Watering tomato plants can sound so easy, but what if I say it’s not so easy? Most gardeners make mistakes here only and wonder why their plants could be doing better.
Incorrect watering style leads to many complications and interrupts the plant’s growth, development and yield. Over or under-watering causes blossom end rot and wilting and also attracts diseases.
But the good news is that you can still make watering tomatoes easier by following a few tips.
Water tomato plants early in the morning to ensure that the soil is sufficiently moist and ideal for growth. During the early stages of their growth, you should water them daily. As temperatures rise, it might be best to provide your tomatoes with twice-a-day watering sessions to make sure they are getting an adequate 1-2 inches of hydration per week.
Focus on watering in the base of plants, mulch your plants, and water slowly and deeply. Avoid overhead irrigation; instead, opt for drip irrigation.
Watering also depends on many factors like the size of the plants, planting stage and climatic conditions in your area.
Also, check the moisture content in the soil before watering.
I have briefly discussed these points in this article for better understanding.
Why is Correct Watering Important?
Watering plays a vital role in tomato plants growing and healthy development. It is obvious that any plant’s survival without watering is not at all possible.
But gardeners need to know the correct watering technique to maintain the plants’ long and healthy life. Or else an average gardener must face a bundle of issues associated with their tomato plants.
I have listed some problems that can arise if the watering habit is not up to the mark or the plants are over or under-watered.
- Less capable of nutrient uptake.
- Inefficiency for photosynthesis.
- Short growth
- Root decomposition
- Less production of crops
- Resistance to disease
- Blossom End Rot
- Cracking
- Yellowing, curling and dropping of leaves
90% of tomato fruit is made up of water. Thus it can be clearly said good watering technique is a must for tomato plants.
The tomato plant requires the right amount of water to produce enough fruit. So the first step for starting tomato gardening is knowing and adopting the correct watering technique.
How To Water Tomato Plants?
You might think watering tomato plants is very simple, but watering is not enough. The method of watering is also important.
Thus, I recommend you understand the correct watering method because the health of tomatoes mostly depends on it.
Water slowly
A consistent water supply to your tomato plants is very important for their constant growth. Never make the mistake of flooding your plant at one go, and Never rush to water them.
Pouring a lot of water at one go and during a very short interval restricts your plant from absorbing it. And the water does not reach the roots too.
The tomatoes have deep roots, and when it is watered with too much water too quickly, there is a high chance that water won’t reach the roots properly.
When the plants are slowly watered, they have more time to absorb and soak in the soil. As a result, the roots can absorb water and nutrients properly.
You can install a drip irrigation system near your tomato plants, making watering easy. Installing this is worthy and easy.
Water deeply
Tomatoes have a deep root system. It is always beneficial to water them deeply so that the water reaches its maximum. As a result, a very strong root system is developed.
Deep and slow watering encourages the roots to absorb more water. Thus the roots become more efficient in delivering nutrients to the plants and also develop a deep root system to retain moisture. Thus plants become strong enough to exist during dry spells.
Water the soil as deep as 6 inches. You can also use drip irrigation to make your task easier. It supplies water consistently to the plants, and the soil gets easily penetrated into the soil.
Water Tomatoes at the base
It is important to note that watering the soil is important, not the leaves. Overhead watering leaves the foliage wet, the soil retain moisture resulting in uneven watering in the soil.
The set water on the leaves eventually evaporates, and the purpose of watering is not met. When the water remains on the leaves for a longer period, it attracts many diseases, pests and infections, which can even destroy many plants.
So always water the base of the plants and not the leaves. Thus water can reach the roots and deliver to the required part of the plants.
You should also avoid direct watering on the stem. It can result in stem rot, and it can also wash away soil. So watering in the soil is important. Give a steady and deep supply of water to the tomato plants.
Mulch
Apart from a deep and steady water and maintaining consistent soil moisture supply in the base of the plants, you should also mulch your plants for better results.
Mulching can benefit your plants organic vegetable garden in many ways, but here the main role is to conserve water and maintain a good soil moisture level.
Create a layer of 2 inches of mulch on all sides of your tomato plants. It keeps the soil cool and reduces evaporation. Thus, water is preserved, and the need for frequent plant watering is also reduced.
You can create an organic mulch using dry leaves, hay, straw and grass clippings. Make a layer of mulch around the plant. Ensure to maintain a few inches of distance from the stems of the plants.
How Often To Water Tomato Plants?
Generally, people ask this question about how frequently you should plant tomatoes. I would say it cannot be answered very easily.
The schedule of watering the plants depends on various factors.
Tomato Plants Age and Size
At the initial stage, the young tomato seedlings require excess water to develop a strong root system. With the growth of plants, roots simultaneously go deep into the soil. And thus, the roots become less capable of handling more water if the soil is deeply soaked.
The plants which are bigger and have large root systems require water frequently as compared to the smaller plants. They absorb and deliver water to the plant very quickly.
Planting Time
At the stage of transplantation, the plant is transferred from the pots to the ground. In such a situation, potted tomato plants require plenty of water to grow stronger.
Outside Temperature
When the temperature is high, water your tomato plants more often as the water evaporates very quickly.
During summer or hot climate, always keep an eye on and inspect the soil regularly, once or twice per day, if they are dried out.
Fruit Stage
At the fruit-developing stage, tomato plants require more frequent watering. But you should reduce the water supply to the plant after the fruit is completely developed; otherwise, it can cause the skin of the fruits to split.
The flavor of the fruit is also enhanced if watered within the limit after the fruits are developed.
Rainfall
After your plant experiences heavy rain, stop watering as the soil already has enough water due to the rain.
If the rain continues for a longer period, the soil can become soggy and causes root rot. To maintain a consistent supply of water, work for the rain.
Containers
Container grown tomato plants need more frequent watering than bed plants because the soil in the containers dries out faster during hot weather.
You should keep the habit of checking the moisture level in the soil for watering. Do not establish any schedule to water the garden tomatoes containerized plants.
Deep your finger in the soil; if the 1-2 inches of the finger comes out dry, then you can water your plants. It reduces the risk of over or under-watering, and you can water your plants when they need it.
Morning time is considered the best time to water your plants. Watering your plants in the afternoon evaporates the water, and rarely any water reaches the roots of the plants.
And watering in the evening leads to fungal infections as the water on the leaves and stems does not get time to dry out.
How Much Water Do Tomato Plants Need?
No one can recommend exactly how much water do your tomato plants need. Generally, about an inch of water per square foot per week is good.
But the proper watering of your tomato plants depends on many factors. Some factors are climate, soil type, size of the plant, stage of fruits and rainfall. I have also discussed it above.
Due to all the factors, the amount of water varies. So setting any fixed amount of water for all the plants is not at all a good idea.
It is better to check the moisture content in the soil before watering and setting any fixed amount of water for your plants.
Keep watering your plant deeply and slowly and ensure not to leave the soil soggy to avoid any disease or fungal infection in your plants. The look of the soil also indicates when and how much water it needs.
Initially, you may face problems while watering your tomato plants, but at times you can develop the ability to understand when and how much water your plant requires.
What Problems Do Improper Watering of Tomato Plants Cause?
Improper watering of your tomato plants can result in many complications. I have listed the main problems below:
- Dwarf growth and slow development
- Blossom End Rot
- Low yield
- More prone to diseases, pests and infections
- Weak root system
- Bad fruit quality
Tomato Watering Tips
I have listed a few simple tips with the help of which watering your tomato plants can become a piece of cake for you.
- Water in the base of the plant rather than watering the leaves, or your plants can become more prone to diseases.
- Slowly and deeply watering helps to penetrate the water in the soil properly.
- Morning is the best time to water the plants. It can keep the soil moist and helps the plants avoid various diseases and fungal infections.
- Potted or contained plants should be checked frequently as the soil dries out quickly compared to bedded plants.
- Give consistent water supply to the plants. Inconsistent watering can result in Blossom End Rot and cracking of tomatoes.
- 1-2 inches of watering per week is recommended, but it can vary depending on the climate in your area.
- Apply some organic liquid fertilizers occasionally for flavourful, juicy and delicious tomatoes.
Summary
Watering tomato plants is like an art. You need to understand your plant, the climate, stage of fruits and develop a habit of watering them. Always check the moisture in the soil before watering your tomato plants. If the soil is soggy, avoid watering.
Do not water on the leaves and stem; rather, focus on watering the base of the plant. If you keep all these small silly things noted and followed, your tomato plants can do better, and your plants will reward you with juicy, plumpy and flavorful tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of over-watering tomato plants?
Signs of overwatering tomato plants include wilting, yellowing, and dropping of leaves; stunted growth; brown spots on the leaves, stems, and fruit; root rot; and distorted or cracked tomatoes.
Additionally, if the soil feels wet when touched, it may be a sign that your tomato plants are being overwatered.
Can tomato plants be overwatered?
No, You can’t overwater tomato plants. When a tomato plant is overwatered, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow, wilt, and eventually die.
Overwatering also causes root rot, preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients.
If overwatering continues for an extended period of time, it can lead to fungal diseases and even plant death.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the water needs of your tomato plants and provide them with just enough water without overdoing it.
Should you water your tomato plants every night?
Tomato plants should be watered deeply and infrequently—about once a week for most climates. If the temperature is very hot or dry for a while, you may need to water it more frequently.
During scorching and dry weather, you may need to water your tomatoes every other day or even daily.
Monitor the soil moisture levels around the roots of your plants, and if it starts getting dry, give them a good soaking.
Avoid watering every night, as this can lead to root rot. Instead, give your tomato plants a deep soak when they need it.
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