Why are tomatoes grown using plastic mulch?
Plastic mulch is used for two main reasons: earliness and water relations. Plastic mulch helps maintain heat in the soil and increases the rate of plant growth. The first tomatoes to hit the market get the best prices. Using mulch can shorten the interval from planting to harvest by as much as one week if the sun shines. Plastic mulch also helps prevent evaporation form the soil. A more even moisture regime helps prevent blossom end rot.
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RAYMOND, Miss. -- Commercial vegetable growers have a new mobile-based resource to help them manage pests and diseases in their crops. The MyIPM for Vegetables app is the latest in the MyIPM app series. MyIPM for Vegetables currently offers resources for tomatoes and cucurbits, which includes cucumbers, pumpkins, squash and watermelons.
There’s nothing as divine as a homegrown tomato. I’m a sucker for a tomato sandwich or a BLT during summer.
Tomatoes are a popular crop for home gardeners, but they can be tricky to grow. Insects, disorders, and diseases can all cause problems with tomatoes.