Watering tomatoes: rules and features
Growing tomatoes in the open field, you are more likely to encounter temperature changes, and you cannot control the level of soil and air humidity. But this is not only an advantage, but also a disadvantage. In a greenhouse, with high humidity and poor ventilation, diseases instantly develop, which are quite difficult to get rid of. When grown "outdoors", tomatoes are watered on average once a week, in the absence of rain.
You can find detailed information about caring for tomatoes in the open field in our material.
Watering in the greenhouse is carried out early in the morning before sunrise or late in the evening after sunset twice a week. After irrigation, the greenhouse must be ventilated so as not to create excess moisture. On average, 1 bush spend about 4 liters of water.
In greenhouses, mandatory control of air humidity (not less than 50%) and soil (not less than 90%) is required. To check compliance with these standards, a small lump of earth is taken at a depth of 10 cm, which should be easily molded into a lump with your hands, and not crumble.
Watering a tomato is always carried out at the root. It is important to ensure that drops do not fall on the foliage - in the open field this can cause burns, and in the greenhouse the development of phytophthora. The water temperature should be at least 22-24 degrees Celsius.
Phased watering and top dressing of tomatoes in a greenhouse: from seedlings to harvest
Depending on the phase of development, the tomato needs a different amount of moisture. When transplanting seedlings into a greenhouse, each well is watered (4-5 l), and the plants are left for 10 days for rooting. Beforehand, organic top dressing (compost or humus with the addition of wood ash) is placed in each hole.
After 7 days, the seedlings begin active growth and need regular and abundant watering. Weak root system itself is not able to get moisture from the soil, therefore, before the formation of flower stalks, irrigation is carried out twice a week at the rate of 2-3 liters per bush.
Watering tomatoes in a greenhouse once a month is combined with the introduction mineral fertilizers: 15 g of potassium, 25 g of nitrogen-containing and 40 g of phosphorus are dissolved in 10 liters of water. Consumption rate based on 1 liter per bush.
When the peduncles are already formed, the frequency of watering is reduced to once a week, but the volume is increased to 5 liters of water per bush. Watering is alternated with the application of fertilizers (1 tablespoon of potassium sulfate, 0.5 l of chicken manure and 0.5 l of mullein per 10 l of water) at the rate of 1.5 liters per plant.
With the onset of fruiting, the frequency of irrigation is increased to twice a week, and in order to improve the taste and accelerate the ripening of tomatoes, 2 tbsp. l. superphosphate and 1 tbsp. l. liquid humate sodium dissolved in 10 liters of water. When the tomato turns red, watering is reduced to 1 time in seven days, and completely stopped before harvesting for 20 days.
About what else you can feed tomatoes to get the maximum yield - read our article.
Signs of under and over watering
Signs of lack of moisture in tomatoes:
- Twisting the sheet plate along the center in the form of a "boat";
- Drying of ovaries and buds without symptoms of diseases.
With a lack of watering, the plants become weak and frail. There is an increased vulnerability to fungal diseases and insect-borne viruses.
Signs of excess moisture:
- Tomatoes that have been watered too much become watery and tasteless;
- The stem and fruit crack, which leads to further infection and disease of the plant;
- Fungal diseases spread rapidly in the greenhouse.
With high humidity and poor ventilation of the greenhouse, all types of rot appear, late blight develops quickly, the fruits deteriorate and lose their quality of keeping quality and transportability.
Methods for watering tomatoes in a greenhouse
The most common method among summer residents is manual using a watering can or garden hose. The disadvantage is the inability to control the flow of water per bush. Plants are watered with settled water from a barrel. If a water tank is installed in a greenhouse, then it must be covered with polyethylene or a lid so as not to create excess moisture. The manual method is suitable for small greenhouses.
Drip or capillary irrigation. It is used both for large greenhouses and for small ones.
Automatic watering of tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse is used when grown on an industrial scale, since this method requires significant financial costs. Automatic watering is most often combined with a drip water supply system.
Farms use pumps, dispensers, filters, automatic climate control in the greenhouse, and many summer residents make a drip system from improvised means.
Watering tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse by drip is the most effective when growing, because:
- water costs are reduced, while it falls directly under the roots and can be strictly dosed depending on the needs of the plant;
- the risk of salinization and washing out of the soil is reduced; a crust does not form on the surface of the soil.
- hoses are laid in row-spacings along or in the middle once and do not move during the season - this prevents damage to plants;
- watering a tomato does not require physical effort;
- productivity increases.
Drip irrigation: how to do it yourself
Drip irrigation can be arranged from empty plastic bottles, along the walls of which small holes are made at different heights. Plastic with water is not completely closed and buried upside down so that the seeping moisture constantly flows to the roots of the plant. If necessary, unscrew the lid and add water.
A homemade drip irrigation system must be constantly checked to ensure that the holes are not clogged with soil. If this happens, then the plants will die from drought.
Outcome
After irrigation, the soil should be mulched with sawdust or grass to prevent evaporation of moisture and the growth of weeds. It is recommended to regularly loosen the soil, which improves aeration and allows you to increase productivity. Subject to the norms and terms of watering, as well as the rules for caring for tomatoes in a greenhouse, even a novice gardener will be able to harvest an excellent harvest of tasty and healthy fruits.
To get a high yield of tomatoes in greenhouse conditions, you need to organize a full-fledged care for this plant culture. High-quality watering is one of the main requirements for growing a good and fruitful crop. Tomatoes without timely watering grow small, dry, with a thick skin, not at all the result that every summer resident achieves. How to organize proper watering greenhouse tomatoes and with the help of what devices.
General rules for organizing irrigation
Let's start with the fact that there are generalized recommendations regarding watering tomatoes in open ground, as well as in a greenhouse.
First of all, I would like to note that this vegetable crop fully develops exclusively in moist soil, but at the same time it prefers dry air.
In order for the irrigation of tomatoes to be of high quality, it is not recommended to loosen the soil immediately after irrigation. It is better to mulch it with mowed grass. This will keep moisture in the soil for a long time and prevent its rapid evaporation.
Water only in the root zone
Watering tomatoes in a greenhouse made of polycarbonate or any other building material is carried out under the root system, trying not to erode the soil. It is also highly undesirable for moisture to get on the leafy system.
Foliage is forbidden to be watered - only in the root zone
How often do you water tomatoes in a greenhouse? This process is recommended to be carried out in the morning or evening. And the temperature of the water used for irrigation should be in the range of 22-25°C. Therefore, in the cool season, do not be lazy, and heat the water to the indicated values. This approach will help improve the process of plant ripening and increase the number of ovaries.
Daytime irrigation of seedlings can lead to foliage burns (especially in summer), which will reduce the possibility of fruiting.
When a vegetable begins to bear fruit en masse, during this period it is necessary to provide the culture with abundant, but not too frequent watering. Regular, but not abundant irrigation leads to a violation of the normal development of fruits and a decrease in yield. At this stage, it is best to use drip irrigation when growing tomatoes and cucumbers.
In the case when your greenhouse shelter is erected from a polycarbonate sheet, moistening is carried out twice a week. If we talk about the rate of watering tomatoes in a greenhouse, then it is 5 liters per bush.
It is highly undesirable to use tap water as a liquid. For these purposes, either liquid settled for three days, or rain is excellent.
VIDEO: How to water tomatoes and help pollinate tomatoes
The frequency of soil moisture
The frequency with which water will be applied under the roots of a plant of this group largely depends on the absorption of nutrients and trace elements and, accordingly, fruiting. When the vegetation grown in greenhouse conditions receives all the necessary trace elements, and the humidity indicators reach the limit of 90%, this will ensure a timely and high yield.
How to properly water tomatoes in a polycarbonate greenhouse? First of all, it is worth noting that irrigation activities are carried out no more than twice every 7 days.
Increasing the frequency of application of the liquid contributes to the curling of the foliage. Hence the deficiency of trace elements that the plant receives through the leaves and, as a result, a decrease in the rate of development of seedlings and a decrease in the volume of fruiting.
Many gardeners place a water tank directly in the greenhouse structure, which leads to an excess of moisture. Of course, this facilitates the irrigation process (there is no need to run far to fill the containers with water). In order to eliminate such consequences, experienced gardeners cover the tank with plastic wrap.
In the event that, after carrying out such moisturizing procedures, you notice that moisture is absorbed too slowly into the ground, you need to pierce it in several places. Many experienced specialists combine the processes of ventilation and irrigation, which favorably affects the development of vegetation.
Liquid application stops exactly 20 days before harvest. This will speed up the ripening of the fruit.
Do not forget about the need for ventilation and access to sunlight. Photosynthesis is the most important condition for plant nutrition, for which the sun is responsible.
Irrigation Options
The introduction of liquid to moisten this vegetable crop can be done in several ways:
- Watering tomatoes through plastic bottles. This method is simple and cost effective. To implement it, you need to dig a plastic bottle of any size with holes made with an awl near each bush. Water is poured into the open neck, which goes exclusively to moisten the root system.
Convenient and economical watering
- Through hoses. The most common option, but at the same time during the period of seedling ripening it is extremely difficult to adjust the water rate. And after the procedure, a crust remains on the soil. And besides, there is a possibility that plants will be damaged while pulling the hose.
- Use of bucket and ladle. This method is great for organizing an irrigation procedure during the fruiting of seedlings. But at the same time, you need to choose the right volume of the bucket. Disadvantages - the need to carry a heavy bucket.
- Drip irrigation for tomatoes. Most suitable option introducing moisture. It allows you to adjust the volume and frequency of soil moisture. And besides, there is no need to walk with a heavy bucket or carry a hose. Cons: Waste of money.
Organization of irrigation at different stages of seedling growth
Soil moisture during tomato cultivation depends on the stage of plant development.
Sprinkling seeds
The first application of moisture is carried out when shoots appear. The procedure is performed on the second day after most of the sprouts hatch. At this stage, it is best to spray and try to do it so that the drops do not fall on the sprouts themselves.
Even small sprouts should be watered under the root
The following moisturizing activities are carried out regularly and carefully. Drying out and waterlogging of the soil is not allowed. Once a month, the liquid is saturated with organic fertilizers.
Two days before picking, the seedlings are watered for the last time. This helps to keep the ground moderately moist during this procedure. The first watering after picking is carried out after four days.
In order to improve the growth of the root system, pots for pre-growing sprouts are placed in trays. This approach will stimulate the elongation of the rhizome and its full development. After the first introduction of liquid into the soil after picking, the moisture saturation schedule is reduced to once every 7 days.
How to determine an overabundance or waterlogging of the soil
To organize the correct application of moisture, it is necessary to understand how moist the soil is at the time of the procedure.
vegetable culture does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil, as well as its drying out. Therefore, it is very important that tomatoes receive exactly the right amount of moisture.
In the event that the foliage of seedlings twists along the central vein, and along appearance resembles a "boat", this indicates a lack of moisture in the soil. In this situation, you need to add liquid to the ground, slightly loosen it and mulch it.
When the stem of the plant and the fruits crack, this indicates the presence of excess fluid in the ground. If the problem is not solved, this will lead to a decrease in yield and a deterioration in the taste of tomatoes.
Now you know how to perform high-quality watering of tomatoes in a greenhouse. Guided by the tips described above, you can grow good seedlings and get a high yield.
VIDEO: Tomatoes - watering, garter
Irrigation is one of the most important agricultural practices. Irrigation plays a huge role in the cultivation of tomato crops.. Climatic features, growing conditions, varieties - everything matters when organizing competent watering of tomatoes. Excess moisture is also harmful to this vegetable (or berry from a botanical point of view), as is its deficiency. How to find the golden mean? Let's try to figure this out.
Features of the microclimate of polycarbonate greenhouses
Growing tomatoes in protected ground has its own characteristics.
Climatic features are of great importance for the cultivation of plants. As a rule, all crops are grown either in open ground or in greenhouse conditions.
The process of breeding varietal crops in greenhouses has a number of its own nuances, since a special microclimate is formed there, which must be taken into account when carrying out any agricultural techniques.
The average air humidity in summer is from 60 to 80%. During the period of frequent precipitation, this figure can reach the level of 90% , and under the condition of hot weather, drop to 40%. Ignoring external changes affects not only the irrigation process, but also the culture itself.
Tomato moisture requirements
The main feature of almost any variety of tomato is its unique moisture requirements.
To increase the level of moisture in the soil, and therefore reduce watering, planting tomatoes under the mulching material helps.
The root system needs regular soil moisture At the same time, the above-ground part successfully develops in conditions of predominantly dry air. However, don't get carried away. Excess water in the soil will cause root rot. At the same time, the lack of moisture will affect the size of the fruit.
Humidity standards
To determine the temperature and humidity in the greenhouse, it is convenient to use an electronic hygrometer.
Properly organized watering satisfies all the conditions necessary for a rich harvest. To organize it, you need to know that the optimal soil moisture must correspond 80–90% , while the humidity in the greenhouse should not exceed the indicator in 50–60% .
You can determine the humidity in a polycarbonate greenhouse using a hygrometer. If it is not available, you can use a simpler, but somewhat inaccurate method. To do this, you need to squeeze a little soil in your hand and see how it molds and how long it holds its shape. If the earth ball is molded easily and also quickly disintegrates, then the soil is sufficiently moistened.
A number of rules for watering
To maintain soil moisture, it is enough to water 1-2 times a week.
For individual watering of each tomato bush, you can use cut plastic bottles. This method eliminates the formation of a dried crust on the soil surface.
In this case, a number of rules must be observed:
- water crops only in the morning or early evening;
- pour water strictly under each tomato bush;
- prevent moisture from entering the trunk and leaf plates of the plant (to avoid burns and diseases);
- make sure that each bush "received" at least 4-5 liters of water ;
- do not use cold water(optimal temperature 20–23 °С ).
Irrigation types
Manual watering.
All types of watering can be divided into manual, drip and automatic.
Manual
Manual watering from a hose with simultaneous.
The manual method is familiar to every gardener. It is he who is most often used to moisten the soil.
Watering is carried out manually using garden tools such as a hose with a nozzle or a watering can. In the first case, the hose facilitates the work of the gardener, but deprives him of the ability to control the exact amount of water poured under the bush. With a watering can, watering will be more accurate, but much more physical effort will be spent.
When watering with a watering can, water is often used that has been settled for at least a day. When storing a barrel with such water in a greenhouse, it is necessary to close the container with a lid so that the water, evaporating, does not increase the humidity in the greenhouse.
drip
Drip irrigation can often be found in small agricultural enterprises. The advantages of this type of humidification are obvious:
- water flows directly to the root system, without evaporating and without falling on the plant;
- the soil is not salted and is not washed out;
- there is no need to carry out frequent loosening, since a characteristic crust does not form;
- along with moisture, fertilizers can be applied;
- It is possible to independently regulate the watering time and water temperature.
This type of irrigation is optimal for large greenhouses. However, it can be organized on your own personal plot. The drip irrigation system can be either purchased at a specialized store or mounted independently from improvised materials.
Automatic irrigation
Automatic irrigation can often be found on the areas of agricultural holdings that are engaged in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits in large industrial volumes. This is a rather expensive type of irrigation system, but it is the most effective, as it has a number of advantages:
- decline;
- 100% moisture supply to the root system of the culture;
- programmable timer and thermostat;
- uniform distribution and uninterrupted supply of moisture;
- a minimum of manual labor due to the autonomy of the system.
Scheme automatic watering.
Kinds
There are 3 types of automatic irrigation: sprinkling, subsoil and drip irrigation. For the cultivation of tomatoes during their vegetative period, only the last 2 types are suitable.
Watering tomatoes at various stages of growth
The need for irrigation in tomatoes is directly related to their development period. IN different time they need a different amount of water and frequency of watering.
Tomatoes require different amounts of water at different stages of growth.
- At the time of planting seedlings in polycarbonate greenhouses, the plant is abundantly shed at the rate of 4–5 liters per planting hole. Further, the culture takes root within 8-10 days. During this period, there is no need to additionally water the tomatoes.
- After 1-2 weeks tomatoes go into active growth. However, their root system is still rather weak, so it is unable to draw moisture from the soil on its own. In the period preceding the beginning of flowering, tomatoes are watered 2 times in 7–8 days. The average water consumption is 2-3 liters per bush.
- When the culture blooms water consumption increases up to 5 liters, however, the frequency of irrigation is reduced (up to 1 time per week). When ovaries and first fruits appear, they return to two-time watering in 7–8 days. During this period, it is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, otherwise it will lead to decay of the root system.
- At the moment of reddening of the first tomatoes abundant watering should be reduced. Irrigation is carried out 1 time in 7 days, the amount of water is reduced to 2-3 liters. Excess moisture leads to a decrease in the sugar content of tomatoes and to cracking of the fruit. In addition, watering rates for undersized and tall varieties differ. This must be taken into account when organizing irrigation.
Watering frequency
The average frequency of watering tomatoes is once a week, but during the period of active growth, watering is done every 3-4 days.
To determine the optimal frequency of irrigation, it is recommended to focus on climatic conditions and design features of the greenhouse.
The best temperature for ripening tomatoes is 22-25 ° C. However, during the dry period, at temperatures above 30 ° C, agronomists recommend shedding plants even at the time of fruiting. The standard standard should be reduced in this case.
In the case of water settling, it is better to water the crops after lunch, when the water in the barrels warms up and the plant does not receive a temperature shock from too cold moisture.
Evening irrigation
When watering in the evening, it is worth remembering the need to ventilate greenhouses.
A greenhouse for tomatoes must be equipped with a ventilation system, the main elements of which are automatic hatches in the roof of the building.
Otherwise, excess moisture simply does not have time to evaporate and the humidity of the air during the night will significantly exceed the optimal performance. In addition, these are excellent conditions for the development of mold and mildew. It is for this reason that many gardeners water their tomatoes in the morning.
In summer, the windows in the greenhouse should be left open.. If they are not provided for by the design, then a small gap should be left in the door, sufficient for air circulation. Only under these conditions can you get a high-quality and tasty harvest.
Watering in August
The schedule for watering tomatoes in August depends on the specific growing conditions.
So in the Crimea and in the southern regions, where it is hot even in the last month of summer, irrigation is carried out almost daily, but in the northern regions, where the approach of autumn is especially felt, irrigation is minimized, if not completely stopped.
conclusions
The issue of irrigation in the cultivation of tomatoes is extremely important.
Many novice gardeners sincerely believe that the more, the better when pouring tomatoes and not understanding why, with abundant irrigation, they suddenly start. Keeping a balance between air and soil humidity, climatic features of the region, the nuances of cultivating a variety and the design of a greenhouse is a real art, which takes a lot of effort.
However, the result will not be long in coming, in the form of a plentiful harvest of beautiful and juicy tomatoes.
Before determining how often and correctly to water the tomatoes in the greenhouse, let's deal with the peculiarities of the microclimate that is created inside the greenhouses.
Humidity in summer is approx. 60-80 % . The exception is too hot and dry periods, when the humidity drops to 40 % . At the same time, hot weather can alternate with rains, and then the humidity reaches 90 % .
With improper watering in the greenhouse, these figures can be even higher, and this is detrimental to tomatoes. The characteristic of this culture is requirement for moisture in the soil but prefers while dry air for the successful development of the aboveground part. It is these conditions that need to be provided to the tomatoes in the greenhouse with proper watering.
Tomatoes are harmful both too plentiful and poor watering.. If there is too much moisture in the soil, the roots are not able to absorb it and begin to rot. The lack of moisture leads to active dehydration of the foliage, and the plants can overheat and die.
IMPORTANT. If you notice that the leaves of tomatoes have begun to curl along the central vein, then they do not have enough moisture.
Soil and air moisture standards for tomatoes
Watering tomatoes in a greenhouse should provide ninety percent soil moisture and fifty percent air. These conditions are able to ensure the normal growth and development of the bush, and optimal protection against fungal diseases.
How often and at what time should tomatoes be watered in a greenhouse? In order to achieve a similar microclimate in a greenhouse, watering tomatoes should be carried out subject to the following rules:
- plants need to be watered no more than once or twice a week, depending on the level of humidity and air temperature;
- each bush must receive 4-5 liters;
- need to water the tomatoes strictly under the root, not falling on the bush. Drops of water in the sun become a kind of lenses and cause burns;
- recommended time is morning or early evening so that the sun does not create a greenhouse effect and all moisture goes into the soil, and does not evaporate.
IMPORTANT. Don't Water Your Tomatoes cold water they get stressed out by it. The water temperature should be at least 23-24 degrees.
Types of irrigation organization
How to water tomatoes in a greenhouse? There are several ways to organize watering tomatoes in a greenhouse:
Manual
This method is the most suitable in small buildings. Via simple fixtures- watering cans or hoses - pour water strictly under the root.
When watering with a hose, water often comes from a well and a water pipe, so there is danger of hypothermia of the roots. The disadvantage of hose irrigation is the inability to control the amount of liquid per plant.
It is more expedient to organize manual watering from a watering can with settled water. To do this, it is better to put a barrel next to the greenhouse, which is filled with water in advance to heat it.
ATTENTION. If the barrel of water is directly in the greenhouse, be sure to cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. IN open form a container of water in the greenhouse creates excessive humidity, and this is harmful to tomatoes.
drip
Efficient organization in large greenhouses since manual watering in this case requires a lot of time and effort. It is better to simplify it by building a drip irrigation system in the greenhouse. Advantages such irrigation are obvious:
- water flows directly to the roots, without evaporating from the surface and without increasing air humidity;
- the danger of water droplets falling on the leaves, stems and flowers of plants is excluded;
- watering can be carried out at any convenient time;
- the soil is not washed out and is not salted.
In order to organize drip irrigation of tomatoes in the greenhouse, a special system is installed that provides the flow of moisture through special pipes to the roots. Such a system can be purchased ready-made in specialized stores or mounted independently. The advantage of such irrigation is also additional opportunity plant fertilizers.
If it is not possible to build a drip irrigation system, you can use a very original and in a simple way– . To do this, bottles with holes are dug into the ground next to the tomato bushes upside down. Water is poured into a bottle and gradually enters the roots through small holes, since one tomato bush in a greenhouse requires up to 5 liters per irrigation, it is better to use plastic bottles of the appropriate volume.
Another option for homemade drip irrigation is to dig a tube into the ground, on which the bottle is put on upside down. A hole is made in the bottom to fill the water. The filled bottle gradually delivers water to the roots through the tube.
Auto
Most often this method is used in industrial greenhouses, since at the household level its cost is too high. But if the owner can afford such a structure on his site, then its use most optimal.
Features of watering at different stages of tomato growth
The moisture requirement of tomatoes depends on their stage of development.. Therefore, in different periods they need a special frequency of watering and the amount of moisture used.
- When planting, it is watered abundantly ( 4-5 l. in one hole) and leave to root for 7-10 days. Additional watering during this period, tomatoes do not need.
- A week after planting, tomatoes begin active growth. But their root system is still weak, and it is not yet capable of extracting moisture from the depths of the soil. That's why before flowering tomatoes are watered two times a week, spending on each bush 2-3 liters of water.
- During flowering amount of moisture increase to five liters, but the frequency is reduced up to once a week.
- Once upon a bush fruits begin to appear, the frequency of irrigation is increased up to twice a week. But do not pour too much water under each bush, so as not to cause waterlogging of the soil and rotting of the roots.
- The signal to reduce watering is the appearance of the first tomatoes that begin to blush. During fruit ripening procedure is restarted once a week with some water. Abundant watering during this period can lead to cracking of the fruit.
When to water?
When and how often to water tomatoes in a greenhouse? Gardeners do not have a unanimous opinion on this issue, but still it is recommended to take into account the weather conditions and structural features of your greenhouse.
If the weather is warm and dry outside, then the time of watering does not matter. Especially if you carry it out carefully and the possibility of burning the leaves by the sun is excluded. Better to water in the afternoon, since the water is already warm enough by this hour, while in the morning it is still cool.
If watering is carried out in the evening hours, after it, a long ventilation of the greenhouse is required in order for the excess moisture to evaporate and the tomatoes to remain healthy.
In wet and cool weather it is better to water the tomatoes before noon, so that the space is well ventilated during the day, and excess moisture from the air evaporates.
IMPORTANT. No matter what time you have the procedure. Leave the windows and doors open after it. If you close the greenhouse immediately after watering, excess moisture in the air will encourage the development of the fungus.
Proper organization of watering tomatoes when growing them in a greenhouse will allow you to get big harvest healthy and tasty fruits.
Useful video
You can see the organization of simple and effective watering of tomatoes in a greenhouse more visually in the video:
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
Since plants are able to absorb nutrients only in dissolved form, the presence of moisture is a prerequisite for growing. Watering is especially relevant in greenhouses where plants cannot get moisture from natural sources: rain, dew, fog.
After the use of soil water, irrigation remains the only source of replenishment. Here it is very important to know the rules and regulations in order to provide the plants with the necessary amount of moisture and create a favorable climate in the greenhouse.
Protective structures allow not only to maintain the optimum temperature for growth, but also contribute to the preservation of moisture in the greenhouse. If you do not carry out ventilation, the moisture after watering will begin to evaporate, and the humidity in the greenhouse will increase. A humid environment is not good for tomatoes, so ventilation must be provided. The soil, on the contrary, should be moist, but not wet.
Optimum soil and air humidity
Tomatoes are very sensitive to moisture. They prefer low air humidity (45-50%) and a fairly high level of soil moisture (85-90%).
Why follow the rules for watering tomatoes in a greenhouse
Tomato plants respond equally poorly to both lack and excess moisture.
In case of insufficient watering:
- nutrients are poorly absorbed;
- the root system develops poorly and the growth of the vegetative mass slows down;
- fruits do not gain weight well and are capable of shedding.
The lack of moisture at the initial stage of the plant is signaled by twisting the leaves with a boat.
For overwatering:
- the risk of developing diseases increases;
- air exchange processes and mineral nutrition worsen;
- fruits crack and rot.
How to water tomatoes in a greenhouse?
How often to water
Tomatoes prefer watering not frequent, but plentiful, wetting the soil at the entire depth of the root system.
Attention! Based on climatic conditions, watering plants should be carried out no more than 1-2 times a week.
Frequent, slight watering moistens only the upper part of the soil, without saturating the roots with moisture, but creating dampness in the greenhouse. Excessive moisture contributes to a decrease in soil temperature and creates favorable conditions for the development of diseases. 
What time of day
The best time for watering in sunny weather is in the evening, 2-3 hours before sunset. This time will allow the water to soak into the soil and the plants to dry out. During the night, moisture will be evenly distributed in the soil and will begin to be absorbed by the root system, air humidity will normalize.
On cloudy days, watering can be done at any time, but you need to pay attention to the air temperature. If it is low in the morning, it is better to wait for the temperature to rise during the day.
How
Water consumption directly depends on the following factors:
- plant age;
- growth phases;
- bush type;
- environmental conditions.
For one plant, it ranges from 0.5 liters after planting seedlings, up to 5-10 liters during the period of growth of the vegetative mass and mass fruit set.
Watering frequency
The frequency is directly related to solar activity. The more sunny days, the more often watering is required. But you need to make it plentiful so that the frequency is no more than 2 times a week.
Watering in the heat
In hot, sunny weather, the soil dries out faster, and the frequency increases to 2 times a week. When the soil is moist, the plants cool off by rapidly evaporating the moisture from their leaves. This allows them to easily tolerate heat over 30°C. Watering under scorching sunlight should not be done. The dew drops formed on the leaves, like lenses, refract the sun's rays, and the tissues get burned, and late blight spores are fertile ground for germination. 
In rainy weather
Creates high humidity air, therefore, especially at this time, waterlogging of the soil should not be allowed. During this period, it is necessary to loosen the soil and ventilate the greenhouse more often.
When to stop watering tomatoes in a greenhouse?
If the formation of the main number of fruits is over or a decision is made to pinch the growing point in order to direct the plant's forces to ripening, watering the plants can be stopped. For early varieties this period begins in August. Late varieties continue to develop intensively and need full-fledged watering.
If the weather conditions worsen in autumn, the air temperature drops and daylight hours shorten, the need for plants in water decreases, and watering is reduced. During the period of ripening of the last fruits, watering is completely stopped.
How to water tomatoes correctly, how much water is required for this - says the author of the video.
What water to use
- Warm water.
You can not allow sudden changes in temperature, so watering is best done with warm water. In hot weather, it is heated by the sun and can reach 23-25ºС, that is, be close to the ambient temperature.
- Cold water.
In cloudy weather, use water heated to 18-22ºС. Water at a lower temperature helps slow down metabolic processes and the development of diseases.
Advice! Use settled water or rainwater, which has less hardness.
Irrigation technology
- Manual watering.
Used in small greenhouses and when growing seedlings. Small seedlings can even be watered with a pipette or syringe so as not to moisten the plant and bend it to the ground. The grown seedlings are watered from a bucket or mug, but also under the spine. Mature plants are difficult to water in this way.
The use of a hose is very common and greatly facilitates the work. This method also has disadvantages:
- it is difficult to avoid getting water on plants;
- under the pressure of water, the soil at the roots is eroded;
- it is difficult to determine the water consumption for a plant.
If you apply watering from a hose, then it is better to do it in pre-prepared grooves. For two-row plantings, three recesses are made, decorated with sides of the earth (one between the rows, the other along the edges). The hose is laid in a groove and slowly filled with water, which gradually absorbs and moistens the soil.
- Drip irrigation.
It is very modern and effective method soil moisture, although more expensive. Water is supplied through hoses, with holes made in them, directly to each plant. At the same time, the water supply is strictly dosed, watering is turned on at the right time, water falls on the ground in drops with a certain rhythm. Plants remain dry, the soil structure is not disturbed and evenly moistened.
- through plastic bottles.
Many gardeners use a cheap and easy way to deliver water directly to the roots using plastic bottles. They are buried one by one at each bush, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe roots, having previously cut off the bottom. Holes are drilled for gradual penetration of moisture. Water is poured into a bottle from a hose, watering can or mug and it moistens the soil at the roots and to a sufficient depth.
- Auto.
Modern equipment allows not only to dose the amount of water supplied, but also to control the temperature, humidity of the soil and air. Depending on the received parameters, the system is automatically turned on. Well tuned automatic systems minimize human involvement. 
Automatic irrigation activation is used both for the drip method and for special small-drop sprayers, to which water is supplied through hoses. They are laid on the ground or extremely low to it.
Advice! In stationary polycarbonate greenhouses, it is more expedient to use drip irrigation.
Watering in the greenhouse and growing stages of tomatoes
On the different stages Growing tomato plants have their own requirements for watering and humidity.
When planting seeds
Tomato seeds are sown in well-moistened soil, retain moisture until germination with the help of film, glass and other transparent materials, which cover the container for growing. Before germination, crops are not watered, and after their mass appearance, watering is started.
The top layer of soil should not be allowed to dry out, as the root system of young seedlings is located here. Watering during this period is carried out often, almost daily.
Before picking (for 1-2 days), the seedlings are thoroughly watered so that the plants are saturated with moisture. Seedlings planted in moist soil begin to be watered for 4-5 days with a frequency of once every 6-7 days. To improve the development of the root system, trays with water are used, in which pots with drainage holes are placed, through which water enters the roots from below.
After transplanting seedlings
Before planting seedlings in a permanent place, it is abundantly watered for a day, so that the clod of soil around the roots is moist, but does not fall apart. Immediately after planting, light watering is done and water is not used for the next 5-7 days (unless the soil dries out during high heat). During the engraftment period, seedlings will consume a small amount of moisture. 
During flowering
The established seedlings will begin to develop intensively and a sufficient amount of moisture will be required to form a vegetative mass, set and pour fruits. Watering during this period should not be frequent, but plentiful.
During fruiting
Watering of early ripening determinant fruits during the ripening period is practically stopped. Thus, they contribute to the amicable maturation of the formed ovaries. Varieties that ripen gradually and continue to grow and lay new fruits continue to be watered as usual. To speed up maturation, reduce watering and pinch the top of the plant.
- Remove water containers from the greenhouse or cover them so that the moisture level does not increase when the water evaporates.
- Don't let the soil dry out. Subsequent abundant watering will lead to cracking of the stem and fruits.
- If moisture does not penetrate well into the soil due to its dense structure, use preliminary loosening or piercing the soil with a pitchfork.
If fertilizing is planned after watering aqueous solutions fertilizers, take into account the rate of water consumption, taking into account them, in order to prevent an excess of moisture. - If, nevertheless, an excess of moisture has formed in the greenhouse, actively ventilate it and loosen the soil.
In order for water to become an assistant in the production of a rich harvest, it is necessary to strictly observe the norms and rules for irrigating tomatoes in a greenhouse and be able to navigate the frequency of it.
