Gardeners from the southern regions of Russia are lucky: they can cultivate almost all varieties of tomatoes on their plots. But for a cool climate, finding hybrids and varieties of nightshade crops is not so simple. Experienced vegetable growers say: one of the best varieties is tomato Marfa. Even under the most adverse climatic conditions, bushes of this variety give a rich harvest. True, for this it is necessary to observe all the features of care, grow a tomato in a greenhouse or in a shelter. Today we offer to talk about how to grow tomato Martha on your site. Photos, reviews, advantages and disadvantages are waiting for you below!
Hybrid characteristics
Martha belongs to the first generation hybrids. He was bred thanks to the efforts of breeders from Holland. The variety was included in the State Register of our country as intended for cultivation in open ground in the southern and central regions, in closed - in the northern regions of the country.
Marfa's tomato is tall, indeterminate. The height of one bush can reach about 170 centimeters. Plants are medium-sized, the bushes are not sprawling. The leaves of tomatoes are small, they are characterized by a rich lime color. The bushes have a powerful root system, simple inflorescences. The very first is formed after the 7th leaf, the subsequent ones - every three following. Speaking about the characteristics of the tomato Martha, it should be noted that this hybrid belongs to the late varieties: it is possible to enjoy ripe fruits no earlier than 135 days after the appearance of the first seedlings.
The main feature of tomato is the presence of immunity to the most common diseases that often affect members of the nightshade family. Marfe is not afraid of Fusarium, cladosporiosis, tobacco mosaic virus. Tomatoes of this variety can be cultivated both in greenhouses and greenhouse shelters, and in open beds. The bushes tolerate bad weather and cold snap.
Tomato Martha: fruit description
Typically, fruiting begins in the second half of July, it ends with the advent of the first frosts. The weight of one ripe tomato of this variety can reach 150 grams. Gardeners note a high yield throughout the entire fruiting period. About 8 fruits are formed on one brush, the yield of the Martha variety is high - from one bush you can collect seven kilograms of neatly rounded vegetables.
The pulp of tomatoes is quite juicy, not watery. The taste is sweet, there is a slight sourness. In a state of technical maturity, Martha's tomatoes acquire a rich red color. Inside, the tomatoes do not have too many seeds, the skin is smooth and dense, the peduncle usually forms a small depression and a speck of yellow-red color. Tomatoes of this variety are distinguished by their excellent presentation, they can be stored for a long time after harvest. Speaking about the application, gardeners say: the variety is suitable for fresh consumption, for the preparation of sauces, ketchup, juices and soups. Tomatoes are small, because they are perfect for canning in general. It is important to note that during salting, Martha's tomatoes (in the photo you can see vegetables in a section) do not crack, they retain their shape.
Grade Benefits
In reviews of tomato Marfa cultivators gardeners say: he has many advantages. They include excellent seed germination, crop stability, fruiting duration. It is pleasant to gardeners that after harvesting the fruits are stored for a long enough time. Plants are resistant to various diseases, tolerate an unfavorable climate and a sudden drop in temperature.
Variety disadvantages
Gardeners did not find significant flaws in tomatoes of this variety. The only thing that complicates the care of them is the need to tie the bushes to supports or trellises. If this is not done, the stems or branches simply break off under the weight of the fruit.
Seeding and seedling care
In order to ensure the maximum percentage of germination, Marfa tomato seeds must be placed in a small cloth bag before sowing, and then placed on the battery for several days. After that, it is recommended to soak them with any growth stimulant. The best options are Epin, a solution of potassium humate.
Experienced gardeners recommend that the planting material be decontaminated: for this you need to put it in a solution of potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide for a day. Particular attention is required and the land for seedlings. The soil must be heated in the oven at a temperature not exceeding 100 degrees, or shed with a light pink solution of potassium permanganate. This will destroy any viral and fungal diseases, neutralize the larvae of pests.
Immediately after this, you can do the eviction of seeds - fertile soil should be poured into the container, grooves should be made not more than a centimeter deep, put Martha tomato seeds in them, sprinkled on top of the soil and moisten with a spray bottle. After this, it is recommended to cover the containers with glass or film, and place in a warm place. As soon as the first shoots appear, the shelter must be removed.
Seat preparation
For growing tomatoes, experienced gardeners recommend choosing a southwestern, southeast, or southern plots. A good harvest will be given by those tomatoes that were planted near the southern wall of buildings or a fence. Please note: tomatoes can be successfully grown in the same place for two to three years, although for this you need to make organic fertilizers before planting.
The best predecessors for nightshade are cucumbers, zucchini, onions and cabbage. But after pepper, potatoes, and eggplant, one should not grow tomatoes: productivity will be low, the risk of diseases will increase.
Gardeners say: preparing the soil for planting tomatoes is necessary in the fall, after the entire crop has been harvested from the site. The earth should be dug up and carefully shed with a solution of copper sulfate. For 10 liters of warm water you will need only one tablespoon of the product.
In the spring, you need to do one more dressing: mix peat, humus, add wood sawdust. Organic fertilizers should be added to this mixture: superphosphate (three tablespoons) and wood ash (about 500 grams). After this, the soil needs to be dug up again, spilled well with a solution of lime. All these procedures, gardeners say, are recommended to be done 10-12 days before you plant seedlings in a permanent place. Organic soil with nitrogen content can also be added to the soil.
Transplanting seedlings into the ground
Gardeners recommend planting Marfa tomato in a permanent place in late May - the first decade of June, after the danger of frost has passed, stable warm weather will be established. Plants must be placed in rows, the distance between the bushes is best maintained at least 30-40 cm. Between the rows should be at least 50 centimeters. Before planting, you need to prepare the holes, each of them needs to be watered, a small amount of fertilizer should be applied. By the way, withered seedlings take root much worse, start to hurt and are far behind in development. So it’s best to plant Martha’s tomatoes in the garden or in the greenhouse immediately after you take it out of the glass.
In the event that the seedlings are greatly extended, it can be planted in a prone position. On the deepening of the stem, additional roots are formed, so that the bushes will grow faster and stronger.
Tomato Care
The main task of the gardener when caring for tomatoes is the timely hilling of the soil, loosening, fertilizing, watering, forming a bush and timely preventive measures aimed at combating pests and diseases. Every 10-12 days, experienced vegetable growers recommend loosening the soil.
The first time this procedure must be carried out 10 days after planting the plants in a permanent place. Right before loosening, it is necessary to water the plants: hilling with moist soil will help to accelerate the formation of new roots on the stem. After 20 days, a second hilling will be required. The best time for this process is in the afternoon, cloudy weather.
Throughout the summer, tomatoes are recommended to be fed organic and mineral fertilizers. The first top dressing should be done no later than 10-12 days after planting seedlings in a permanent place. This will require 10 liters of mullein solution, 20 grams of superphosphate. One such bucket is enough for ten plants. After 2 weeks, the plants will need another feeding, it is best if they are dry mineral fertilizers. For a plot of one square meter, you will need a mixture of 20 grams of superphosphate, 15 grams of potassium salt and 10 grams of ammonium nitrate. Another such dressing should be carried out after two weeks.
Due to the fact that Martha's tomato is tall, it needs to be tied to stakes or a special rope that is stretched along the rows in a timely manner. Stakes are recommended to be placed on the north side, the distance between the stem and stakes should be about 10 centimeters. The first time to tie up the plants is recommended immediately after planting the seedlings, and the second and third - as the plants grow, at the level of the second and third hands.
Reviews
In the reviews of tomato Marfa, gardeners say: vertex rot, fusarium, tobacco mosaic virus are not at all afraid of this variety. In addition, the plant is resistant to some pests. Tomatoes are very tasty, have a slight acidity. Due to the fact that the plants are not very large, they are great for canning in general. A fresh vegetable is also good: it is suitable for making salads and sandwiches.