Tomato round - Desi Seeds

Planting and care

The tomato is a vigorously growing plant with attractive foliage resembling the potato, its cousin.
The plants have a decided odour caused by gland hairs on the stems and leaves, which give off a strong-scented oil and stain when broken.
The fruit is borne on spurs, which develop directly from the stem.
Tomatoes should not be planted outdoors until day and night temperatures are about 55 degrees. Low temperatures (below 55 degrees) prevent fruit set. Soil temperatures should be at least 55-60 F to transplant. Otherwise plants may turn yellow, become stunted and slow to bear. Seed should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before plants are set out, or use transplants, which are widely available.

Caring for Tomato round

• Water generously for the first few days.
• Water well throughout growing season, about 2 inches per week during the summer. Keep watering consistent!
• Mulch five weeks after transplanting to retain moisture.
• To help tomatoes through periods of drought, find some flat rocks and place one next to each plant. The rocks pull up water from under the ground and keep it from evaporating into the atmosphere.
• Fertilize two weeks prior to first picking and again two weeks after first picking.
• If using stakes, prune plants by pinching off suckers so that only a couple stems are growing per stake.
• Practice crop rotation from year to year to prevent diseases that may have over wintered.

Harvesting

Throughout the year

Typical uses of Tomato round

Special features: The tomato plant is now grown commercially throughout the world.

Culinary use:

• Many standard cultivars are adapted for a variety of uses, including slicing, canning, and salads.
• The large, meaty fruits of beefsteak tomatoes are especially popular for slicing.
• Italian or paste tomatoes are favourites for cooking, canning, and juicing.
• Sweet bite-size tomatoes in a range of colours are very popular for salads or as snacks.
  
  

Ornamental use: NA

Medicinal use:
Tomatoes confer protection against high cholesterol, strokes, and heart disease.
Tomatoes basically have an anti-ageing affect on our body as they contain antioxidant lycopene which is easily absorbed by our body thereby leaving you with a healthy skin and hair.
Since tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C and Vitamin A, these vitamins help in preventing DNA damage from free radicals.
The vitamin K and calcium present in tomatoes help in building strong bones.
Due to the presence of Lycopene, they are a natural source of fighting against several cancers, including prostate, cervical, stomach, colon, rectal, prostate and ovarian cancer.
Tomatoes help in keeping blood sugar in balance.
Consuming tomatoes can improve your vision.
Ease a headache by drinking tomato juice blended with fresh basil.

References

• https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/vegetables/tomatoes
• http://veggieharvest.com/vegetables/tomato.html
• http://www.howdogardener.com/planting-guides/fruits-and-vegetables/tomatoes