Description of the Shedi Lady tomato and recommendations for growing the hybrid variety

The Shady Lady tomato is characterized by early maturity and high yield. Gardeners harvest the first fruits just two months after planting. The F1 designation in the variety's name indicates that the tomato is a first-generation hybrid. The Shady Lady F1 tomato was developed by Dutch breeders.

It combines the best qualities of other varieties, but its seeds cannot be used for planting the following season. Conveniently, tomatoes can be grown in virtually all regions of our country. Reviews online report this vegetable's tolerance to weather conditions.

What is a Shady Lady tomato?

Many gardeners begin their gardening with the Shady Lady tomato. It's planted in early May in greenhouses or a little later in open ground. The plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors.

Characteristics and description of the variety:

1. The variety is determinate, meaning it has a height limit.
2. The plant usually grows up to 60-70 cm.
3. A decorative bush with wide, powerful, bright green leaves.
4. Experienced gardeners advise forming no more than two stems per bush.
5. The first fruits appear approximately 60 days after planting the plant in the ground.
6. Tomatoes grow in clusters.
7. There can be 4-6 tomatoes on one branch.

The tomatoes are round and smooth. Their color is deep red. The average weight of one tomato is about 150-200 g. The fruits are quite large. The flesh is juicy and slightly sweet. Shady Lady tomatoes are considered high in sugar, beneficial minerals, and vitamins. They are a source of B vitamins, which promote serotonin production (the happiness hormone) and improve heart and digestive function.

The fruits have a thick skin. They are resistant to cracking and are not watery. The Shady Lady tomato is a salad tomato and is not typically preserved for winter. Its flavor is best revealed fresh. Due to its large size, the fruits are not suitable for canning.

Dishes that can be prepared from the Shedi Lady tomato:

• various salads;
• pasta or pizza sauce;
• shakshuka (eggs with tomatoes and spices);
• fresh snacks;
• stew;
• casseroles.

Several factors make the Shedi Lady F1 tomato popular among gardeners. Advantages of the variety:

1. The variety is weather-resistant and temperature-tolerant. It tolerates drought well.
2. Tomatoes are resistant to most common diseases and pests.
3. It can easily withstand long-distance transportation. The fruit's thick skin ensures it remains intact and beautiful.
4. They have an excellent taste and are rich in nutrients. They can be ripened indoors and stored for a long time.
5. The Shedi Lady variety is known for its high yield. 1 m², which can accommodate 5 to 7 plants, yields 7-8 kg of tomatoes.

How to Grow Tomatoes

Seedlings are planted in early March. Boxes or containers are filled with a nutrient-rich mixture of humus, peat, and soil. The seeds are pre-soaked for 12 hours in a solution that stimulates vegetable growth. The containers should be kept in a warm place. This will speed up germination, which should occur approximately 7-10 days after planting.

After the seeds have sprouted, place the containers closer to the light: either on a windowsill or under lamps. This is essential for the plants to develop fully. Transplanting into individual cups occurs as soon as the first strong leaves appear.

Experts recommend hardening off growing seedlings. The first time, take them outside or open a window for 5 minutes. The next time, try 10 minutes, then 15. This will help the tomatoes get used to the outdoors.

Planting in a greenhouse takes place in early May. Outdoor planting follows a few weeks later. The soil should be prepared by watering it with potassium permanganate, adding fertilizer and ash, and thoroughly loosening it.

5-7 bushes are planted per 1 m². Caring for the Shady Lady tomato is easy. It's watered periodically with warm, settled water, fertilized, the soil loosened, its side shoots partially removed, and tied to a support.

To maximize the yield, two stems are left on the bush. Leaves are selectively removed to improve air circulation. The greenhouse where the Shady Lady F1 tomato is grown is ventilated. This will prevent the possibility of fungal growth.

Experienced gardeners recommend planting tomatoes near aromatic herbs, such as basil and parsley. The scent reduces the number of harmful insects. Tomatoes also thrive alongside garlic and onions. These crops protect tomatoes from late blight and spider mites.