»Tomato pre- nursing, nursing & post nursing«
Tomato farming is a rich source of income and a good source of body vitamins. When establishing a tomato farm enterprise, always purchase well labelled seedlings from reputable dealers.
Furthermore, good tomato seedlings germinate 4-6 days after sowing. However to ensure vigorous growth of seedlings select site close to water source, easily accessible with fertile soils, fenced and not water logged. Also make sure to store seeds in a cool dry place or fridge to maintain viability.
Nursery preparation
First, select quality seeds from certified input dealers to ensure high germination of vigorous seedlings. For nursery establishment measure 1 meter by 3-5 meter, loosen soil, mix organic manure, level bed and frame edges. Also raise seedbed in rainy season for easy drainage or sunken seedbed in dry seasons for water retention. Lastly, Sterilize bed with heat to kill soil pathogens and incorporate ash with soil thereafter.
Management practices
Thinly sow seeds in rows of 20cm spacing to avoid overcrowding, disease spread and nutrient competition. Also treat seeds before sowing to protect them from seed borne pathogens and pests. Lastly, after sowing cover bed with dry grass and regularly water the nursery to maintain soil moisture for easy seed germination.
Post management
Maintain a good soil moisture, also remove mulch after seed emergency to avoid stem damage this can be done in the morning or evening. Also raise shade to protect delicate seedlings. Additionally, water seedlings before transplanting and control early blight as well as regularly monitoring. Also surround nursery with insect proof net to control and prevent pests and diseases and lastly, manually control weeds, thin out crowded seedlings and apply organic manure.
