Before you answer the question of whether to spud the tomatoes, let's deal with the very definition of the word.Hilling - is loosening and privalivanie land, preferably wet, the lower parts of the plant.
Why is this done?
Firstly, to provide air access to the roots.This is achieved by loosening the soil during hilling.Secondly, to further develop and strengthen the root system of the plant.The harder it is, the better the plant absorbs nutrients.Third, when the spud tomato water after watering or rain accumulates in the pits between the mounds.It retains moisture until the next watering and protects the plant from drying out.This is especially important in hot weather and in cases when watering the plants can not be achieved on a daily basis.Fourth, the ridging protects against penetration into the stems of various pests.
When spud tomato?
If you notice at the bottom of the stem, almost near the ground some lumps, especially during flowering tomatoes, then it's time to hilling.The bumps are additional root system.And once you prisyplete their land, of them immediately begin to appear roots.This situation, by the way, may be a signal that the plant is not enough food, and it is to help yourself, begins to look for additional ways to obtain these nutrients.
But should spud tomato always?
No, not always.If your tomatoes have bumps as described above, such a plant spud is not necessary.Otherwise, you just block the passage of air to the existing roots.When spud tomato, comply with certain rules.The land must be kept moist.The best time to hilling - is the period after a rain or watering.To do this it is best to hoe.With it, you redistribute land aisle closer to the base of the plant.This should be done very carefully so as not to offend existing roots.You also loosens the soil and increases the permeability of air to the roots.First you need to handle the number of tomatoes on the one hand, and then move to the other side, to result in a certain hills near each bush.
How often should produce hilling plants?
Generally, in an ideal hill tomatoes need 2-3 times per season.The first time you need to do this procedure after 10-15 days after planting the plants in the ground.Although it is a suspended sentence.But messing around, as you recall, should be carried out only when started to develop more root system the stem.This can occur either earlier or later.Second hilling performed only when the plant turns blue the lower part of the stem.It also tells about the development of the root system.When spud tomato and land on beds is not enough, you should borrow it from another location.If tomatoes are not required to be covered with earth, they will begin to dry up from lack of moisture.All of the above - just tips to help gardeners.A decision on the hilling is only for you.
