Hydroponic tomatoes are grown in nutritious solutions rather than soil. The non-soil material usually has the capability to hold and support their roots and provide them with enough nutrients. Hydroponic tomatoes are grown and raised in a controlled environment and therefore there is less chance of disease. Tomatoes grow faster and with greater fruit yield. Growing tomatoes hydroponically is much more expensive and labour-intensive as compared to the manual labour method.
There are few steps to grow tomatoes in the hydroponic system-
Set up a hydroponics system
There are several varieties of hydroponic systems available to grow tomatoes. However, you have to find the one which has an easy flow system and is relatively cheap and easy to operate.
Find a suitable location for the hydroponic system
A suitable environment is required so that there can be precise control and proper functioning over the system to achieve the best growth of tomatoes.
Fill a large plastic container with water and use it as a reservoir.
Fix a tray above the reservoir that will provide support to the tomatoes.
Install a water pump inside a reservoir and then install a fitting tube between the reservoir and the tray.
Try to grow tomatoes in a specific material
Try to plant seeds in a nursery tray that is suitable for growing materials for hydroponics instead of ordinary soil.
Place the seedlings under artificial light once they are ready to sprout
As soon as the plant’s sprout, remove the covering which is placed above them and place them under a light source for at least 12 hours a day. Try to avoid light to directly shine on the roots. If the roots get damaged then you will have to transplant the whole set up and start all over again.
Move the seedlings into a hydroponic system
Once the roots protrude out from the bottom of the tray. Then it is the perfect time to move your seedlings into a hydroponic system. Try to place them 10 to 12 inches above the layer of the same material.
Setting up the water pump timer
Begin trying to set the pump timer for 30 minutes to 2.5 hours a day. Do not do this for more than 2.5 hours without running the pump. Also, keep an eye on the water frequency because sometimes roots may become very slimy or soaked.
You need to increase the water frequency every time a plant blooms a fruit. Since this process requires additional water.
Setting up your own artificial lights
For good ideal growing conditions, you need to expose your tomato plants under a good light for at least 16 to 18 hours a day. Also, turn off the lights and let them sit in total darkness for at least eight hours a day. The plants will still grow if you provide them sunlight but it is likely to grow slower.
Stake and prune tall tomatoes
Some tomatoes grow specifically to a particular size and then stop. You can prune them by breaking off the stem.
Pollinate the tomato blossoms
Since the hydroponic environment has no insects to pollinate the tomato blossoms you will have to do it either artificially or manually.
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