Growing Tomato S-22 in containers is a great choice, especially for those with limited space like balconies or terraces! This variety is known for its high yield, medium to large fruits, and disease resistance, making it perfect for the Indian climate. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to grow Tomato S-22 from seeds in containers:
Container
Size: A container or grow bag should be at least 12–15 inches deep and 15–20 inches wide.
Material: Plastic, terracotta, or fabric pots work well, but ensure that the container has good drainage holes.
Soil
Tomatoes prefer light, well-draining soil with plenty of nutrients.
Mix equal parts of:
Garden soil
Compost (well-rotted cow dung or vermicompost)
Cocopeat or peat moss for moisture retention
Sand or perlite for better drainage
Sowing the Seeds
September to February is the best season for planting in most of India (cooler months).
If you're in a tropical region, consider sowing during the pre-monsoon or post-monsoon months.
Start seeds in a seed tray.
Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in the soil.
Gently water and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Place the tray or pots in a warm, bright spot, but not under direct sun until germination.
Germination time: 7–14 days.
Transplanting
Once your seedlings are 4–6 inches tall and have 2-3 sets of true leaves, it’s time to transplant them into larger containers.
Plant them deeper (bury the stem up to the first set of leaves) as tomatoes can develop roots along the buried stem, leading to stronger plants.
Sunlight
Tomatoes need 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Choose a sunny spot on your balcony, terrace, or windowsill for the plants to thrive.
If you live in a very hot region, you may need to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Watering
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting water on the leaves (this can cause fungal issues).
Water early in the morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Once fruiting starts, reduce watering slightly to avoid splitting of fruits.
Fertilizing
Start fertilizing after about 2–3 weeks of transplanting.
Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) (NPK 10-10-10).
Once flowering starts, switch to a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer to encourage better fruit set.
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks.
Staking / Support
Tomato S-22 is indeterminate, meaning it will keep growing and producing fruit throughout the season.
Use stakes, tomato cages, or trellis to support the plant and keep branches upright.
Prune suckers (the small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches) to direct energy towards fruit production.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests: Aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars, and fruit borers.
Diseases to watch for: Blight, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Prevention:
Regularly spray neem oil as a natural pesticide.
Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal diseases.
Remove infected leaves promptly.
Harvesting
Tomato S-22 typically starts producing fruit in 70–80 days from sowing.
Harvest when tomatoes are fully ripe (bright red, firm to touch, and slightly soft).
Pick regularly to encourage new fruits.