country tomato/ nattu thakkali

tomato seed sowing 🍅🌱

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1. Soil Preparation

Well-drained sandy loam soil is best.

pH: 6.0–7.0.

Add compost or farmyard manure before sowing.

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2. Seed Sowing

Time: Almost year-round, but best in June–July (kharif), Oct–Nov (rabi), and Jan–Feb (summer crop).

Method: Usually raised nursery beds are used first.

Make nursery beds 1 m wide, 15 cm high.

Mix seeds with sand for even sowing.

Depth: Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.

Spacing in nursery: Seeds 2–3 cm apart.

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3. Watering

Light watering with a rose can.

Keep the nursery moist, not soggy.

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4. Transplanting

After 25–30 days, when seedlings are 10–15 cm tall with 4–5 true leaves.

Spacing:

Row to row: 60–75 cm

Plant to plant: 45–60 cm

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5. Care

Provide staking (sticks/trellis) for support.

Mulch to conserve moisture.

Timely weeding and irrigation.

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6. Harvest

Starts from 60–80 days after transplanting, continues for 2–3 months.

Pick when fruits turn red but still firm.