Monday, May 11, 2009

How can I grow productive tomato plants?

I quit trying to grow tomatoes a few years ago because, I can grow lovely, tall, healthy looking plants but, no tomatoes? Is there something I can do to grow great tasting tomatoes? I always planted them where they would have full sun all day. Can they grow and produce in shady areas?

How can I grow productive tomato plants?
Tomatoes grow well under full sun conditions, just orientate the rows from south to north not east to west other wise the fruit from one side would get sunburns. If you grow the tomatoes at open field they get pretty good air pollination you don´t need to do something else. If you over water your plants or over fertilize them (specially with great amount of nitrogen) you push the plant to grow more vegetative rather to start to set fruit. When you see that the first flower set opens change the fertilization program to one N-P-K relation with less nitrogen and more potassium (e.g. from a 6-6-6 at the beginning to a 5-3-8) and don´t over water them. You should find the rigth planting dates from your area because if your plant the too early or too late by the time the first set blooms and the weather is not right those flowers will drop and the plant is going to get more vegetative also.
Reply:I have found that it is best to buy plants at a well established garden supply store and ask for plants that do good in your area and plant more than one variety. One year I bought all my plants at a chain store that sells every thing and bought all one type of plant. I did not get a single tomato that year,but had good looking plants. Now that I am getting older and lazy (Don't like to pull weeds) I till the ground and place landscape fabric over the soil, cut out where I want to place the plant and then cover with mulch. I have plenty of tomatoes every year. I have been using a little fertilizer around the plant but not touching as I plant. They will not grow in full shade but in my area I plant them where the afternoon sun does not hit them.
Reply:I heard of this thing called Upside down planters. It sounded like the perfect solution to growing wonderful tomatoes. But those planters are expensive around $20.





Then today I found this website that explains how to make them. Thought you'd enjoy it also.





They even give you ideas on how to grow a great tomatoes.
Reply:Got Bees?


You can try self pollination by taking the flower of one and passing it among all the others very gently
Reply:A FEW GOOD TIPS- NEVER WATER IN AFTERNOON OR EVENING, USE STRAIGHT PHOSPHOROUS AND POTASH, NO NITROGEN, MOST GARDEN CENTERS WILL HAVE THIS. YOUR NUMBERS SHOULD BE SOMETHING IN THE NATURE OF 0-15-10. DONT USE JOBE STICKS THEY ARE A BIG WASTE OF MONEY. NEVER WATER WITH A HARD SPRAY AS THIS COULD DAMAGE BLOOMS. NEVER USE INSECTICIDES DURING BLOOM TIME. AND THE LAST TIME YOU FERTILIZE SHOULD BE IS THE FIRST DAY YOU SEE YOUR FIRST TINY TOMATO. DO NO MORE FERTILIZERS AFTER THAT. DO A SIMPLE, CHEAP, SOIL TEST WHERE YOU PLANT YOUR TOMATOS. MAKE SURE THE SOIL IS THE RIGHT ACID LEVEL. MANY TOMATOS WILL TOLERATE SEMI SHADE.
Reply:they need to have some shade after a long hot day!but not all shade,because they need the sun to turn them red!try using a miracle grow feeder that hhoks up to a hose!with of course the miracle grow that goes in them!your tomatoes will grow like crazy!also if they are nor getting pollinated enough try shaking the vigorously!tomatoes can be wind pollinated,or shaken pollinated,the only other vegetable you can do this with is corn.,they are the only two wind pollinated veggies.
Reply:Click this link. Getting juicy and tasty tomatoes are not impossible. Simply the best site i ever know.
Reply:tomato Jobe sticks work great.
Reply:My grandmother always "beat" her plants with a stick, a gentle beating...haha. I like to use homemade compost, I save my patato peelings, things like that, even tea and coffee grounds are GREAT for the garden! Good luck!


Problems with tomato plants?

I trusted my boyfriend to plant my tomato plants and stake them and take care of them when I had to leave town a couple of months ago. I am home now and the plants are a mess. They are planted in a raised bed that is about two feet high, they were planted way too close together and not staked at all. There are between 15 and 20 plants, they are huge and growing everywhere. Half of them are lying flat hangling over the side of the bed down to the ground. Others are laying on top of each other and squishing the smaller ones. They are almost all covered with tomatoes and I'm not sure how safe it is to try to move them. Also, on almost all of them several of the leaves and stems are turning brown and seem to be falling off. There are also a couple of bell pepper plants buried somewhere under them that I planted before I left town and I cannot find. Is it safe to stake them so late or will it hurt the roots? If not what can I do? Also we are in Tx and its been over 100 a lot lately.

Problems with tomato plants?
If you can be very, very carful - you can try staking them a bit. Modify their sprawl, gently, don't try to take them all the way upright if the branches don't willingly go that way.





You might consider removing a few plants just to leave room for the rest.





Or you can let them go as they are - you'll still get 'maters, just maybe not as many.





And next time, be sure to leav very explcit instruction for bf - exactly how many feet/inchs bewteen plants, how deep to drive stakes, etc.!





Good luck!
Reply:I actually am experiencing this very same problem (mental note: stake when planted next year). My solution was to let the tomato plants be somewhat wild. I staked as much as I could (no harm to the roots) without breaking any "branches" and let the complete fall downs have their fun. The tomatoes are experiencing a bumper crop.





My pepper plants were underneath -- believe it or not, they survived and are putting out some good sized peppers now. The garden will look a bit freaky for about a week, but you'll find it will work.





Water well in the 100 degree heat, but don't let a couple of brown leaves worry you -- it's normal. Good luck!
Reply:I would remove a few in the center...I know it's hard to sacrifice when their bearing fruit, but you'll never see your peppers again if you don't. Yes, definitely try to stake, but as stated, just enough to get them off the ground but not so perfectly straight that you break the stem off.
Reply:Keep the fruits off of the ground or they will mold. They can be transplanted, make sure that the ground has been saturated before you dig them. Keep at least a ball of soil, at least 10" around the root and keep the root as balled up as possible. Once transplanted keep ground well saturated for a few days.
Reply:Tomatoes are the hardiest of all plants and are able to survive almost any catastrophe. Water is important. If they are bearing fruit, that's a very good sign. Dont be afraid to stake them, but be careful not to break the main stem.
Reply:kinda late and risky to move them-thinning out might be the thing--brown means death--too hot, not enuff water, too close. you can put them in cages. staking sounds tough as there is probably a lot of weight to be supported. GOOD LUCK and enjoy the bounty
Reply:Not an answer but I'd like to share!:


I live in a Edinburgh Scotland, in a city centre flat, no one else I know is growing vegetables so here's my story. I have two 6 foot tomato plants in my living room, planted next to a large window, they are crowding out the light but they are my pride and joy! I have about 60 green fruits of various sizes, they might not ripen - it being Scotland and all but it's an exciting experiment. Good luck with your sprawling monsters!


Do Patio Prize tomato plants do well?

I am wanting to plant container tomato plants. Do any of you have experience with Patio Prize hybrid plants? Are these tomatoes abundant and flavorful? Is there a better type tomato plant for container gardening? Any info would be appreciated.

Do Patio Prize tomato plants do well?
Try to get "determinant" varieties. They are best for containers. I have tried the Patio Prize tomatoes, but have always done better with Romas and Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes, that could just be personal opinion on flavor, though.
Reply:Yes they do they are several different kinds that you can grow just experiment and grow a few different ones and you will find the one you like best!


CAN YOU HELP me with MY TOMATO PLANTS?

Can I trim back my tomato plants? What to avoid?

CAN YOU HELP me with MY TOMATO PLANTS?
i heard u can break the small limbs near the main stalk off. To make the other tomatoes grow bigger. good luck
Reply:Just trim back the parts that look a little brown and the leaves that have been eaten by bugs.





The best thing I've found is if you use your left over food that you would normally throw away as fertilizer. (IE coffee grounds, chicken clippings, egg shells, veggie stems, etc)


It's rank when you're mixing it and laying it out but if you mix it with your normal soil, it makes your plants grow real nice.
Reply:Nope sorry, I don't know anything about tomatoes, other than that they are nasty.
Reply:I wouldn't trim them back. You can use stakes or cages to support the growth. If you trim them back, you might lower your yield of tomatos...
Reply:You can tie them with gardening tape.
Reply:I'm not quite sure what you mean. You shouldn't really want to trim back tomato plants. They won't be there next year, regardless. Just stake them and tie with twine. Also, I do know that you should remove "suckers". These grow from the ground, near the base of the plant, but are not actually part of the plant itself. They should be pulled out or cut. Other than that, I don't know.
Reply:YIKES! Don't ever use meat products in compost!!! Can you say magots and flies?!





eggshells are fine - fishheads/guts are the BEST.





As the tomato plants grow - just tie them up - usually tie up the heaviest branches. Be careful not to "strangle" any of the plants other branches.

shoe labels

Bottom leaves on my tomato plants are turning yellow and dying, It is also happening to a few of my okra plant

The bottom leaves on my tomato plants are turning yellow and dying, the fruit seems not to be disturbed by this but it just keeps getting worse and moving up the plant. Some of my okra plants are starting to turn yellow also. Both plants have little brown spots on them then they seem mto consume the whole leaves and dry up and die. Is it blight ? or maybe something else.

Bottom leaves on my tomato plants are turning yellow and dying, It is also happening to a few of my okra plant
I don't know where you live, but I am guessing that too much water could be the issue. Leaves on a tomato plant will yellow after time, especially the older leaves, but too much yellowing sometimes suggests too much water.
Reply:They have a fungus. Spray with a fungicide, and cut back on the watering.
Reply:the bottom leaves always turn yellow.towards the middle of the season,the whole plant will turn yellow,but it doesn't affect the taste.over watering isn't the problem.they require lots of water.i have never seen any bugs on the tomato plants we grow in our nursery,to cause yellowing,and we have 1,000 plants. take off as many yellow bottom leaves as you can. they are just taking the nutrition from the rest of the plant.
Reply:I always take off the "sucker" (bottom) leaves off my tomato plants anyway.That way more good goes to the top of the plant where the fruit is.


You could try that.
Reply:Previous answers are correct when they say too much water.


The bottom leaves usually turn yellow when your plant is overwatered. Your tomato plant will also begin to get leggy/spindely.


You need to keep the small leaves/suckers picked/pinched off the bottom of your plants. By doing this the plant puts more energy into growing more and bigger tomatoes.


Good luck - nothing tastes as good as home grown tomatoes.
Reply:You have spider mites. You need to spray with a miticide such as Kelthane at ten day intervals.





Organically, about all you can do is spray the plants with a blast of water from the hose.


When are tomato plants supposed to have tomatoes in South Florida?

Planted the plants at the end of september. they are tall about 3.5 feet, blooms but no tomatoes.

When are tomato plants supposed to have tomatoes in South Florida?
All tomato cultivars have a number associated with them (78 days, 85 days, 90 days etc.) The number refers to the time between when the plant was set out and when to expect the first ripe tomatoes. If you don't know that number, check the seed packet, the seed catalog, or the greenhouse where you bought them.





Yours haven't even been out 60 days yet, and even the earliest tomatoes require 70 days or more.
Reply:The tomatoes in Florida grow in Spring. Some of them grow in summer but die easily.


Does tomato wilt affect other plants? Can you eat the fruit off the tomatoes plants?

We have huge plants, in a small garden space. My tomatoes are showing signs of wilt, but perk up after rain. I noticed my cucumbers and some of my yellow squash and zucchini are not growing after they form and begin to rot. Can I save my plants? My herbs in the same small bed are doing great. What can I do to prevent this from returning next year. (already know about purchasing resistant tomatoe plants, but what else??)

Does tomato wilt affect other plants? Can you eat the fruit off the tomatoes plants?
Your tomatoes could have blight or wiIt. I would buy Dragoon dust with copper and sprinkle by package directions. My tomatoes has had leaves dyeing on the bottom of plants this year, and the tomatoes have been smaller then usual, but the fruit is delicious.
Reply:Tomato plants need about 1.5 - 2 feet of space radious between them. They need plenty of room to grow. The package of seeds for each plant that you have will have directions on how far apart they need to be, and how to obtain good fruit, etc. Cucumbers need about 3.5-4 feet between each plant. The soil and the fertilizer you use makes a big difference as well. A good soil, fertilizer, and spacing will make or break how your plants grow, and maintenence as well. They only need about 1 - 1.5 inches of water a week as well, depending on how much rain you get as well. Herbs are a total different world on spacing. They can grow close together and survive well. Most vegetables, especially tomatoes and cucumbers need plenty of space between. As far as the bottom wilting and the top doing well, and if you are harvesting the vegetables, they will be fine as long as they ripen as they should, etc.
Reply:Your zucchini and squash are probably not being pollinating. What looks like a baby squash is part of the female flower and not really a squash until it has been pollinated. When pollination does not occur...the "baby squash" rots. Try hand pollinating.





If your tomatoes perk up after a rain..that means they wanted water. Water them regularly.


My mom found a Flying inscet hovering in a group over our tomato plants?

It is mostly brown with black bands on the legs. The body is a little less than 1 inch long and wing span is aprox 1.5 inches. Has a stinger and width of body is same from head to tail. Was flying in a group of four, over our tomato plants. Insects flew up and down more than sideways. Died upon sprayed with insecticide. Does not resemble wasp or bee. Only have been seen between 8 and 10 am Metro Denver Colorado time. The only plant they seem to be attracted to are our tomato plants.

My mom found a Flying inscet hovering in a group over our tomato plants?
Sounds like any number of beneficial predatory wasps that protect your 'maters from bad worms. If it isn't eating the plant (obvious signs of chewing not visible) don't kill it.





There are also many varieties of "Assassin Bugs" with long proboscis that live in plants and hunt Japanese Beatles. You should see these kids hunt!! Definite no kill bug.
Reply:You are one of the reasons why I so sincerely hope we never meet aliens:


You don't know what it is, but you kill it first.

rodeo buckle

Should I trim or prune my tomato plants?

I have two "patio" tomato plants in 14" pots growing beautifully on my deck. :) I have lots of fruit starting to grow on both plants but I've had some people tell me to trim off the branches that don't have fruit to allow nutrients to get destributed to the branches with fruit. My plants are pretty bushy....I've actually never seen tomato plants with so many branches but maybe it's because of the "patio" quality to them. I think they won't get much bigger than they are now at about 2 feet tall. I only add this bit of info to stress the fact that trimming would really affect the plant's appearance and may not only be one or two branches. Does anyone have any experiance with this or further info and if I trim, how do I go about doing it to be sure I don't damage the plants. I'm almost afraid to touch them, they are doing so beautifully. :) This is my first time growing tomatos and am really pleased with them so far! Thanks in advance for any info!

Should I trim or prune my tomato plants?
I grow tomatoes every year, but I don't really prune them. There are things you can do to thin out your plant and get it to produce a little more. There are suckers that grow on the plant, but they never produce fruit. These sucker can be found in the forks of the branch. Picture this Y as a forked branch. Now, picture a branch growing out of the V part of the fork. These are your suckers and they can be pinched out. It will thin your plant and since suckers are energy thieves then your plant should perform better. Good luck
Reply:I prune my tomato plants...and right now they are 4 ft high and have 40-60 tomatoes each on them and more coming. I didn't prune last year and I had plants well over 6 ft and maybe 20 tomatoes on them....so from what I have seen with mine...I will stick with pruning. I too was a bit aprehensive about doing it, because they were beautiful, but I thought what the heck...give it a try and it seems to work.
Reply:I am a farmer, and in my garden I do not prune my tomatoes, but since you have them in pots on your patio, you can prune them back a bit if you want. Cut them off above the third branch down from the top , this will make them sprout out more branches at the cut site , and be bushier . If they are beautiful, I myself would leave them alone.
Reply:I have never heard of anyone trimming a tomato plant, and I have know many gardeners. You "stake" them, and let them go.


How many tomato plants can I plant in a 5 gallon container?

I am planting indeterminate cherry tomatoes and determinate roma tomatoes. Can I put a few plants in one pot? What about spacing if I can plant a few? What's the smallest container I could use successfully for one plant?

How many tomato plants can I plant in a 5 gallon container?
Only one to a 5 gal container.
Reply:Two per pot would be the maximum - you should use a 3 gallon pot for one growing by itself. If you are combining two, I would space them about 1/3rd of the pot diameter apart, so they have some side room and some space to share in the center. The cherry might out-compete the Roma, so I would probably plant separate pots of each, unless one is a crawler and the other a bush form and you want they to look ornamental together - but it might impact the yield.
Reply:You should get a bigger container then that. Indeterminate tomatoes get huge. I would go no less then 15 gallons per plant.
Reply:One





A tomato plant needs a minimum of 24 inches of space for outwards growth.
Reply:I wouldn't put more than one in each pot. A three gallon container should be big enough for a tomato plant.
Reply:Agree - One. Will probably take a 2 cubic meter bag of potting soil $!. Plunkem in the ground.


What's causing our San Marzano tomato plants to die?

We decided to try a new type of tomato this year and grew San Marzano from seed. They did terrific for the first 6 weeks after transplanting, then one plant began to have yellow leaves. Within a week, it was completely dead. We thought we had an insect problem and dusted, but another plant began to yellow, then another until all of them were dying. We've checked and don't find any insect problems at all. The plants appear healthy up until the day before they begin to yellow. We've given them consistent water. We replaced the first plant that died with a store-bought grape tomato plant, and it's thriving. We live in South Central Kentucky (USA) and have always have great tomato production in the past. Any ideas?

What's causing our San Marzano tomato plants to die?
Unless you over fed or overwatered them they shouldn't fail so fast, unless there is a major insect infestation you have missed. If the the stems have been severed you have a cutworm problem. When that happens you usually can find the culprit about an inch or so down in the soil. If you do, show him Mr. Foot.
Reply:my last name is marzano Report Abuse



What bug killers are good for tomato plants?

bugs keep eating up my tomato plants and i need something to make them stop its really anoying because i was so exited about my plants and now they're getting eaten up PLEASE HELP! :- )

What bug killers are good for tomato plants?
It depends on what is eating them. There are "vegetable dusts" that you puff onto there which kill the bugs that bit holes in the leaves as well as a lot of other common ones. If leaves are being consumed very quickly, look for a giant caterpillar ("tomato hornworm") that is light green. If you see one pick it off with a tweezer and squash it. Between those two actions you should be in good shape.
Reply:While there are a variety of insecticides available the best ones to buy are the organic ones. Any local nursery in your town will have them for sale. I mean, you have no control over what is sprayed on tomatoes you buy at the supermarket so if you go through the trouble of growing your own you might as well do some research as to what you like to spray on yours. Read the labels on all packaging. If you have an organic farmers market where you live ask there too. If you don't want to use any pesticides at all you better be very diligent and inspect your plants daily.
Reply:Hi,





For tomatoes I would recommend Insecticidal Soap. It is a very safe alternative for food crops.





You can get it at all Home Depot, Lowes or garden centers.





Just mix up a solution, apply per package directions and make sure you spray with a hand sprayer both the top and the bottom of the leaves.





Spray once and then spray again in 7 -10 days. If it rains you will need to spray again.





Once again, Insecticidal Soap is environmentally friendly and in most cases fruit can be harvested as soon as one day from an application.





But again, always, read and follow package directions.





For more information on plants, gardens and nature,


visit my website at www.dagardenguy.com





Walt


www.dagardenguy.com
Reply:Homemade and/or natural remedies in links.
Reply:die bug!


is cheap and easy to apply.
Reply:Soap water is what is needed. Not detergent. Natural soap.
Reply:I use Sevin Dust for insect problems.

vacuum deodorizer

How to grow tomato plants?

I have a pair of tomato plants which are growing quite nicely and quickly. Can anyone tell me though: how do you know WHICH of the 'lateral shoots' to nip off and HOW and WHEN?





Thanks!

How to grow tomato plants?
The lateral shoots are the ones then come from the junction between the main stalk and leaves.


If left these go on to make a bush rather than a tall plant.


here is very good





http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/te...





And here shows exactly where the side shoots are.





http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_...





Just use a sharp knife to cut them off but be careful not to damage the stem.
Reply:be sure and pick off the blooms until the plants get large...


if a tomato sets fruit too soon, all the energy goes to the fruit, and the plant stays too small.
Reply:Most people remove "suckers" as soon as they see them. Pinch, break, cut, prune...technique depends on the individual and tools at hand.


Tomato plants? I have some plants that are coming up nicely.?

I have too many plants and they are too close together (poor planning). I have heard about pulling off the suckers and/or pulling some of the tomatoes off so the ones that are left will be bigger and healthier. Any truth? Exactly what is the sucker? Any other hints? I have used Sevin, Miracle Gro Tomato Food, and limestone so far.

Tomato plants? I have some plants that are coming up nicely.?
The following planting methods will result in stronger tomato plants, which should bear more fruit. One way to plant a tomato transplant is to dig a shallow planting hole and drop the plant into it. If you look closely at a tomato stem, however, you'll see hundreds of little white hairs, each one of which is a potential root. More roots mean a more vigorous plant, so why not take advantage of the tomato's unique ability? One way to do so is to plant the tomato in a trench on its side. Very shortly the plant will begin to grow straight up, and hundreds of small roots will begin to grow straight out into the surrounding soil. Another way to accomplish the same thing is to bury the plant. With scissors, remove all but the top set or two of leaves from the transplant, then dig a deep hole, and bury the plant up to those leaves.
Reply:just thin them out its no big deal. and the suckers are the stems growing from the root of your plant. they can be left alone but for big strong plants you should take them off. when your plants get really big you can cut them in half. I know it sounds weird but too much folage will make less fruit. you can look up how to grow tomatoe plants and its cool and very easy. roses are too. infact they are a lot alike. believe it or not.lol. good luck and have lots of fun
Reply:Here's some links to some info that can help!





How to manage your plants for better health and better fruit


*very good article


http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/pag...





To pinch or not to pinch, that is the question. Suckers are sprouts that don't produce fruit. Some gardeners pinch them off to direct more energy to the fruit. Others leave them to help shade the fruit and protect it from sun scald. Being from the lazy school of gardeners, I prefer the latter method.





http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_vegetables/a...





Planting distances


Tomato planting distance depends on the type of tomato grown. Generally speaking, 24 to 36 inches between plants is the ideal spacing for most home garden tomatoes. Planting closer than 24 inches reduces air circulation around the plants and can trigger disease outbreaks. Large vine tomatoes should be spaced 36 inches apart. Rows should be 4 to 5 feet apart.





http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/aggu...





Good luck!
Reply:The suckers are the stems and leaves that have started growing at the bottom of the plant. to remove, just take your fingers and place one on each side of the little sucker and pinch. It works! I grow my tomatoes upside down in buckets-


http://www.seedsofknowledge.com/tomato2.... so this is not difficult at all. Happy gardening!!!
Reply:sukering a tomato plant
Reply:Tomato suckers are not the same as, say, a rose sucker that comes up from the root.


A tomato sucker is the branch growing out of an elbow (or Y shaped fork) of another branch. Picture your elbow slightly bent or this Y, now picture a branch growing out of the bent part of your elbow or the V part of the Y. I hope I haven't lost you. That is the sucker. It is true that your plant will produce better and have better aeration around the plant if you remove these suckers. You will have to keep up with this chore all during the growing season because these suckers reproduce rapidly. However, it is not necessary to remove the suckers to have a good yield. My only other hint is to water your plant every other day until it sets fruit, however, once it sets fruit cut back on the watering to only once a week or your fruit will crack.


Do tomato plants need to be pollinated?

Just for the heck of it, I planted a few indoor tomato plants over the winter. One of them is starting to bud, and it will bloom within a few days. Do tomato plants need to be pollinated?





It's a beefstake hybrid by the way

Do tomato plants need to be pollinated?
I'm a horticulturlist. No critters needed. When you start to see the bloom mature, shake the plant lightly. They are self-pollinating.
Reply:Yes if you want tomatoes, you will have to put it outdoors so the bugs can do their thing.


Looking for the best cheap containers for large indeterminate tomato plants.?

I recently planted two heirloom tomato plants in 8 gallon pots from a gardening store. Planted in potting mix with some added granules which maintain moisture. Growing very well so far. Fastest I've seen tomatoes grow.





I should have gotten larger pots. I've read that the larger growing heirloom plants (indeterminate) need a larger growing space than smaller commercial plants (determinate) for best results. So I want to transfer the plants to containers of larger size. At **least** 15 gallons and tall so the roots have room to grow.





The 8 gallon pots I bought were sort of expensive, even thought they were on sale. So I'm looking for advice on what would be a cheap large sized container (15+ gallon) and where to buy.

Looking for the best cheap containers for large indeterminate tomato plants.?
I grow at least one or two heirloom tomatoes each year in addition to a few grape %26amp; cherry tomato plants, but I have a small garden space for them; I live on "wetland" (I amend the soil in the garden) %26amp; amazingly I never have to water my garden all year; my tomato plants usually get to be at least 4 to 5 foot tall. I would be very careful about transplanting tomatoes; it has never worked out for me, because it sets them back a bit ; best to put them in a large pot to begin with; I suppose you could buy those round rubbermaid tubs (that have the rope handles on them) %26amp; put in drainage holes; most retail stores should carry them; I think they are $6-$8 ? I have one that I use when I am pruning or transplanting. Veggies are not particular about whether or not they are growing in a garden pot or a laundry /all purpose tub. I think the greatest expense would be the amount of potting soil that you would need to grow these in; for flowers in a tub, I use the postal peanuts to fill in the bottom, but wouldn't recommend it for veggies as they need the nutrients . You could get away with adding broken pottery pieces or stones to the bottom-that will help with the good drainage needed as well, %26amp; remember to stake them as soon as you re-pot them up so you won't damage the roots by doing it later on. Good luck !
Reply:I like the idea of the large plastic drums. That normally works pretty well. However there are other methods you can use.





One is just take some cheap cardboard boxes or crates up at a local grocery for free. Then just line them with a large plastic bag. You might want to raise the boxes off the ground if they are going to sit outside so the water doesn't pool at the bottom and cause the bottom of the box to rot out.





Or another thing you can do is just use some Rubbermaid containers. They would be plenty big to use. Or another cheap method that would work really well is to use a cheap styrafoam cooler. Actually, a cheap styrafoam cooler would be one of the cheapest and most durable methods to use.
Reply:Although I don't think you need larger containers, you could buy plastic drums and cut them in half. This would give you two containers for a low price. If you don't like the color, use some Krylon Fusion spray paint. Where I live, drums go for 10 to $15.
Reply:An eight gallon pot should be sufficient with only one plant per pot. We have ours in five gallon buckets.





Check out our website for more container gardening ideas at-


http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.c...





Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

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Help! My Better Boy tomato plants are huge, and I have alot of green tomatoes that are not turning red!?

My better boy tomatoes are around six feet tall, beautifully green, alot of rather large and some small fruit that will not turn red and they've been on the vine approx 1 mth. I live in TN and in middle TN we've only had 2 1/2 inches of rain in the last 45 days. I try to water every other day and soaking them at least once a week. I feed them weekly with miracle grow tomato plant food. I have no yellow leaves, no infestations and lots of yellow flowers that have stopped producing tomatoes......any suggestions? This is my first attempt at growing large plants..

Help! My Better Boy tomato plants are huge, and I have alot of green tomatoes that are not turning red!?
When temperatures hit above 90's for a sustained period of time, tomatoes tend to go into stasis--this means they kind of just stay the same until it's best to continue development. When night temperatures fall below 70 degrees for 2-3 days, you will see tomatoes beginning to ripen again.





The best way to get more tomatoes to form is to go out with a ballpoint pen %26amp; gently tap the tops of your blossoms. This will stimulate pollen production and assist in drop.





To get your tomatoes to ripen, stop fertilizing and watering so often. After a certain point tomatoes do not need as much water as most people think they do. Cut back to every 3rd day, soaking nicely.








You can bring tomatoes inside while green and ripen them. Here's a COOL TRICK:





Place 2-3 green tomatoes in a paper bag with an apple.


Close the bag and place in a sunny location, near a window. Wait 2 days, then open the bag to check for ripeness.





Here are some things you can do with green tomatoes:





http://www.cookinglight.com/cooking/fd/i...





Congratulations on the success of your first attempts! You are very observant and that goes a long way toward being a great gardener :)


gg
Reply:From Ed Hume:


"Evening temperatures have to be above 57 degrees for many tomato varieties to ripen. Some varieties even require warmer nighttime temperatures. So you may need to bring the fruit inside to ripen. Next year choose varieties that are more suited to your particular climate. If the soil around the plants is kept too cool and wet it will also delay ripening."





So, maybe the nighttime temperature is a problem? Anyway, there are many ways to eat green tomatoes, or to ripen them. Check links below:





I also notice from Dave's Garden that days to maturity is 69-80 (maturity is days from transplant to harvest), so you may actually not have them on the vine long enough yet? Sounds like they may be slow-pokes!
Reply:You are giving them too much fetilizer ; too much causes them make foliage, and little else. Keep the watering on a regular basis ; sporatic watering will cause your tomatoes to split and crack ...





Cut back on the feeding, and you will soon have too many tomatoes to eat ...lol..





Check my gardening group here:





http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PlayingInT...





Lots of info and good , helpful gardeners here ....


Good Luck ....
Reply:Tomatoes should be watered everyday with the same amount of water and at the same time everyday, people tend to let the soil dry out and then flood them with water, which in turn makes your tomatoes crack
Reply:fry the green ones %26amp; stop fertilzing, you have to much fertizler on them
Reply:Sounds like you are raising them well. You just have to be patient and wait for the tomatos to ripen. The flowers should turn in tomatoes, just may take longer. If they don't, you may need some wind or bees around them to help pollinate them. If you can't get that, take a littlle Q-tip and use it to transfer pollen from one flower to another.





If you're really impatient and want tomatos now, you can take a spade shovel and use it to cut through the roots some around the base. The tomatos will ripen quicker, but you may also loose the plant if you aren't careful. This is the way some farmers get vine ripened tomatos faster.





Sounds like you're doing a great job. Tomatos like a lot of sunlight, water, and fertilizer, and it sounds like you aren't overdoing any of the three. Keep doing what you're doing and be patient. They'll eventually turn red and when they do, they will probably be humongous.
Reply:Make sure they are getting plenty of sunshine... you can eat green tomatoes though, sometimes if they don't get enough sun they can be green but still be ripe and ok to eat =o)





(i know it doesn't make sense... but it's true hehe)
Reply:Judging by your explanation, they are full grown and you have given them plenty of time to ripen.





If that is correct, then I suggest that you eaither:





a) leave them there longer- it really couldn't hurt (considering you said there were no dieases or deformities of any kind). And remember that a watched tomato never ripens. lol.





b) You can always harvest them with a piece of the vine still attached, and they will still ripen and turn red. This will sacrifice a bit of flavor, though.





c) Harvest them now and make salsa.





d) Harvest them green and use ethylene to artificially ripen them, at the cost of much more flavor than vine ripening (this is how a lot of tomatoes are sold, especially to resteraunts and such).
Reply:What kind of Miracle Gro did you give them? They recently changed their basic stuff from 15-30-15 to 24-8-16. For tomatoes you don't want so much nitrogen, which will stimulate foliage but not rooting or fruiting.





... never mind I see you said you used the Tomato formula.
Reply:Growing tomatoes


http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1629....


My tomato plants never get any tomatoes?

I have tried everything I can think of. I even took out all the old dirt,replaced it with hyponex soil for flowers and veg. Used some tomato harmones.I used fertilizers for tomatoes,like miracle grow. My plants grow so big and healthy looking, some getting up to 5 and 6 feet tall. I work so hard to keep out weeds. I would really appreciate it if any one know what I am doing wrong.

My tomato plants never get any tomatoes?
I can tell you exactly what is wrong. First do not use miracle grow, secound, when you plant them stick them in deep, leave top 1/3 out of the ground use topsoil to plant them in leave in sun water everyday. If you use fertilizer it just makes foliage not tomatoes. use a plant food not too high in nitrogen.
Reply:Do they get flowers on them? If not, you might want to try using less fertilizer. If they get flowers, but no tomatoes, then they are probably not getting pollinated. Do you put as much effort into insecticides around the yard as you do fertilizer? Are they in a screened-in area? You can also get varieties that are made for greenhouses which might self-pollinate, or you can do it by hand.
Reply:It sounds like if they are healthy, that the flowers are not getting pollinated. You don't have to wait or take the chance for bees to pollinate the flowers. Simply flick the flowers as soon as they open, gently with your finger several times. This will cause the stamens inside the flower to release the pollination dust and self pollinate the flower. If you do not want to flick the flower, which is the eventual tomato--so be careful to not flick it off the plant, you can also use a pipe cleaner to spread the pollen around.





Most people just flick the flowers with their fingers though and find this works very well in the absence of bees.
Reply:Most fertilizers are heavy on nitrogen-- which aids growth of leaves. Look at what you have and google the ingredients for what they do. Then you'll have an idea of what to do. I bet the hyponex soil has nitrogen, too.


One year I had 10 foot tomatoes-- soil was sandy and I did spot compost all winter (banana peels, coffee grounds, peelings)-- i.e. dig a little hole and put the days kitchen garbage in-- cover it up-- the next day do it again in a different place. I also had wonderful banana peppers in the same plot. Compost is from God!


good luck
Reply:Did you put out lime too? Wow! I've never had that problem with mine! Do you pinch them? What I mean by pinch is, do you get rid of the suckers on them? Every year I pinch and pinch and never have a problem. All they need is lime, 10-10-10, water and pinching.
Reply:the outcome is based on many things


but the amount of possible fruit depends on the number of buds


to help your buds to set %26amp; have a good crop


spray the fresh buds with milk


helps them to set %26amp; too survive


good resistence in windy areas


then you need to take care of the tomatoe worms


they are green


get quite large


will destroy plants %26amp; fruit


they can be picked off by hand daily


or you can spray for them


you might also try plantining different varieties some do better than others in different location, soil type, etc


tomatoes take a bit of watering


soil is very important


chech if the type you plant like acid type or other


if no info


then it most likely not to matter


good rich loam is usually best


then too it sounds like your plants are putting their energy into growth instead of fruit


if this persist you can try a little prunning action


next year


especially if all efforts fail in fruit production


some cherry tomatoe type do well in clay pots %26amp; a stick to climb on


the out put from these types is usually heavy


makes up for the size I guess


if you find any lady bugs


let them be


good insect control


great for the white


on roses


usually not a problem on tomatoes, but could get a few


look out for slugs they will destroy plants cutting them off at ground height


if want natural control


place boards next to growing area


water at night


in morning life up boards the slugh will be hiding from sun


kill, kill kill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


look for snails same way


then their is tomatoe plant food


but don't get carried away


I never used it much
Reply:well, not sure what your problem is, however, this is the way i grow mine. plant tomato plant, water really good. when first blooms appear, yellowish white, i pinch them off. then just keep watering. one year i added a raw egg to the hole before planting, adds needed nutrients and sulfur. didn't have the best or biggest, but had plenty of tomatoes all summer. they need lots and lots of sun. and only water in the evening or early morning, not while hot. and water the roots, not the plants.
Reply:Maybe you need to plant more seeds.
Reply:Too much nitrogen causes growth but stops fruit production. Get a fertilizer for tomatoes.
Reply:are you sure its a tomato plant? lol


Are my tomato plants sterile?

I planted some tomatoes using some seeds I took out of a fresh tomato. My brother said these tomato plants may not produce fruit. Is this true? The plants are about 12 inches tall %26amp; there are no signs of any flowers, but is it just too early for them to start flowering?

Are my tomato plants sterile?
Yes it is too early to know. Yes they may not produce fruit. It depends on the original "mother" tomato. Most, actually almost all, tomatoes sold commercially these days are hybrids and will not produce new plants that are the same as the parent plant. All kinds or variations can arise including sterility.


The only way to reliability produce new plants from seed of a tomato is from "heirloom" varieties that have not been hybridized.





If you are interested in this subject Google "seed savers" they are an organization dedicated to preserving the heirloom varieties of many plants.





Good luck you might get lucky.
Reply:I have planted some too, and I don't have any flowers either, it's still too early.





I grew some last year and I don't think they flowered until the start of June
Reply:I don't think they would flower yet as they do not produce their fruit until July/aug/september. Keep feeding them tomarite - they should be ok!
Reply:Probably a little early yet for them to flower. And if they don't you can buy new seedlings quite cheaply. Don't feed them though until the fruit trusses have set.

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Two problems with my tomato plants, curling leaves and birds.?

This is the fourth year to grow a vegetable garden and never had these two problems. The leaves on two of the three tomato plants are curling. Something is eating the few tomatoes that I had out there when they were still completely green! help!

Two problems with my tomato plants, curling leaves and birds.?
It the leaves are curling, edges up, and starting on the bottom few branches, you're overwatering.





Hard to know what's eating them without more info, or poking around in your garden.
Reply:Your tomatoes probably suffering with Verticillium Wilt it caused by a soil-borne fungus. I would remove the worst affected plants and next year choose resistant varieties. I have never had any problems with birds in my garden I encourage them. They do eat all my figs


Good Luck
Reply:have ur soil tested too......birds, put a rubber snake on a stick up so they can see it..they will stay away.....


Do you need to polinate Tomato plants for them to grow?

I am growing Tomato and Bell Pepper plants in our Apartment. I was wandering if you have to do anything special to them to get them to grow fruit. Do I have to polinate them..





I have plenty of sun coming in the big bay window all day long so that wont be a problem..I had flowers but no fruit yet.. is there anything special that needs to be done?


Thanks

Do you need to polinate Tomato plants for them to grow?
Tomato's need to be pollinated but they do so with just the wind. No bees are required. If the plant is inside with no wind shake the plant and that should do it.


Peppers will need the bees I think so do that with a little fuzzy brush or put them outside.
Reply:You will need to pollinate the blossoms. Bee's usually do this for you but hopefully not in your apartment. You can use a small artists brush or a q-tip. Just get the pollen down on the main part of the inside of the blossom. You can buy a can called blossom set at a gardening center but this is probably too much for just a couple of tomato plants. Tomatoes like a lot of light.





Good luck and good eating.
Reply:For most tomatoes, yes. There are a few tomatoes that don't need pollination but those aren't often readily available. After the flowers bloom it will take a little while for fruit to appear but without the pollination you won't get any.





If you don't have any insects to pollinate then you'll need to do so by hand.





The link below is a full description of how to do so, complete with pictures
Reply:NO, IF YOU HAVE FLOWERS GIVE IT ABOUT A WEEK AND YOU SHOULD START TO SEE SMALL BERRY LIKE THINGS, THEY TURN INTO YOUR TOMATOES! ALL I HAVE IS LITTLE FLOWERS RIGHT NOW ALSO!
Reply:You need to put them outside so the bees can pollinate them.


Why are my tomato plants so tall and spindly?

i planted my shop bought tomato seeds about two and a half moths ago. they have been re-potted. but alot of them are 13 inches tall. they have no more leaves than the 6 inch plants. but they cant hold their weight. is there anything i can do to make them grown outwards and not upwards??

Why are my tomato plants so tall and spindly?
time to repot them.


This time though lay them on their sides a little so you can plant all that spindly stuff in the soil.


This will encourage roots to grow out the sides where the leaves are now and make the plant a really strong plant.


It is a great thing to do with the tomatoes and will only help the fruit production.





Then when they are growing nice and straight and have 3 or 4 sets of leaves, pinch out the top of a set of leaves. This will cause the plant to send out 2 branches in that spot. Keep doing this every once in a while and you will get a nice bushy well balanced plant.


So do it and then stand back and enjoy
Reply:You need to cut a good few inches off the tops and possibly put them on a higher base so they are not straining to get to the light.You can buy tomato fertilisers to stimulate the fruits into growing.A good compost helps too, and make sure you keep the compost moist.
Reply:I will tell you exaxctly why..You are using too much fertilizer..that has a high nitrogen content such as ALL PURPOSE MIRACLE GROW....Nitrogen works on the leaves etcetera... Too much will give you exactly what you have now..I grow a gharden 12 months out of the tyear and start my seeds indoors... You need a fertilizer that has alot of phospherous and potassium in it for strong root growth and to set the fruits...





http://www.davedupler.com/garden/fert.ht...





http://www.noble.org/Ag/Horticulture/Tim...





http://www.njtomato.com/growtip7.htm
Reply:I've noticed that in some cases, tomatoes need a metal rack to gain height... It's basically kind of a metal cone made of wire and about 3 feet long; you put the apex end into the soil and the base and flaring out upwards. Never really questioned it; saw it as a kid.
Reply:It's common knowledge that tomatos despise dirt, and they grow as tall as possible to get far, far away soil and all it's associated dirtiness. A simple way to prove this will be to observe the tomatos natural evolutionary process. No doubt they will evolve advanced toolbuilding skills that will eventually lead to swiffer like technology. Dirt begone!
Reply:They need to get enough sunlight so that they are not "standing on their tippy toes" so to speak to reach sunlight. Also make sure they get enough fertilizer or use miracle gro potting soil. It works well for my neighbor.





The cheapest (free) fertilizer is your own urine. It is sterile and high in nitrogen and micronutrients. Just dilute by about 1:10 in water or so.
Reply:The usual cause of this is lack of light, this being very important to toms. Poor soil could contribute and I take it you know that feeding should start once the first fruit has set. If your new to this try 'tomarite', End up in at least 8 inch pots
Reply:Several good answers to why but reynwater has the best cure. Planting 2/3 of the tomato stem will encourage a large healthy root system and the resulting plant will bigger, stronger, and bushier than any that have had their tops pinched off.
Reply:Not enough sun I'm afraid. When they have to "work" to get sun..they reach for it and get spindly. Take them outside when it's sunny as long as it's over 55 degrees. I'm not sure where you are but in zone 6, they should already be in the ground.
Reply:take out the side shoots in between the leaves.then train up a cane and tie in.you must take out the side shoots,only let 5 trusses of flowers on one plant. malc
Reply:Pinch out the new shoots that grow between the leaves - this will encourage them to be bushy. In the meantime tie them up to a little stake until they get stronger. Good Luck!
Reply:Tomatoes want full sun. replant them covering 1/2 to 3/4 of the stem. Yours are "leggy" reaching for sun.
Reply:More light, and importantly; break the tops off where they have branches off. This will make them fill out.
Reply:not enough light
Reply:pinch the top shoots out to make it grow bushier


Are there any homemade recipes for making a bug repellent for tomato plants?

You know, like certain house-hold things you can mix and use to repell bugs from tomato plants, without having to spray some store-bought bizarro-chemical spray. Just curious.

Are there any homemade recipes for making a bug repellent for tomato plants?
this is what I always used for aphids and other small insects. Get a spray bottle (32oz works good),add about 5-6 drops of dish detergent (liquid), 2-3 capfulls of mouthwash(like listerine),then fill the rest of bottle with water. Mix gently. For tomatoes spray early in the morning be sure to spray both sides of leaves. Its very inexpensive to make and works great and its natural so you dont have to worry about pets or children !!
Reply:I have always planted marigolds between my tomato plants..The bugs do not like the smell..Also try taking a styroform cup, taking out the bottom and planting your tomato plants in them..As the plant grows, the base of the cup will prevent bugs from crawling up the stalks of your plants..
Reply:Marigolds is a great idea for little pests.





For nasty tomato worms, try planing sweet basil in with your tomatos. I start doing this several years back and have yet to see an ugly horned tomato worm in my garden since. It works like a charm. Plus, this way you have basil for a tomato salad. Mmmmm!!!
Reply:try dousing them w/ vinegar water, don't put too much though!
Reply:check out www.Jerrybaker.com He has lots of Natural recipes for pests of all kinds...
Reply:You can try using a hot pepper spray. Mix Tobasco with water and spray the plant. Bugs will avoid it like the plague.
Reply:many natural insecticides just look them up on yahoo as "natural insecticides"
Reply:Your friends are right. He just doesn't seem interested. Maybe in time he will know what he wants. Give him space.

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Fruit flies dying on non-fruting tomato plants?

I have 3 non fruiting tomato plants and the little hairs on the stem seems to be actually killing the tiny flies(about 1-3 flies per plant), or am I seeing a molting outer skin of the fly? Lets get to the bottom of this please!

Fruit flies dying on non-fruting tomato plants?
you are a genious, now we can eliminate the fruit flies in the stores with this new "hair" like substance.


How do i keep my tomato plants from freezing?

i live in the midwest and tonight they are predicting f rost/i just planted tomato plants on Mothers day,,, what should i do?[ im a first time gardnener

How do i keep my tomato plants from freezing?
Cover with newspaper, grocery bags, sheets, plastic table clothes. Cut the bottom off of gallon milk jugs.
Reply:Don't worry, as long as we've been gardening we've been protecting our tomatoe plants from a frosty night or two.





Just throw a sheet, table cloth, towels, any material you have available over your plants. Do it now while there is still some warmth in the ground.


This will be enough insulation to protect your tender plants from a light frost.





In the morning wait until the temperature is above freezing before you remove the protection.





good luck!!
Reply:I'm in the midwest too. Central Illinois, Coles County. If you already have cages around them, prob. not, just put and old blanket over them and secure it with bricks or rocks. Think of cold air like you would water. Its heavier so it will go to the low places. I planted mine Sundat too, but I haven't heard about frost yet.
Reply:Do you have access to "wall of water" products, available at Garden centers, Lowe's, Home Depot? Another suggestion is to gently place light weight plactic over the plants, support so that the plant won't be crushed, ie. a couple of sticks, shovel, or bricks, to create a tent. if possible, a plastic 5 gal. bucket upside down over the plant. Check in the morning and remove the heavy snow if possible.
Reply:Home centers sell polystyrene, Styrofoam, cones that can be placed over plants to keep them from freezing.
Reply:Put them in the oven.
Reply:I live in MN-we cover ours with a plastic tarp or old sheet. Good luck!
Reply:It depends on how big they are. You could cover them brown grocery bags if they're small but if they're big and old sheet would do just fine.


What does grubex do to tomato plants?

i applied grubex granules to my tomato plants and then realized it is not to be applied to vegetable gardens. Will it be harmful to eat the tomatoes

What does grubex do to tomato plants?
I wish I knew because I used it on squash plants and we have already eaten the squash.





I have to think the plant must pick up some at the very least questionable chemicals.





There is a toll free number on the bag. You might call Scotts and see what they say.
Reply:I wouldn't eat them, but if you want to know for sure, contact Scotts. They have a hotline and people on the other end that know the products very well. They'll be able to provide you the BEST answer!





Here's a link:


http://www.scotts.com/index.cfm/event/Co...





or call them at 1-888-270-3714
Reply:Good question. I also wonder if Grubex is bad to get into the soil of a vegatable garden. It has to be bad.. In regards to health issues... when eating the vegatables. Maybe I am wrong though.


How can I grow vegetables indoors without things like mites that just killed off my tomato plants?

My tomato plants just got killed off with a bout of those tiny mites just before they were ready to harvest. I have one green pepper plant looking good but am back to the beginning for snow peas and cucumbers. I need to know who to kill mites or how not to overwater, etc

How can I grow vegetables indoors without things like mites that just killed off my tomato plants?
Overwatering. This is a serious problem for tomatoes, they hate it. I use the finger test. In the morning I check my tomatoes (in large pots on the front and back balcony). I stick my pointer finger in the soil up to the first joint. If the tip of my finger meets dry soil I water.





Spider Mites?





• Spider Mites


"Combine 1/2 cup buttermilk, 4 cups wheat flour and 5 gallons water and apply the same as the aphid solution. This suffocates spider mites and other mites."





• Aphids


"To keep aphids and other pests off your plants just finely chop1 onion and 2 medium cloves of garlic. Put ingredients into a blender with 2 cups of water and blend on high. Strain out pulp. Pour liquid into spray bottle. Spray a fine mist on plants, making sure to coat both tops and bottoms of leaves."





• Insects





"This is a recipe for an organic insect repellant that works pretty well with most insects.





¤ 3 hot green peppers (canned or fresh)


¤ 2 or 3 cloves garlic


¤ 3/4 tsp liquid soap (cheap dish soap (no additives) works)


¤ 1/2 tsp veggie oil


¤ 3 cups water








Heat water, add the hot peppers and garlic. Whir in a blender. Strain out pulp. Let liquid cool. Add the liquid soap and oil. Pour liquid into spray bottle. Spray a fine mist on plants, making sure to coat both tops and bottoms of leaves."
Reply:Spray with homemade insecticides (garlic and pepper). Tomato needs lots of water. To test the soil, stick your finger into it. Feel damp, no watering.

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Why do my tomato plants grow up to six feet and do not ripen till November.?

green house south facing, and tomato plants in large tubs and fed


with Woothworths best fertilizer.

Why do my tomato plants grow up to six feet and do not ripen till November.?
Did you remember to 'stop' them? Also, lots of people have to ripen off their toms on windowsills after harvesting. See %26lt;www.gardenaction.co.uk%26gt; Better luck next time!
Reply:The plants may be getting to much nitrogen. Too much will cause the plant to keep foliating and not set or grow very much fruit. Buy a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content.
Reply:Jewel is right, you shouldn't let them get to 6 ft. Also, once they start ripening, gradually start cutting off the leaves from the bottom of the plant (they usually start to die off anyway), particularly the ones that are preventing sunlight getting to the trusses.
Reply:Got to keep trimming them off
Reply:There are many different types of tomato plants you can buy. Ask someone at the nursery what type would be best for you.
Reply:Well, here is the Tomatoes experts.
Reply:You have to read the instructions.





Stop top growing by pinching out after about 5-6 trusses.





Also pinch out new side shoots from existing fruit trusses.





Make sure plants are getting enough sunshine throughout the day.





Feed weekly - do not let soil dry out - do not overwater.
Reply:Since you mention Woolies I assume your in UK, worked for British Aerospace and married a Brit, love your country. Here in North Dakota we have some of the same problems with long days and short growing season but without our -40 winters. I've been getting my seed from Thomson and Morgan for years and have had good luck with "Ferline" under glass and "Sub Arctic Plenty" outdoors. About September stop using nitrogen or look for a fertilizer with minimal nitrogen. Your plants may not get to six feet but you should get earlier fruit. (trivia - Did you know the US Supreme Court ruled tomatoes a vegetable not a fruit). RScott


Why are the stems of my tomato plants purple?

i planted 30 tomato plants and had started them inside i kept 2 plants to grow larger inside and they are doing fine but the ones out side the stems turned purple the seeds are all from the same package and were started at the same time

Why are the stems of my tomato plants purple?
Tomato plants originated in South America. They like it warm. When it's cold or cool, tomato plants turn purplish green. As the temps get warmer, they will return to a normal green color.


How do I judge 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water for my tomato plants?

I've read that my tomato plants need 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water every week. How do I measure this? I live in So Cal so the only water these plants get is the water I put on them. I want to make sure I'm not over watering.

How do I judge 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water for my tomato plants?
It's not necessary to try and measure the water amount. Just give them a good drink once a week and you will be fine. They are not that finicky. They will let you know if you've given them too much by splitting the fruit. If that happens just cut back on the amount of water you give them.
Reply:I asked a gardener that same question about my grass, what he said was put a can down while your watering and when it fills up to the correct amount of inches you have watered enough.





Anyway, I water my tomatoes every night unless it rains for about a half a minute per plant and my tomatoes grow just fine.





It's just a guideline so you don't over water, it will make the roots rot, if in doubt under water you can always water again if it's a really hot day.





You can also try putting mulch down it holds the water in longer, keeps the roots cool and keeps weeds down.
Reply:A tuna can is just right for measuring 1 to 1 1/2 ". But i would water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. Adding mulch will help conserve moisture. The tuna can is perfect for the lawn though.
Reply:put an empty coffee can (or similar size container) in your garden, turn the sprinkler on...when there is 11/2 inches of water in the can you are done


Are grasshoppers bad for tomato plants?

I found a large brown grasshopper on one of my humongoid tomato plants today while watering. It alarmed me because in the list of bad insects for tomatoes I thought this was one. I have an organic garden and have about 20 tomatoes growing right now. If grasshoppers are bad, how can I kill/get rid of them organically?


Thanks!

Are grasshoppers bad for tomato plants?
Grasshoppers eat almost any plant. If the number of grasshoppers is high the damage will be significant. Covering the plant with row covers is the best prevention, but can also be expensive. Check out the first link for info on grasshoppers. Check out the second link for beneficial insects that will help to control grasshoppers. Preying mantis, and grasshopper bait are the most effective, but the bait is best applied early in the season. Most local garden centers only carry lady bugs and mantis eggs early in the season, so ordering online is probably your best bet. Try searching "beneficial insects" for more links.
Reply:i have never had a grasshopper bother my tomatoes .most all you need fear is aphids,maybe a leaf hopper........i never see many grasshoppers at a time so just catch and stomp....tom

sweating

How do I pick the leaves off my tomato plants with out killing it?

I have patio tomato plants .

How do I pick the leaves off my tomato plants with out killing it?
with a sharp knife==cut the sucker off in the V formed by branches,,,when they are real small you can pinch them off with thumb and index finger,,,you really don't want to cut too many off,,because they provide shade for the fruits later on this summer,,
Reply:if they're little tiny leaves you can just pinch them off. If they've become bigger I'd cut them off with a knife or scissors. You want to get the suckers because they drain energy from the fruit.
Reply:I just squeeze ate the base and twist off. These are the suckers , you are talkin' about . Right.
Reply:scissors or nails, cut at the base of the leaf.


Why are all of my tomato plants dying?

We started a new garden at the back of the house last year, we planted some tomatoes, some of them died when having fruits, I t hink that's because we planted them by seed.So this year we bought the tomato plants from the store, they grew very well, and they are having fruits,but now they are dying...Oh,what happen to them?I saw some ants, do you think that's the reason?How disappointed and sad we are!!!

Why are all of my tomato plants dying?
Just a thought, but your garden isn't near a walnut tree by chance? Walnut trees secret a chemical that is toxic to many garden plants and vegetable. A garden needs to be well beyond the drip canopy of the tree. Secondly consider taking a soil sample to your local University Extension office or nursery where they can do a soil test. The chemical balance of your soil may be out of whack for Tomatos, what is ideal for once plant isn't for another. Good Luck.
Reply:Sorry about your dying Tom plants, but need more information to even guess at an answer, although I don't believe the ants were responsible. Its possible that you have an infestation of aphids which has attracted the ants - they milk them for their honeydew - and the aphids could be responsible, either by a massive attack, sucking much of the sap from the plants, or introducing a virus infection into the plant, and thus killing it off. If you are in the UK, buy a copy of The Vegetable Expert by Dr. D.G.Hessayon. You should find it in any garden centre or in Tesco's - around £5. It's an absolutely invaluable help when learning to grow veg., and post some more details !
Reply:Ants are NOT the reason.





Without more information, it's impossible to tell you what's happening.





Among the possibilties are:





1) Too little water


2) Too much water


3) Fungal problems


4) bacterial or viral wilts (worst case scenario)


5) Too much fertilizer
Reply:depending where u live? they may need more water,, also in june the the day light hours begin to shorten. which slows the blooming process. you may have aphids. try spraying the plants with a very diluted soapy solution(like dawn liquid).


might be the variety too.. better luck next season, G.S.
Reply:Tomato plants need lots of water. And giving them tomato fertilizer will help too. Here's a link that might help you grow tomatoes.





http://gardenweb.com/
Reply:not enough sun


to many plant suckers


poor soil


cut worms


Tomato plants starting to die, why?

I bought my tomato plants at the greenhouse and transplanted them about a week ago. They feel very dry and are starting to turn yellow. We've been watering them every day and it's rained alot the past couple days.THe tomato plants are in full sunlight, no shade at all. What's wrong? Is there something missing in the soil? We live in maine so it's not too hot yet, only about 60-70 degrees, but we always plant our tomatoes this time of year.

Tomato plants starting to die, why?
Did you get yellow paint to close to them??


jk 2 points!!!! Water them at night or else they will be shocked by the sudden temperature change. Break off the brown leaves because they just parasite off of the rest of the healthy plant. Yellow sounds like over-watering so pay attention to how much you water them.
Reply:maybe the bugs are eating them,buy the green bug spray to keep them off your tomatoes
Reply:ur probably feedin them too much water and its best to feed the at nite when its cooler


Has anyone heard of mixing garlic powder&water to spray tomato plants with?to get off white bugs?does it work?

I water the tomato plants every am/pm,so the soil stays wet,is that a problem?WHAT are the little white bugs?

Has anyone heard of mixing garlic powder%26amp;water to spray tomato plants with?to get off white bugs?does it work?
If growing organic tomatoes you may want to read the label on the garlic powder bottle. If you can not recognize the ingredients on the label then it is a funny -garlic tasted-weird-chemical powder sold in supermarkets to poison us.........slowly.





I plant garlic %26amp; onions in my veggie garden. They both work great together, and If i happen to see any creatures that don't belong in my garden I then spray some dishwashing soap diluted in water on both top and bottom of the leaves.





When watering your tomatoes, always aim to the soil and not the leaves. Most bugs like to chew on moist leaves...caterpillars specially. Better to water the garden in the morning, right before sunrise.





Mulching with Organic Compost also help keep critters away from your veggie garden. See the video i made in utube to compost in as little as 14 days. Link below:
Reply:Yes the spray mixture will help and a hard spray of just water from the hose will knock them off too. The little white bugs you describe sound like white flies. The white flies larvae can do a lot of damage to tomato plants. Could also be aphids same technique to get rid of them they don't fly. Also use sticky plant hangers. These are yellow sticky cardboard hanging on plants trap the bugs. Or make your own use Vaseline and twist ties to tie on the branches.
Reply:Garlic, %26amp; hot pepper are great ingredients. Add this to some dish liquid and that will help it adhere to the leaves. Make sure you dilute the mixture before applying. Also, be careful; this is some potent stuff. Be sure you wash your hands. I've burned my face rather badly because I wiped my brow in the heat...ouch!
Reply:Yes. My father used to make a conconction of garlic and water (and I think he also used hot pepper) to keep bugs and what-not out of the garden. If the little white bugs are aphids, you might be rid of them by dowsing the plants with soapy water.
Reply:I got a good education on the garden from the books of Jerry Baker. He gave many such home grown solutions combined with a minimum of commercial bug killers. His books have an abundance of concoctions in the back. Do a Google search on him.
Reply:I agree with the last person... use red pepper in the mist, too. I would even sprinkle some into the soil and get it down in there so the insects won't bug it anymore, either.
Reply:two very good answers....garlic water also kills mosquitos....

hot tags

How much water should outdoor tomato plants get per day?

I have a few outdoor tomato plants, early girl, supersseet100, and camp joy varieties. I have a drip irrigation system that I run for about 60 minutes each day (30 minutes twice). How much water should these plants get? They're about 3' tall and are bearing fruit (er, vegetables).

How much water should outdoor tomato plants get per day?
about a gallon spaced out every 4 hours
Reply:You are doing fine.


Make sure the first cycle is set early in the morning and the last cycle set for late evening.


Avoid watering in the middle of the day during high temps.


Dont water on rainy days.


Keep in mind that too much moisture will grow more foliage and less fruits.


Little stress is helpful.


Have fun and watch the plants, they will tell you when too much or too little water.
Reply:If you start out watering tomato plants on a regular basis you will have to keep it up that way. I lived in a remote area (farm fields to swamps) and even in the suburbs. I learned tips from locals where ever I lived. The same rule of thumb still applies, as far as watering, tomato plants just get use to it. You, with out realizing it. Have trained your plants to depend on water the way you did. Next year, try watering you tomato plants in the evening(so they don't burn). And spread out the watering cycle(s).





Read Farmers Almanac . It's a great source of information
Reply:That is fine. Tomatoes aren't picky when it comes to water. They like to be watered evenly though. You did not specify where you are located also. If you are in a hot, humid place, you wouldnt have to water much. I am in DRY ARID, CAlifornia. Transpiration is at such a fast rate here, I need to water 3 times a day(Heavy in the morning, heavy in the evening, and a light mist during the day.)





Anything that is bearing fruit(tomato is a fruit, so is a pepper, cucumber, apple, pumpkin...radish is not, lettuce is not, potatos are not.....get the pattern.)
Reply:Do not water every day!





A plant needs the wet/ dry cycle for proper root health. That being said, tomatoes are vigorous feeders and once esablished will use a lot of water in hot weather.





Best advice is to water thoroughly to approximate two inches of rain, and then don't water it again until it shows some slight wilting.


Why are my tomato plants curling up?

I have tomato plants(Arkansas Travelers and Better Boy) whose leaves are curling, and one has died. Why?

Why are my tomato plants curling up?
Maybe not enough water or too much fertilizer
Reply:If your leaves are curling and have purple on them its a lack of phosphorous..Bone meal can take care of that. I dont know what has been applied to the soil. Too much fertilizer will kill them . Too much water will kill them... Too little water will do that as well. There are many things that can cause what you describe. I have just planted 27 better boy tomatos and have no problem with them yet.. I allways sprinkle bone meal or blood meal in the hole befor planting. I plant them deep. Which means removing a few branches as tomatos will send out roots along the stalk which is what you want..Get a good root system and the rest is easy. Maybe its too cold in your region to plant, or too hot..it never ends.
Reply:Tomatoes are pretty drought tolerant. The less water you give them the better they'll fruit. But when they are young they need a bunch of water to get started. I know some varieties are susceptible to tomato diseases like fusarium wilt. But if the leaves are curling and getting crispy, I'd say not enough water. Good luck.


How do I plant some vegetable plants, tomato, zuchini and cucumber. We have a circular spot to plant them in.?

I've got 6 small cucumber plants, 2 medium zuchini plants, and 3 bigger tomato plants.

How do I plant some vegetable plants, tomato, zuchini and cucumber. We have a circular spot to plant them in.?
I would suggest tomatoes on the north rim so they will not block the sun from the other plants, and cucumbers on the east and west rim, for the same reason, and the zuccini in the middle. Cucumbers like to be trellised for best yields.
Reply:Since your garden is circular and in full sun, plant your tomatoes in the center. These will grow tall. Plant the zuchini and cucumber around the tomatoes. These plants will run. You will have to train them to say in the circle.
Reply:Oooo, a circle garden. Kind of cool.


Make it like one of those circular garden mazes.


Tallest plants in the middle...like the tomatoes...to the shortest plants on the outside.


Like of it as an "O" with a line drawn thru the middle, like a path.


You have to be able to get to them.


Plant the tomatoes right in the very middle, in a little circle, so you will be able to walk around them.


Zucchini next...you will be able to access them from the circle around the tomato plants.


Cucumbers on the outside.


If it is a SMALL circle....tomatoes in the middle, Zucchinis on one side, cucumbers on the other, with a line down the middle for access to the tomato plants.
Reply:A great source for gardening information is the Food For Everyone Foundation....http://www.foodforeveryone.org/





Lawrence





ps. No affiliation. :)
Reply:Before you plant, check carefully beneath the leaves for pests. Rinse the entire plant under the tap to ensure there are no stowaways.





With some plants, such as rose bushes, you may soak the roots in water mixed with a little bleach to further safeguard from pests and disease.





Dig your holes, and fill each with a couple of inches of fresh fertilizer or rich garden soil, to about the point where the plant's roots will reach. Center your plant in the hole, and if necessary, carefully spread out the roots. The top of the roots, or base, should be about an inch below ground level. Fill the rest of the hole with fertilizer or soil, and pat it down to anchor the roots.





Water your plant thoroughly to set the roots, then mulch. Your plant may suffer some shock, but will perk up quickly once it settles into its new digs.





For tomatoes, pluck off all the branches but the top 2 or 3. This will provide for a better root support system. For better tasting fruit later in the season, pluck off any flowers or tomatoes that aer growing already. This allows the plant to focus on making a good root system noww, which will pay its dividends in a better harvest later. For any help with tomato growing, check out this tomato help web page: http://www.windowbox.com/tomatoes/expert...





With all plants, sunlight and fertilizing are key.


Can you transplant tomato plants?

I am moving in 2 weeks and I have the most gorgeous tomato plants with tons of tomatos on them. I have 2 big boys, 1 big beef, and 2 romas. Is there a way to successfully move them? I will have over 2 weeks to move into our new house, and there is a huge, perfectly sunny spot for a veggie garden. I'm bumming about having to leave them here at a rental house, since the people moving in might not even use them.





I live in Minneapolis, MN.

Can you transplant tomato plants?
Hi, Writing to you from Bayport MN. I see no reason for you not to take your tomato plants with you. You will need to be careful not to damage the plants and to keep the roots from drying out. Either plant them temporarily in planters or better yet, get them out and into the new spot within a hour if possible. Try to do this early in the morning or later in the day when it isn't so hot.





Keep the plants watered well for the next week or so and wait a ten days before you fertilize them. You may lose some leave and a few tomatoes, but the plants have plenty of time to bounce back before we have our first frost.





Also, it is okay to plant the plants deeper in the soil when you transplant them if you think that will make a stronger stalk.
Reply:No definately not..they are at the fruiting stage and all thier energy is going to fruiting..If transplanted this mature they will not be focussed on rooting..and if the roots dont die..they will fall over from the weight no matter how well staked...but if you would like clones....you can take cuttings fron any sucker leaf....put some root stimulator on the cut part...put in a glass of water for 2 or 3 days untill you see roots forming...then plant in soil...make sure to bury 80% of this plant..it makes strong plants...When I buy settings, I pull all the leaves off to the top 3 sets..and plant the whole stem..the fuzzy stuff you see on the stems..will all turn to roots....heres a link to my veggie garden..picture titled 'garden pc 008" the very furthest plants are all tomato plants I took cuttings from the "mother plant"..do not transplant plants in maturity...they will die!
Reply:You would deffinately kill them.. they are too mature to move..........I'm sure the people whop move into the house would allow you to come back and get them as they ripen,,,,,,and enjoy some for them selves........Alot of new friends have been made in this situtition..!!!!!!!!!!!!!God Bless
Reply:i agree with greenwillow, with the addition of a few things: use b1 transplant solution on all ends of the transition, and go ahead and transplant them into a planter now, before they get any more mature. then they will be stable for the move, and will already have a halfway healed root system for the next place. the transplant from the pots into the ground should be much less traumatic than the original transplating into the pots.
Reply:absolutly,, most people, buy thier plants at stores and trans plant them in a garden, or pot.,they may look wilted for a few days,, but with water they should perk back up.
Reply:Your chances are not good - but I'd still go for it.





Get yourself a BIG pot (like ten gallons). If you can dig up a big ball of dirt without damaging the root ball, you might be able to avoid shocking it.

my fish

I have a bucket of volunteer tomato plants that came up.?

I have a bucket of volunteer tomato plants that came up. Mabey about 50 or so. I seperated them into storofoam cups filled with compost and watered them real good. I heard you can't move volunteers. Has anyone had luck with this? Just thought I'd give it a try.

I have a bucket of volunteer tomato plants that came up.?
I always move my volunteers, and usually have a 90% sucess rate of survival here in Missouri :) The volunteers usually seem to do better for me that what I buy from the nursery. . . Good luck!!!
Reply:tomatoes actually LOVE to be moved.





Once they get to a nice size you can find a spot you want them to go to and replant them.


The secret though is to plant almost the whole plant. By this I mean everything except for the top 3 or 4 sets of leaves.


Lay them at a bit of an angle and bury the lot. The plant will root all along t he buriewd stem making it a stronger more stable plant that has more roots to help the whole thing grow.


Enjoy
Reply:There isn't any problem moving them. The problem comes when you start to harvest. If the parent plant was a hybrid chances are you're not going to get the same kind of tomato. If you don't care, go for it.
Reply:I never moved a volunteer, but the ones I had that came up flourished. Just nurture them for a while and get them into bigger containers soon or into some warm ground.... they should do fine.
Reply:Go for it. Tomatoes are easy to grow.


What's the best way to get rid of mealy bugs eating my tomato plants?

Those white, sticky mealy bugs are eating my tomato plants and have also attacked the olive tree right next to them. The leaves of the tomato plants are wilted, curled and brown on the ends. What's the best way to get rid of the mealy bugs? Should I buy pesticides? If so, what kind? Should I buy some other insects to eat the mealy bugs? Please help! Thank you.

What's the best way to get rid of mealy bugs eating my tomato plants?
Beneficial nematodes will get rid of the mealy bugs, and any other predatory insect





http://www.marchbiological.com/L/benefic...


Tomato plants stalk splitting from root up stalk?

Why are my tomato plants stalk splitting down by the ground looks like it's coming from the root area.

Tomato plants stalk splitting from root up stalk?
If the plant is otherwise healthy. Just mound more dirt around it. The plant will be stronger for it. If you have tomatoes just stake it they should be fine. if it Is still growing mound dirt around the base will make the roots stronger. Tomato plant stems can grow roots.
Reply:If tomatoes have sprouted then most likely it is their weight that is causing the stalks to split.





Generally, when I grow tomatoes I attach the spine of the plant to a stick/board so that the plant has some additional support.
Reply:Mine do that to and I can't figure out why! I hope someone can help you (us).


Where can I find giant containers or pots for tomato plants?

I just ordered 6 prolific producer tomato plants and I need to put them in large containers. I was thinking of half whiskey barrels or garbage pails but I would have to decorate them somehow so they don't look like garbage pails how would I do that? Or do you know where I can find these size containers for very little (10$ or less) or free?

Where can I find giant containers or pots for tomato plants?
Go to a carwash %26amp; see if you can pick-up some empty plastic 55gal. containers. Cut 'em down, wash 'em out , %26amp; drill drainage wholes in the bottom. All for free %26amp; your ready to go!
Reply:http://www.tomatoweb.net/95/how-to-build...
Reply:Depending on where you are you can go to a winery and pick a few whole barrels up for cheaper and cut them yourself. Otherwise it'll cost you at the hardware store probably in the $20 range.
Reply:We buy our containers (14" across the top) from WalMart. They hold 25 lbs of vegetable potting soil which you can also buy from WalMart. Be sure to use tomato fertilizer. And water, water, water each day. Tomatoes need water. We water at the same time each and every morning. :o)





P.S.


Look at this, they are wonderful:


http://www.earthbox.com





Happy gardening to you.

horns costume

Can I nurse my tomato plants back to good health?

I did something very stupid considering I had good warning about using tobacco tea on tomato plants. Well I didn't use straight tobacco tea, but rather a natural pesticide recipe containing tobacco tea. Now the leaves on my plants are brownish and curling up, but they aren't dry and crispy. Is there any way to nurse my tomato plants back to good health or did I do irreversible damage?? Please help!!!

Can I nurse my tomato plants back to good health?
If they have Tobacco Mosaic Viris there is no cure. You need to pull them up and burn them to prevent infection to other plants. Also as the other gentleman said, do not replant in the same spot.
Reply:I don't think you can save them, but you can try for an experiment.


It's not too late to start over with new plants. Just make sure you plant them in a new spot.