Gardening Expert Shares Secrets to Growing Perfect Cherry Tomatoes
Gardening enthusiasts, take note! Larry Meyers, with over a decade of lawn and landscaping experience, is launching a comprehensive gardening resource. Meanwhile, expert Carola Nitzsch shares insights on cultivating and caring for cherry tomatoes.
Cherry tomatoes flourish with ample sunlight and warm temperatures. They need 8 hours of direct sun daily, preferring daytime highs of 70-85°F (21-29°C) and nighttime lows above 50°F (10°C). Watering should be moderate, about 1-2 inches per week, focusing on the base to keep leaves dry and disease-free.
Harvesting cherry tomatoes at the right time ensures peak flavor. Pick them when they're about 90% of their ideal color, with minimal green, especially on the shoulders. They should be firm and easy to detach with a gentle tug.
Post-harvest care is vital. Proper handling and storage, along with avoiding overwatering, helps maintain quality and reduces waste. Overwatering can cause cracking, ruining texture and taste.
Determinate varieties grow to a certain height and fruit all at once, while indeterminate varieties sprawl and yield continuously until frost.
Larry's one-stop gardening shop aims to simplify and enhance the gardening experience. Meanwhile, Carola's expertise ensures cherry tomatoes are grown, harvested, and stored for optimal enjoyment. With these tips, gardeners can expect a bountiful, flavorful cherry tomato harvest.
