05/04/2025
Some important steps to take while preparing your nursery for tomato production.
1. Choose high-quality seeds: Select disease-resistant and climate-suited tomato varieties. Eg cobra F1 species
2. Pulverize the soil: Ensure the soil is well loosed before making your nursery beds.
3. Water the beds thoroughly.
4. Broadcast the seeds: Ensure you broadcast the seeds sparsely to avoid overcrowding.
5. Chemical application: Apply seed care or any other chemical of your choice, this is to prevent insects like ants from removing the seeds.
6. Provide adequate light: Ensure seedlings receive 12-14 hours of light per day, do not make your nursery bed under the tree, instead provide shade using palm fronts.
7. Water carefully: Water seedlings gently but thoroughly, avoiding overwatering, which can lead to damping off.
8. Fertilize seedlings: incorporate your fertilizer (manure) while making the beds or apply a week after the seedlings have sprouted.
9. Monitor for pests: Regularly inspect seedlings for signs of pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites.
10. Prevent disease: Maintain good air circulation, and treat seedlings with a fungicide if necessary.
Transplanting
1. Harden off seedlings: Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days to prevent shock. ie remove the shades covering the seedlings.
2. Transplant carefully: Handle seedlings carefully, avoiding damage to roots or stems, and plant them in well-prepared soil with adequate spacing.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to raising healthy tomato seedlings in your nursery. Remember the success of your nursery starts with the seedlings.
If you find this information useful kindly follow Farming Experience with Chukwukadibia