Here is a concise summary of the 10 scientific tips and tricks for growing healthy tomato plants, plus a bonus tip:
**Summary:**
* **1. Seed Planting**: Add phosphorus (organic rock phosphate or steamed bone meal) to strengthen root system.
* **2. Final Transplant**: Add phosphorus to hole, plant deeply to promote root growth.
* **3. Staking**: Support plants to prevent damage and disease, using methods like DIY trellis or string support.
* **4. Pruning & Suckers**: Remove suckers to divert nutrients to main stem, prune lower branches for air circulation.
* **5. Sunlight**: Provide 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
* **6. Watering**: Water daily (or twice in high temperatures), use drip irrigation and mulch to retain moisture.
* **7. Soil & Fertilizers**: Use well-draining potting soil with compost, add organic fertilizers like seaweed or Epsom salt.
* **8. Pollinators**: Encourage beneficial insects without using chemical pesticides.
* **9. Pesticides**: Prevent pest attacks with weekly Neem Oil sprays, avoiding chemicals.
* **10. Companion Planting**: Plant companions like basil or garlic to prevent pests.
* **BONUS TIP**: Spray aspirin solution (acetyl salicylic acid) to trigger disease resistance in tomato plants.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences, excluding opinions:
**Tomato Growth**
1. Tomatoes can be grown from seeds or seedlings.
2. Seedlings can be transplanted into 4-6 inch pots after germination.
**Soil and Fertilization**
3. Organic Rock Phosphate (about half a teaspoon per seedling) can be added to strengthen the root system.
4. Steamed bone meal powder can be used as an alternative to Organic Rock Phosphate.
5. A well-draining potting soil mix can include 30% compost, 30% garden soil, 30% cocopeat, and 10% other additives.
**Plant Care**
6. Tomatoes require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
7. Tomatoes need moist soil, with daily watering (possibly twice a day depending on temperature).
8. Installing a drip irrigation system and mulching can help with water retention and weed prevention.
9. Watering should be thorough to hydrate deeper roots.
**Pest and Disease Management**
10. Common tomato pests include Aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars, slugs, snails, tomato hornworms, and cutworms.
11. Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus has no treatment and requires plant disposal.
12. Weekly spraying of Neem Oil (5ml/liter for seedlings, 10ml/liter for mature plants) can prevent pest attacks.
**Additional Tips**
13. Staking or supporting tomato plants is crucial for healthy growth and harvest.
14. Planting depth: tomato seedlings can be planted deeper by removing lower leaves to promote stronger roots.
15. Pruning lower branches (especially for indeterminate varieties) helps maintain air circulation and prevents disease.
16. Removing tomato suckers (side shoots) redirects nutrients to the main stem and branches.
17. Encouraging pollinators (like butterflies and honey bees) aids in fruit formation.
18. Companion planting (e.g., with basil, parsley, cilantro, garlic, marigolds) can help prevent pests.
**Bonus Tip (Scientifically Proven)**
19. Aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid) can trigger a response in tomatoes called Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR), helping fight off diseases (usage: half a 350mg dispersible tablet per 1 liter of water, sprayed once every 15 days).