Growing tomatoes In A Grow Bag: Enhance Tomato Crop Performance

1. PREPARATION OF THE GROW BAGS:

Coco coir grow bags have become increasingly popular among farmers for their versatility and effectiveness in growing various crops, including tomatoes. These bags are made from the fibrous material found in coconut husks, known as coir. They provide an excellent alternative to traditional soil-based cultivation, offering better drainage, aeration, and water retention properties. To prepare the grow bags for tomato crops, follow these simple steps:

Selection of Coco Coir Grow Bags

When choosing coco coir grow bags, it is essential to select high-quality bags that are specifically designed for horticultural purposes. Look for bags that are made from 100% natural coir without any added chemicals or contaminants. This ensures a safe and healthy environment for your tomato plants. Pelemix offers coco substrate Grow Bags of excellent quality raw material and personalized technical advice to cover all the fronts that best suit your tomato cultivation.

Among the mixtures and configurations that Pelemix has as solutions for tomato cultivation we have:

• 16mm Coir: Characterized by larger particles, 16mm coir offers superior drainage and root aeration. This type of coir is ideal for environments where waterlogging is a concern, as it prevents water stagnation around the root zone.

This granulometry allows for optimum water retention at low tensions allowing optimal values of readily available water without causing waterlogging.

• PLF Coir: This type of coir has a mix of fine and coarse particles. This structure is designed to retain adequate moisture while providing sufficient aeration to the root system. The fine particles help in maintaining moisture, whereas the coarse particles ensure good drainage and air flow
• PRO 50: This type of mixture provides 50% chip particles and 50% particle size of 16mm. This evolution is especially recommended for those production systems that allow a greater and better control of irrigation and drainage. It is essential that the supply of water and nutrients should be constant, because with this higher content of chips, the percentage of available water is lower, being replaced by a percentage of aeration that enhances the generative growth as well as the earliness of the production.

• PRO 70: This mixture emerges as the maximum exponent for a strict control of the nutrient supply to the crop. Its mixture with 70% of chip and 30% of 16mm coir notably increases the percentage of air in the root system, boosting precocity and production. This mixture has been specially developed for warm climates, the need for constant irrigation application allows maintaining a cool temperature ideal for the roots.

• Efficient – Fast & healthy roots development: High aeration capacity promotes vigorous root development right from the start. Imagine healthy, abundant roots that efficiently absorb nutrients and water for spectacular growth and yield.

Figures: Pelemix Grow Bags for Tomato crops

• No more overwatering: Among the criteria for the selection of the appropriate granulometry, the technological level of the customer’s irrigation system must be considered. A standard technological level in climate control as well as in irrigation requires a granulometry of 16mm, this structure allows greater peace of mind for the farmer, since having a higher percentage of water readily available, the plants will have it available to abiotic stress levels (drastic changes in climate).

As better control of irrigation and climate is allowed, we can recommend to our customers a percentage of chips in their mixes; the first of these, the PLF mix allows this first approach in search of a precision in the amount of water and nutrients required by the crop. This dosage needs an analysis of the drainage percentage and the conductivity levels that will change as the crop develops.

The performance of the PRO50 and PRO70 granulometry follows the same line mentioned above. The higher the chip content, the more control of the irrigation pulses will be necessary; the frequency will have to be higher so that the crop can work in the zone where the percentage of water is easily available. Also, a higher air content in the root zone will cause the plant to behave in a more generative way and lead to an earlier production.

• Customization, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Ready to use solution:

Our most common grow bag solutions for tomato cultivation are:

– GB 1001816 – 28.8 liters volume, valid for 3-6 plants per bag.

– GB 1001814 – 25,2 liters volume, valid for 3-6 plants per bag.

Figure: Grow Bags Specifications for Tomatoes

As can be seen in the picture, we offer a special customization adapted to each of our customers. It is possible to make the planting and drainage holes according to the customer’s needs. Planting holes can be circular or square (the most usual) and in the quantities and sizes required; drainage holes can also be customized and in the desired quantities (usually 6, with 3 on each side).

The concept of “ready to use” is related to the electrical conductivity (EC) and the level of treatment of the coir. We offer the above mentioned granulometries inside, but with additional washing processes to provide an optimal growing environment, reducing the conductivity levels in the substrate from >10 mS/cm to values below 2.5 mS/cm. Our washed coco fiber solutions reach EC levels between 1 -2.5 dS/m and if the customer needs it, an extra washing process is offered that confers a conductivity between 0.6 and 1 mS/cm; a perfect environment for all types of salinity sensitive crops.

As an additional process before establishing the crop, it is essential that the sodium salts naturally present in the coir be buffered. For this we have a solution of “treated” coconut fiber, to which an exchange of sodium ions with calcium nitrate is performed directly at the factory, which means that when the customer receives his washed and treated product, it is “ready to use”.

• Year-round availability: Thanks to our strong international presence with 7 own manufacturing plants and 6 subsidiaries spread all over the world, you don’t have to worry about seasons or interruptions in supply.
• Easy to use, real savings and profitability: Grow Bags are compressed, which translates into lower transport costs and more efficient handling in your greenhouse. Optimize your space and efforts by improving your crop yields and ensuring maximum quality.
• Precise pH control: Coco coir oscillates in a pH range between 5.5-6.5, ideal conditions for nutrient availability. It creates the ideal conditions for each type of plant and maximizes nutrient uptake.
• Reducing our carbon footprint: Grow Bags are made from 100% coconut fibre, a recyclable and sustainable by-product, contributing to a greener and more environmentally friendly future. The efficiant loading capacity of coir due to its compression rate, lowers the carbon foot print significantly.
• Healthier, pathogen-free production: The coconut husk from which the coco coir substrate is made in paved surfaces and far from cultivation areas and therefore free of soil borne diseases. This creates a clean environment that reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases.
• Saving Costs: Tomato Grow Bags offer a comprehensive solution for growers, saving costs, increasing efficiency in cultivation practices, and providing durable, reliable container bags that ensure longevity. These reusable bags are available in various sizes to suit different growing needs and come with a 1-2 years plastic guarantee for peace of mind.

Moreover, our grow bags streamline the hydration process of coir substrate, making them an excellent choice for efficient crop management. Given the fast replacement required due to TMV (Tomato Mosaic Virus), we also offer smaller volume bags at more affordable prices to accommodate the shorter replacement cycles. This flexibility allows growers to maintain high productivity while managing costs effectively.

Figure: Grow Bags for Tomato Crops

2. PLANTING PROCESS

When it comes to growing tomatoes using Pelemix coco coir Grow Bags, the planting process is crucial for ensuring a successful and bountiful harvest. Coco coir, derived from the fibrous husk of coconuts, has gained popularity as a sustainable and effective growing medium for various crops, including tomatoes.

Preparing the Coco Coir Grow Bags:

Before planting, it is important to prepare the coco coir grow bags properly. Start by hydrating the coir slabs according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Pelemix).

Depending on the conditions of the product (washed and/or treated) some previous actions will be necessary for the preparation of the coconut coir.

• Hydration and expansion: Once the grow bags are correctly positioned in the field, hydration will be carried out by performing various irrigation pulses of different durations for proper expansion and to avoid wasting water in the process.

A first drip irrigation of approximately +-5 minutes (assuming 1-1.2l/h driper’s flow rate) is made for a first water absorption; this will triger the properties of the coconut and will facilitate the expansion process. If the granulometry of the grow bags is medium (16mm) it will be watered every 15 minutes with a duration of 10 minutes of irrigation; if the granulometry already has a content of chips in it (PLF, PRO50 or PRO70) it will be necessary to reduce the duration of irrigation avoiding water waste in the process.

The total volume of water to be supplied will be 80% of the literage of the grow bags; that is, if the grow bag is 100x18x16 = 28.8 liters, 23 liters of water should be added in a slow process of short irrigation pulses to ensure complete and proper expansion.

• Buffering: Once the hydration process has been carried out correctly, it is mandatory to carry out a buffering process to exchange the sodium ions naturally present in the coir, neutralize them with calcium nitrate and precipitate them through irrigation outside the crop bag.

Choosing Reliable Seedlings:

Selecting high-quality seedlings is essential for a successful harvest. Ensure you obtain your plants from a reputable source, such as a professional seedlings company, to guarantee disease resistance and optimal growth. Reliable seedlings contribute to greater better water and nutrient absorption, and consistent fruit production throughout the season, making them ideal for grow bag cultivation.

The sowing in seedbeds can be done in trays of alveoli properly taken care of in specialized nurseries, with a special sanitation and fertilization for an excellent rooting. For the filling of these trays, Pelemix offers specialized mixes and solutions for this sensitive stage for the plants, the Special Nursery mix, 100% 4mm coir, grow cubes or the different Seedling Mixes are perfect to obtain strong young plants at the moment of transplanting. For more information, do not hesitate to contact your expert.

Transplanting Seedlings:

Once a strong plant is obtained, the transplant is made inside the pre-cut holes that can be requested by the consumer, making a small hole in the expanded coir and introducing the seedling in such a way that there is a secure contact between the inside of the grow bag and the walls of the substrate of the alveolus, this will ensure a correct consolidation of the roots and a lower percentage of dead seedlings.

Watering and Nutrient Management:

Coco coir has excellent water retention properties, but it is important to maintain proper moisture levels to avoid plant stress. Irrigate the plants regularly, ensuring the coir is evenly moist, all the excess of water will be drained keeping also a good aeration ratio which is very important for the development of the roots. Additionally, provide the plants with a balanced nutrition solution according to the phenological stage (Pelemix experts) to ensure optimal growth, blooming and fruit development.

Pest and Disease Control:

Regular monitoring is necessary to identify and control pests and diseases that can affect tomato crops. Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, while diseases like blight and powdery mildew can also pose a threat. Integrated pest management techniques, such as introducing beneficial insects or using organic insecticides, can help control pest populations. Additionally, maintaining proper spacing between plants and providing adequate ventilation can minimize the risk of diseases. Nevertheless, with Pelemix Grow Bags, as mentioned above, you will get healthier, pathogen-free production because the coconut husk from which the coconut fibre substrate is made is a surface product and therefore free of soil diseases. This creates a hygienic environment that reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases

Harvesting:

Tomatoes should be harvested when they are fully ripe to ensure optimal flavor and quality. Gently twist or cut the fruits, taking care not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continuous fruit production and prevents overripe fruits from attracting pests or diseases.

For more information on coco coir grow bags and tomato cultivation, you can visit www.pelemix.com.

Remember, proper maintenance and care are essential for successful tomato cultivation in Pelemix Coco Coir Grow bags. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful tomatoes. Don’t forget to talk to our experts whenever you need to resolve any doubts or to ask questions about our products.

Figures: Pelemix Grow Bags for Tomato crop