Grow grafted tomatoes for an increased yield
As well as growing the normal cordon tomatoes in the greenhouse we are trying out the grafted tomatoes, grown in a growbag outside. At the end of the season we will compare the results.
You will need:
- growbag
- 3 grafted tomatoes
- 3 tomato pots
- multi-purpose compost
- growbag cane support
- 3 x 180cm (6’) canes
Cut out three circles from the growbag.
Insert the tomato pots firmly and fill with good quality peat-free compost. Using these pots increases the amount of compost which increases the amount of moisture and food available. The extra depth also allows for an increase in root formation; more roots equals increased water and nutrient uptake which equals a larger plant and more fruit.
Plant the tomato fairly deep.
Firm in and water. Make sure you keep them evenly moist as erratic watering leads to the fruits splitting.
Periods of drought and lack of calcium can lead to blossom end rot, so make sure you feed them weekly with a high potash feed, such as Tomorite, as soon as the first fruits appear.
Place the cane holder underneath the bag and secure the canes. Once the tomatoes start growing tie them in at regular intervals.
Now the season is over I can report that these tomatoes have been a huge disappointment; I think that the nights have been too cold as the leaves have always had a blue tinge and looked a bit starved. The trusses didn't have many fruit and they struggled to fill out and ripen. Altogether it has been a disappointing season for the vegetables; I think that the temperatures fluctuating widely have been the main cause. However there is always next season to look forward to and I think we will give the grafted plants another go, but this time in the greenhouse.
