Plant tomatoes in plug plants

Where to plant your plug plants of tomatoes?

Tomatoes need heat and at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to bear fruit. They should be placed in sunlight, ideally protected from cold winds. Therefore, carefully observe your garden to determine its sunlight exposure and choose the most appropriate location accordingly. Planting under cover (greenhouse, tunnel, heated or not) can be a good solution in cool or rainy regions, but also to bring forward the harvest.

In what type of soil or substrate should you plant young plants of tomatoes?

Tomatoes require fertile, nutrient-rich, and well-aerated soil to allow the young plant to easily develop its roots. An application of compost or well-decomposed manure, around 3 kg per square metre, is recommended.

When and how to plant?

Our plug tomato plants require appropriate care that cannot wait: remove them from their transport shells as soon as you open your parcel and soak them in a shallow basin of non-icy water if necessary. Never plant a dry plug plant.

Depending on your region and the calendar,

1) The last frost risks have passed: planting can be done directly and without delay, either in pots or in the garden.

2) The risk of frost is still present: while waiting for the final planting (after the “Ice Saints”), plant the plug plants in pots. To do this:

• pot them in a pot or bucket, using a rich and light substrate (ideally potting soil)
• transplant by placing the plug plant in the bucket, after making a hole large enough to accommodate it. Bury the plant up to the cotyledons (the first two leaves that do not resemble the following leaves); the buried stem will develop new roots,
• keep your plants in a warm and bright place and remember to water: the substrate must remain moist but not waterlogged.

Transplant into a pot and let grow in a heated space

If possible, about ten days before the final planting in the vegetable garden, gradually acclimatise your young plants to outdoor conditions by taking them out for a few hours each day in good weather: slightly cooler temperatures and a gentle breeze will help them harden off and arrive strong and sturdy in the garden.

When planting, maintain a spacing of 50 to 60 cm in all directions. It is possible to advance the planting slightly if you live in a mild climate or have a shelter (heated greenhouse or cold frame).

Be careful, if your plants are grafted, do not bury the grafting point.