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The Red Guard variety was bred by Ural breeders and was registered in 2012. The tomato is characterized by early ripening and is used for growing under cover in regions with a cold climate.
Below are the characteristics, reviews and photos of who planted the Red Guard tomato. The variety is suitable for growing in the middle lane, the Ural and Siberian regions. These tomatoes are valued for their unpretentiousness, resistance to diseases and adverse conditions.
Variety description
The bush of the Red Guard variety has a number of features:
- superdeterminant variety;
- early ripening;
- 65 days pass from the moment of planting to harvesting;
- lack of stepchildren;
- increased resistance to diseases, pests and low temperatures.
According to the photo and description, Red Guard tomatoes have the following characteristics:
- round shape;
- there is a slight ribbing;
- the number of seed chambers – up to 6 pcs.;
- when ripe, the fruits acquire a bright red color;
- average tomato weight – 230 g;
- sugary and smooth pulp.
Productivity of the variety
From one bush of the Red Guard variety, 2,5-3 kg of fruits are removed. The transportability of tomatoes is estimated at an average level and ranges from 25 days.
The fruits of the variety are used for fresh consumption, as well as ingredients for salads, soups and side dishes. As the photo and description testify, Red Guard tomatoes are suitable for canning whole or cut into pieces.
Landing order
Tomatoes are grown in seedlings, which involves planting seeds at home. After two months, young plants are transferred to open areas or under shelter. It is allowed to plant seeds immediately in the soil, then the ripening period of vegetables will increase significantly.
Preparation of seedlings
Tomato seedlings are being prepared at home. For this, soil is taken, consisting in equal amounts of garden soil and compost. It is allowed to use purchased mixtures intended for growing this crop. If land is used from the site, then it must be calcined in the oven for 15 minutes.
To disinfect the material, it is recommended to place it in a Fitosporin solution for an hour. If purchased seeds are painted in a bright color, then they do not need to be processed.
The soil is poured into shallow containers up to 15 cm high. Seeds are planted in furrows to a depth of 1 cm and covered with earth. To accelerate the germination of tomatoes, containers are recommended to be kept in a dark place at a temperature of 25 degrees.
In the process of development, seedlings are provided with lighting for 12 hours. Tomatoes are watered periodically.
Planting in a greenhouse
In greenhouse conditions, Red Guard tomatoes give a higher yield and are protected from adverse weather conditions. It is recommended to prepare the soil for planting in the fall. The top layer of soil (about 10 cm) is removed, since it often contains insect larvae and fungal spores.
In the spring, the soil is dug up and compost is added. Plants are transferred to prepared wells. Their depth is 20-25 cm, so that the root system can fit.
Since this variety is compact and low growing, it does not need much space for normal development. After planting, the tomatoes are watered abundantly.
Landing in open ground
Two weeks before planting in open areas, they begin to harden tomatoes. To do this, they are transferred for several hours to a balcony or loggia. Seedlings should be protected from drafts. Gradually, the period of stay of tomatoes in the fresh air is increased.
Tomatoes grow best in areas where legumes, cucumbers, turnips, cabbage, rutabaga, and onions were previously located. After tomatoes, replanting this crop is possible no earlier than three years later.
The soil for tomatoes in open areas begins to be prepared in the fall. It is carefully dug up, the remains of plants are removed, compost is introduced.
Tomatoes are placed in recesses along with an earthen clod, covered with soil and watered abundantly. It is recommended to place plants at a distance of 40 cm from each other.
Care of tomatoes
Tomato Red Guard is characterized by unpretentious care. Fruit ripening is carried out even under adverse conditions: low temperature and lack of light. Since the crop ripens early, these tomatoes are rarely affected by fungal diseases.
The Red Guard variety is looked after by adding moisture and top dressing. The plant is undersized and does not require frequent pinching. The bush is formed into three stems, the extra runs are carefully broken off by hand.
Tomatoes are recommended to be tied up to simplify care and prevent fruit from coming into contact with the ground. Each bush is equipped with a support made of metal or wood. Tomatoes are tied at the top.
Watering plantings
Tomatoes Red Guard need moderate watering, which is achieved by weekly moisture. In drought conditions, tomatoes are watered every three days.
About 4 liters of moisture are brought under the bush. The soil moisture level is maintained at 85%. However, the air must remain dry, which in greenhouses is ensured by ventilation.
When the fruit ripens, the tomatoes are watered twice a week. At the same time, do not use too much water so that the fruits do not crack. When the tomatoes begin to turn red, watering is reduced to once a week.
Water for irrigation is collected in barrels. When it settles and heats up, it is used for its intended purpose. Moisture should not fall on the green parts of plants, which often causes burns. It is poured strictly under the root of the plants.
Application of fertilizers
In the presence of top dressing, the Red Guard tomato develops normally and gives a good harvest. Plants are fed several times a season. It is recommended to alternate different types of dressings.
After planting tomatoes, the first fertilization is carried out after 2 weeks. At this stage, planting is fed with a solution of urea (1 tablespoon per bucket of water).
A week after nitrogen fertilizing, potassium and phosphorus must be added. For 10 liters of water, 30 g of potassium sulfate and superphosphate are dissolved. Fertilizer is applied by watering. Ash, which is buried in the ground, will help replace mineral fertilizers.
From natural remedies, yeast top dressing is considered effective. Such a fertilizer promotes the development of tomatoes, suppresses harmful microorganisms and helps beneficial bacteria to develop. It is used in the summer when positive temperatures are established.
Yeast fertilizer is obtained from beer or baker’s yeast. For 10 liters of water, take 0,1 kg of yeast, after which the mixture is infused. Sugar or old jam helps speed up the fermentation process.
During the fruiting period, you can feed the tomatoes by spraying. For 10 liters of water add 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate granules, it is necessary to spray the planting on the sheet.
Reviews of gardeners
Conclusion
The Red Guard variety is distinguished by early ripening and unpretentious care. Tomatoes grow low, have a compact size and do not require pinching. Care of the variety includes regular watering and fertilizing several times a season.
Red Guard tomatoes are suitable for transportation, home-made preparations, and cooking various dishes. The variety is rarely exposed to diseases, which can also be avoided by proper agricultural technology.