How often to water tomatoes in the heat to get a good harvest

Of those tomato varieties that grow in Russia, the smallest fruit is less than two centimeters in diameter, and the heaviest weighs about one and a half kilograms. To get a harvest, tomato growers have to make a lot of effort: loosen, feed, water. And you need to do this in any weather - both in cold and hot weather.

Often tomato lovers wonder how to water tomatoes in the heat? Let's figure out the features of watering these plants. And find out how watering affects their health and productivity.

Why watering is important for tomatoes

Tomatoes are considered drought tolerant crops... This statement is true for plants planted in the ground and in the greenhouse in a seedless way (without picking). These tomatoes have a powerful root system. She is able to collect moisture herself, which is at depth.

In Russia, the seedless method is rarely used, since it does not allow early harvests. And tomatoes in our latitudes do not always have time to ripen before the onset of cold weather.

Most tomato growers grow tomatoes using seedling technology... And with her, no matter how carefully the plants were handled during the pick, the root system of the plant is disturbed. And in the future, in an adult tomato that has been transplanted, the roots will be located in the surface layer of the soil. And it is drier than the ground at depth.

Since a tomato cannot independently extract water from the depths, he needs help... Namely - additional watering. Let's take a look at how to properly water tomatoes.

Features of watering for different stages of development

How to tell if it's time to water your tomatoes? there is phases of plant development that differ in moisture requirements:

1. From disembarkation to flowering. The moisture content of the earth in this phase is desirable at 70%.
2. From flowering to fruiting. During this period, for full growth and ripening, tomatoes need increased soil moisture - 80-85%.

There are special features for each stage... But few people on the site have instruments for measuring soil moisture. Therefore, most often the need for watering tomato growers is determined by a visual method. Tomatoes are carefully examined.

Watering is necessary when the leaves of the plant begin to drop slightly. Physically, this happens when the pressure inside the plants begins to drop due to moisture loss. As a result, the leaves weaken their tone and begin to sink to the ground.

It is believed that it is better to water tomatoes at regular intervals.... For example, once or twice a week. But you should not follow this rule, since tomatoes do not have clear watering dates.... It all depends on the condition of the plant, weather conditions, temperature and humidity of the earth. In addition, calendar dates also affect. In June, August and September, the fruits need watering in different ways. On hot days, the need for water increases slightly.

How often to water tomato seedlings?All the recommendations given above are also suitable for seedlings..

In the first two weeks after planting, experienced tomato growers recommend watering tomatoes in moderation.... This is due to the fact that the plant must adapt and develop a root system in a new place. If you water the tomatoes excessively during this period, they will be "lazy" and their roots will penetrate less into the planting site. Most of the roots will remain in the topsoil.

When watering adult tomatoes, it is important to consider the characteristics of each stage of growth.... During flowering tomatoes, lack of water can lead to massive loss of flowers. When fruiting, overdrying the soil affects the size of the fruit. They do not grow to the standards of the plant variety. But it is not worth overmoistening tomatoes during the fruiting period - the fruits on the branches may crack.

How much to water

How much water do you need for proper development and a good harvest? The amount of water is influenced by the size of the bush, and the method of growing, and the moisture of the earth.... On average, one adult tomato plant consumes from three to five liters of water. The numbers can vary both upward and downward.

Important! Watering is best done uniformly, avoiding overdrying or waterlogging.

Special attention is paid to water temperature... Water must be warm for beneficial watering of tomatoes. Cold water is only permissible in the early stages of tomato growth. For example, for spring hardening.

At other times, watering with cold water can even kill the plant. This is especially typical for hot periods, when there is a large temperature difference between cold water, hot earth and a heated plant.

Watering methods

Better to water the tomatoes at the root. Tomatoes do not respond well to sprinkling. The three most common watering methods:

1. Drip irrigation.
2. In the holes.
3. On the furrows.

Attention! When irrigating along the furrows, care must be taken to ensure that the roots are not washed out or exposed at the water supply point under the tomato.

Automatic and manual irrigation are equally effective... You can water tomatoes either manually from a bucket, watering can or using a hose, or by installing an automated watering system. It all depends on the financial capabilities of the tomato grower.

What time of day to water

Someone prefers to water the tomatoes in the evening, after sunset... This way the moisture evaporates less and more water gets to the roots. In addition, the risk of sunburn is excluded if water drops suddenly fall on leaves or stems.

But it is more rational to water the tomatoes in the morning (in the morning)... The benefits of morning watering are explained by the fact that the plants have time to ventilate until the evening. Excess moisture evaporates during the day. And no prerequisites are created for the development of fungal diseases and rot (late blight, brown spot).

Features of watering in the heat

During intense heat it is important that water drops do not fall on the plant during watering... This will help prevent sunburn.

It is better to mulch the soil (cover with mulching material such as sawdust, leaves, pine needles, hay). This will save the earth from drying out under hot rays.

Attention! A layer of mulch will be more effective if its thickness reaches five centimeters.

Water consumption in the heat should be increased, because some of the moisture will evaporate and the plant will not get it. The average recommended amount of water per bush during fruiting is five to six liters.

Conclusion

Growing tomatoes is troublesome. Everything needs to be done on time - and plant seedlings, and plant them in a greenhouse or open ground, and apply top dressing. Regular watering is also important.

When watering tomatoes, follow these rules: use warm water, water in the morning. It is important to do this regularly and in moderation. After all, excess moisture, like overdrying, is equally harmful to plants.