Do I need to huddle tomatoes?

Tomatoes are a thermophilic and rather capricious crop. However, gardeners, as a rule, do not stop this. And they grow them in a greenhouse or in the open ground in almost every summer cottage. In order to get a good harvest, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for the plants. And also take care of them correctly. One of the essential elements of care is the hilling of tomatoes, which we will talk about later in this article.

Hilling tomatoes as part of agricultural technology

Tomatoes, which are actively grown all over the world, belong to the "nightshade" family. And, therefore, they are "relatives" of potatoes, eggplants and peppers. The height of the bush, depending on the variety, can range from 30 cm to 2 meters. The roots are quite deep. Although sometimes gardeners do some manipulations with the seedlings so that the root system develops horizontally. It was also located in the upper soil layer. From where it is easier to absorb nutrients. The fruits of tomatoes are scientifically considered berries. And they amaze with a variety of sizes, shapes and shades.

If we talk about hilling, then it is an important, but not necessary part of agricultural technology. Tomato bushes always respond very well to this procedure. They begin to grow noticeably faster. The stem becomes more powerful. And the foliage looks stronger and healthier. Flowering improves, ovaries form more actively. This means that in the end, hilling is well reflected on the quality and quantity of the crop. And it works equally well in the greenhouse. And also in open ground.

What are the benefits of hilling tomatoes?

Any procedure for caring for plants carried out correctly and on time will bring undoubted benefits. Hilling is no exception.

This process:

• provides protection of roots and aboveground parts from not very favorable weather;
• strengthens the base of the stem, which is very important with a large harvest, when there is a threat of stem breakage under the weight of the fruit;
• increases the air permeability of the soil, facilitating the access of oxygen to the root system;
• reduces the likelihood of the development of various forms of rot due to waterlogging of the soil, as well as lack of air;
• promotes the formation of additional roots at the base of the stem. This means it helps the plant to get more nutrients from the soil;
• helps to avoid waterlogging of the soil and stagnant water, which have a detrimental effect on tomatoes. And also lead to disease and death of the plant;
• helps the sun to warm the soil better;
• helps to reduce the number of weeds. Because they are removed by the root during hilling;
• helps to partially get rid of pest larvae, which are removed manually during hilling.

Based on the above, it is obvious that the hilling process is beneficial. Of course, you can do without it. But if you are seriously aiming at a rich harvest, then you should resort to this simple way of caring for tomatoes.

How often hilling should be done

Any garden work must be carried out in a timely manner. It was during that period when the plants need them. Only in this case your actions will bring a positive result.

Once you've transplanted your tomato seedlings into a permanent location, don't stop watching. And also carefully inspect the bushes. After about a couple of weeks, you will find that very small white growths have begun to form on the lower part of the trunk.Do not be alarmed, this is not a disease, but just additional roots. And also a signal that the tomato bush lacks nutrients. It is the appearance of such roots that speaks of the need for hilling.

It is definitely not worth carrying out preventive hilling earlier, since the still imperceptible rudiments of these roots can begin to rot in this case, after which the disease can spread to the entire plant. After some time after the first hilling, the trunk below will acquire a bluish tint, which tells us about the successful functioning of additional roots, and at this time a second hilling can be carried out.

In most cases, two hilling over the summer should be enough, it is not worth it to part with this procedure. However, if the plant continues to form all new additional roots, then hilling must be repeated, since it is apparently necessary for the plant. In this matter, everything is very individual, largely depends on the variety of tomatoes and on the composition of the soil in your area.

Hilling tomatoes in the greenhouse and in the open field

In a greenhouse or greenhouse, it is necessary to huddle tomatoes after preliminary watering (about a day before work) in order to avoid trauma to the developing roots with particles of dry soil. The soil around the trunk must be carefully loosened, and then paddled to the trunk, making a small "pile" about ten centimeters high. It is convenient to act with a small garden tool that will not damage the plant during work (a hoe or a small rake). If there is not enough land in the greenhouse to create mounds around the bush, then bring additional soil (you can take it from another part of the plot or buy garden land specifically for this work) and pour it around the bushes (but first loosen the soil around them).

If the constructed piles are crumbling, then additional materials can be used to fix them, for example, construction remnants - slate, plywood or roofing felt. Roofing material is flexible, so it is especially well suited for this purpose: cut out sheets of the desired size and shape, wrap around the tomato bushes and the embankment around the base of the trunks will be fixed.

Hilling in the garden, provided that it is grown without a greenhouse, is also of great importance. It is carried out either after a heavy rain, or the soil is watered well for two days beforehand. Simultaneously with hilling, weeding can also be carried out, this will save you both time and effort.

Gently loosen the soil around the tomato bush in a circle with a radius of about 20 cm, then gently rake the soil to the base of the stem, being careful not to damage the roots, and add the "pile" as described earlier. Make a small circular depression around the knoll, where water will retain after watering or rain. This will allow you to control the level of soil moisture, preventing it from drying out or waterlogging.

During loosening and hilling, you can add some well-rotted compost to the soil. Hilling should be carried out in the morning or evening, ideally in cloudy weather. In such conditions, the procedure will be most comfortable for the plant.

Is it possible not to huddle up?

If you first heard about hilling tomatoes, then you understand that you can do without this procedure, the harvest will still be there. But we are talking about increasing the yield, creating the most comfortable conditions for the plants, so it is definitely worth spilling the plants if necessary. However, in some cases, you can do without this procedure.

Observe tomato bushes if you see them

• have a strong and sturdy stem;
• build up bright juicy greens without the slightest signs of yellowing or wilting;
• bloom profusely and form many ovaries;
• the most important thing: no root rudiments appear at the base of the stem.

This means that the plants are absolutely happy with everything, they have enough nutrition and it is quite possible to do without hilling. But to achieve such a result, it is necessary to carefully prepare the soil for planting and then carry out top dressing on time, using the necessary fertilizers and following the recommendations of specialists.

Obviously, the hilling procedure will benefit your tomatoes, so as soon as you notice the appearance of small roots at the base of the stem, do not be lazy, get to work!