Teaching kids about gardening and where food comes from is so important. Growing cherries tomatoes is a fun, hands-on activity for Brisbane families with children. Here are some tips for getting started with cherry tomato gardening and cultivating budding young gardeners:
•Choose a sunny spot. Cherry tomatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Pick a spot in the garden or backyard that gets plenty of sun exposure and is easily accessed by kids.
•Use quality, nutrient-rich potting mix. Cherry tomatoes grow best in fertile, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter like compost. Purchase a high-quality potting mix and mix in compost to provide necessary nutrients to support healthy growth.
•Select dwarf or container cherry tomatoes. If space is limited, choose bush cherry tomato varieties or grape tomato varieties that grow 2-3 feet tall. They can produce good harvests grown in containers as long as they get adequate sunlight. This allows kids to actively participate in planting and caring for the tomatoes.
•Start from seedlings or seed. You can purchase young cherry tomato seedlings to transplant or start the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Either method can work well for kids, transplanting seedlings may produce fruit slightly sooner. This provides an opportunity for kids to see the whole process from seed to harvest.
•Provide a trellis or cage. As the cherry tomato vines grow, tie them to a trellis, cage, fence or other vertical support. This keeps the foliage and fruit up and off the ground, making the tomatoes easier for kids to view, access and pick.
•Water regularly and fertilize. Establish a routine for watering and fertilizing the cherry tomato plants with kids. Check the soil daily and water when it’s dry to keep the soil consistently damp. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Watch for signs the plants need more or less to help kids develop a feel for the plants’ needs.
•Add mulch around base of plants. Applying a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the cherry tomato plants helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents weeds. This is an easy job for kids and helps keep the garden looking tidy.
•Watch for and remove pests or disease. Regularly scout cherry tomato plants for common pests and disease and remove or treat them promptly. This helps ensure a good harvest and healthy, thriving plants. Kids can learn pest and disease identification and control methods.
•Pick tomatoes when deep red and ripe. Gently twist or cut tomatoes from the vine once they are deep red in color and yield slightly to pressure. Pick tomatoes regularly to encourage new growth and continue ripening more tomatoes. Let kids be in charge of picking, they will love testing for ripeness and collecting tomatoes.
Growing cherry tomatoes with children is a fun, rewarding experience. With patience, guidance and the proper care, families can enjoy a basket full of sweet, homegrown cherry tomatoes all season long. Homegrown tomatoes simply taste better! Help kids develop a lifelong love of gardening through hands-on experiences growing cherry tomatoes together. Happy gardening!