Cherry Tomoto Vegetable Seeds Packet

1. Culinary Uses:

• Eaten raw in salads, salsas, and sandwiches.
• Used in cooking, roasting, and making sauces.
• Dried or preserved for extended use.

2. Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene.
• Low in calories and high in fiber.

3. Companion Planting:

• Grow well with basil, marigolds, carrots, and onions.
• Avoid planting near potatoes and brassicas, which can compete for nutrients.

Light:

• Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily).

Soil:

• Prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
• Enrich soil with compost, aged manure, or organic fertilizer.

Watering:

• Needs consistent, deep watering to prevent fruit cracking.
• Water at the base of the plant to avoid fungal issues.

Temperature & Climate:

• Grows best in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C).
• Protect plants from cold snaps and excessive heat.

Fertilization:

• Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or compost tea every 2-3 weeks.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to lush foliage but fewer fruits.

Watering:

• Water deeply and consistently, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Staking & Pruning:

• Indeterminate varieties need staking or caging for support.
• Prune suckers (small shoots between the stem and leaves) to promote airflow and fruit production.

Harvesting and Seed Collection

1. When to Harvest:
   Cherry tomatoes mature 60-75 days after planting.
   Harvest when fruits are fully colored and slightly firm.
   Pick regularly to encourage continuous production.
2. Storing Cherry Tomatoes:
   Store at room temperature for the best flavor.
   Refrigeration can alter texture but prolongs shelf life.
3. Saving Seeds:
   Scoop out seeds from ripe tomatoes and ferment them in water for 2-3 days.
   Rinse, dry, and store in a cool, dry place for future planting.

• Common Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, tomato hornworms.
  Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations.
• Common Diseases: Early blight, powdery mildew.
  Avoid overhead watering and rotate crops yearly.