Even from school, the Uralians know that our region is considered to be a “zone of risky farming”. However, gardeners tirelessly cultivate their “risky” acres and get a good harvest even in difficult climatic conditions, where the snow in May can be followed by heat and drought in July with prolonged rains in August. Under such conditions, tomatoes are grown mainly in greenhouses, although open ground is also possible in the South Urals. In our article, the best varieties of tomatoes for the Urals and tips on choosing and planting seeds.
To begin with, we will determine what the "best variety" is. The most fruitful? The most unpretentious? The most delicious? Or suitable for canning? The best varieties of tomatoes for the Urals are resistant to possible frosts even in summer, relative unpretentiousness and, of course, productivity that delights a diligent gardener. Traditionally, in this band in the greenhouses the Bull heart is grown, large fruits and pink fleshy pulp of which make it the best component of any vegetable salad. With proper handling, this variety is almost not susceptible to disease. Quite unpretentious, he and the composition of the soil. Another hybrid that is well-suited for salads is the Ural F1, whose name implies its suitability for difficult growing conditions. But for salting, the best tomato varieties for the Urals are Intuition and Niagara. The latter are distinguished by a thick peel and an elongated shape, which is why they are especially conveniently located in banks.
The Blagovest hybrid, which ripens quite early, has gained particular popularity in this band. Its yield of over 18 kg per m2 is superior to most competitors; It is suitable for salting, as well as for fresh consumption. As you have already noticed, the best varieties of tomatoes for the Urals do not necessarily have names that speak of their place of origin or cultivation. Another variety with an exotic name, well adapted for the region, is called Japanese truffle. The unusual shape and yellow color combined with a dense texture make him a welcome guest on the table, fresh or canned. It is a tall variety; its yield is not too high, but the mass of fruits is impressive.
Seeds
Where to get tomato seeds for the Urals variety you like? Specialized stores are now in almost any city. But it is better to refuse to buy from the tray, since there is a high risk of acquiring low-quality, non-germinating seeds or seeds of another variety. And the surest way to buy high-quality seeds is to order them on specialized sites and catalogs. Before planting seeds, check for germination. To do this, fill them with water and get rid of the floated, that is empty. The rest are suitable for landing.
Even the best varieties of tomatoes for the Urals require disinfection and hardening of seeds. Disinfection is traditionally carried out with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, in which it is necessary to withstand the material for a quarter of an hour, and then rinse several times. For antibacterial prophylaxis, it is recommended to treat the seeds with phytoflavin.
For hardening, seeds can be kept for a week in the refrigerator, although many gardeners recommend hardening differently, not seeds, but seedlings.
You can plant the seeds in boxes or pots, the latter is preferable. You can use the finished mixture for vegetable crops, or you can make it yourself by combining earth, sand, humus and fertilizers. If possible, for seedlings, choose a well-lit side, but additional lighting from fluorescent lamps may be required.
In the future, growing seedlings will require picking, fertilizing and planting in a greenhouse, and in the more southern regions of the Urals, tomatoes can also be grown in open ground.