In a quest to enjoy the freshest and most flavorful tomatoes, I decided to take matters into my own hands by cultivating my own tomato plants. With countless gardening experts claiming that homegrown tomatoes far surpass store-bought ones in taste, I was eager to put my gardening skills to the test.
I opted for a beefsteak tomato plant, a variety renowned for producing some of the largest and most delicious tomatoes. After acquiring the plant, the next challenge was deciding where to plant it. The greenhouse seemed like the perfect location, as tomato plants are known to thrive there, often yielding an earlier and more abundant harvest, according to experts at the Royal Horticultural Society.
However, to achieve the tastiest tomatoes, I turned to the advice of gardening gurus Jim and Mary Competti of Simple Garden Life. They recommend planting tomatoes alongside basil, a herb I already had in my greenhouse. “One of the best ways to grow healthier and more productive tomato plants is to companion plant basil with your tomatoes,” they explained. “Not only can it lead to a bigger harvest, but it can also make the tomatoes even tastier and juicier. Many well-known chefs and home gardeners have noted that both plants develop a much richer flavor when grown together.”
With two basil plants already established in my greenhouse, it was time to introduce the tomato plant. The recent heatwave had left my tomato plant looking a bit wilted due to insufficient watering, but a transplant and some water quickly revived it.
To plant the tomato, I began by digging a deep hole and adding homemade compost to provide a nutrient boost. I then carefully placed the tomato plant into the hole, ensuring that the submerged stem section would sprout extra roots. I also made sure to leave ample space between the tomato and basil plants to avoid nutrient competition.
After planting, I thoroughly watered the tomato plant, taking care to water the soil around it rather than from above. Proper hydration is crucial for tomato plants, and so is pollination if you want tomatoes rather than just flowers. To facilitate pollination, I always leave the greenhouse door slightly ajar. Once the plant starts flowering, I begin a weekly fertilization routine.
With these steps in place, I am hopeful that my homegrown tomatoes will not only be more flavorful but also juicier, thanks to the companionship of basil.
