How to Plant Black Krin Tomatoes
- 1). Start Black Kirn tomatoes from heirloom seeds. Seed will require 6 to 8 weeks to reach a size to transplant into the garden or containers. Plant in a nutrient rich mixture of equal parts potting soil, peat moss, sand and organic compost. Keep seedlings moist but not overly saturated. Do not allow growing trays or pots to sit in standing water. Transplant when all danger of frost is past.
- 2). Take cuttings from established plants. A broken stem or a cutting you select can be placed in water in a sunny location until roots form. When roots are well developed, plant in a sunny spot in the garden. Tomatoes require 6 or more hours of sunshine daily to mature and develop optimum size and flavor.
- 3). Purchase seedlings from your local garden center. When purchasing Black Kirn tomato transplants, choose plants with straight, sturdy stems. The plants should have 3 to 5 young true leaves, no flowers or fruits, and most importantly, free of disease or insect pests. Plants purchased in individual containers or growing trays experience little transplant shock and will become established quickly. Space out your planting times to ensure a plentiful supply all summer.
- 4). Add organic compost to the soil and work in well. Use only organic materials in your garden. Avoid toxic chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- 5). Transplant your Black Kirn seedling deeply. Bury about two-thirds of the plant. It's acceptable to plant some of the leaves. New roots will develop along the buried stem, helping the tomato plant to anchor and establish itself. Plant the seedlings 2 to 3 feet apart to allow them to have plenty of room to grow. After transplanting, water well with lukewarm water to prevent transplant shock.
- 6). Water carefully. Maintaining a consistent moisture supply is important, especially once the tomato fruits begin to grow and develop. If the soil is allowed to become too dry, blossom-end rot can occur. If excessive water is applied at one time, ripening fruit may turn soft or split. Use a gentle spray as to not wash dirt away from the roots or splash mud on the tomato plant. Tomato plants need about 1 inch of moisture a week from rain or watering.
- 7). Stake tomato plants as required or support with tomato cages.
