifically for the Ukrainian climate, provide an optimal microclimate for plants and are durable. Check out the models on on our website and take a step towards a stable harvest today!