TheNaturePlanet

Some gardeners find that their cherry tomatoes only bloom without bearing fruit, or the fruits are small and sour. Don’t worry – here are the solutions to help you achieve tomato self-sufficiency at home.
一、Environment
Light
Require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For balcony growers, use grow lights to supplement light and prevent flower drop caused by insufficient light.
Temperature
Optimal temperature: 25–28°C during the day and 15–18°C at night. When the temperature exceeds 35°C, provide shade and ventilation (pollen easily loses viability in high heat).
Humidity
Maintain 50%–60% humidity. Drain promptly after rain to prevent diseases caused by excessive moisture.
二、Watering and Fertilization
Watering
Fruiting stage: Water thoroughly when the top 2 cm of soil dries out. Avoid inconsistent watering to prevent fruit cracking.
Fruit swelling stage: Water in the morning or evening (avoid midday). Never let water accumulate, and replenish promptly during high water demand.
Fertilization
7 days after flowering: Spray with high-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (e.g., potassium dihydrogen phosphate) once every 10 days to promote fruiting.
During young fruit swelling: Apply calcium fertilizer + high-potassium fertilizer. Calcium deficiency causes blossom end rot. Use thin fertilizers frequently.
三、Pruning and Thinning
Side shoot removal
Use single-stem training: Remove old leaves at the base and weak side shoots, keeping only the main stem.
Flower and fruit thinning
Retain 4–5 healthy fruits per truss. Remove deformed or small fruits.
Pinching
After 5–6 trusses set fruit, pinch the top to concentrate nutrients on the fruits.
四、Artificial Pollination
Shaking flower stalks
Gently shake the plant at 10 a.m. to simulate natural wind pollination (suitable for outdoor/balcony settings).
Brushing with a brush
Dip a soft brush into pollen and gently sweep the pistil stigma (essential for enclosed balconies).
五、Pest and Disease Control
Diseases
Early blight: Spray with mancozeb.
Gray mold: Remove diseased leaves and enhance ventilation.
Pests
Aphids: Rinse with water and spray matrine.
Spider mites: Spray chili water and increase air humidity.
Prevention
Regularly spray baking soda solution (1g:500ml) to inhibit pathogen reproduction.
By following these maintenance steps, your tomatoes will set fruit steadily, grow large, and taste sweet – allowing you to easily achieve tomato self-sufficiency!