Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by RUTH RODMAN z7 nc on August 22, 2009 at 6:54pm

I believe that tomatoes do not like temperatures above 90 degrees, especially when it comes to setting fruit. (despite irrigation).

Contributing GardenerPermalink Reply by Charlie Patin Z8 TX on August 22, 2009 at 9:43pm

Ruth, You are very right. Tomatoes don't set fruit if the night time temps don't get below about 72 degrees or the daytime temps get above about 92 degrees. It's why I try to get my tomatoes into the ground as early as possible in the spring. I know my time is limited here in Texas.

Permalink Reply by R. Lee Jacintho on August 23, 2009 at 2:50pm

How about a light cheese cloth covering during the day. I've read that this can set up a temp difference and might cool down the plants. Also, with temps llike that I would water them 2x a day. Early so they can soak up the water before it gets too hot, and early evening so they can soak it up during the night.
I've also seen, quite a few years ago, that there were "collars" you could put around the plant on the ground and fill with water I think. This is supposed to keep the roots cool. The water doesn't soak in, it just stays in the "collar".
Sorry, I don't recall where I saw this.
Lee

Permalink Reply by Connie Kupke Z8 TX on August 23, 2009 at 4:24pm

I got my "early girls" in the ground in April and I still don't have one tomato. Not surprising I guess with the heat we're getting. My tomatoes didn't do well last year either. But in 2007, I had one Roma that put out over 600 tomatoes. The last two years I didn't start them indoors until March - next year I will start earlier I guess so they're ready to plant outside in March.

The thing that gets me about the weather - in 2008, we had a snow and ice storm in mid March that completely took everyone by surprise. So that has made me cautious about planting before March 15. I guess I should plant with "protection" so we'll get some tomatoes at least.

Permalink Reply by R. Lee Jacintho on August 23, 2009 at 6:04pm

This site may have some info for next year when you want to plant tomatoes - http://tinyurl.com/nmm7va
Hope this link works.

Permalink Reply by Barbara zn8 VA on August 24, 2009 at 8:16pm

Connie, one thing that I do that has helped with earlier planting is to put the tomato support around the plant immediately, then I wrap saran wrap around the outside of the support. This blocks the harsh spring winds and keeps the temps a few degrees warmer. The top could be covered overnight if temps drop and removed in the am. This has helped enormously to prevent the poor little plants from being blown around and desiccated. I take the saran off when the temps are warmer in May. I always thought that those little collars were to warm the plants in a similar was as the water takes up heat from the sun during the day and radiates it back to the plant at night.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Ann Kocher Stillion on September 11, 2009 at 9:12pm

Those are commonly found in seed and flower catalogues sent out in the spring.

R. Lee Jacintho said:

How about a light cheese cloth covering during the day. I've read that this can set up a temp difference and might cool down the plants. Also, with temps llike that I would water them 2x a day. Early so they can soak up the water before it gets too hot, and early evening so they can soak it up during the night.
I've also seen, quite a few years ago, that there were "collars" you could put around the plant on the ground and fill with water I think. This is supposed to keep the roots cool. The water doesn't soak in, it just stays in the "collar".
Sorry, I don't recall where I saw this.
Lee

Permalink Reply by lynda o z4or5. on September 11, 2009 at 9:15pm

we always put 3 plants out arounf st.pats day in walls of water. all seed catalogues carry them. they are awesome and we usually have tomatoes by july 10. so tomorrow i'm canning 14 more quarts of tomatoes.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Ann Kocher Stillion on September 11, 2009 at 9:21pm

Never use potting soil to amend a poor soil like clay. You must use an organic medium such as dry straw, or sow winter rye and turn it under in the spring. Even a light coating of sawdust from a saw mill will decompose over the winter and help to break up clay soil. Obtain 50# bags of compost, or Garden Soil 50# bags from a store such as Lowe''s. You will be surprised by the difference. Also, you may not be hilling the tomatoes properly, and since you are in a hotter climate with soil that chokes the life out of plants and does not hold water, anything with organic bases ( purified cow manure ) will cause the clay to separate and to give proper nutrient delivery. At this point, perhaps if you tried to work in some of these materials into the soil gently and make sure it reaches the roots, you may be able to salvage your plants health and growth.
Grass clippings are NOT a good choice as they become gooey and sticky and are totally gross, but can be used in a compost bin if you are willing to try to create compost. It's alot of work, and if you can buy the proper soil in a 50# bag, it makes your life easier. Also once you hill your plants, use dry straw (not hay, and not grass) to hold moisture in the area around the plant and roots. If you have not staked your plants, and removed the sucker growths, you will not have a plant that produces as it ought to, as it will be focused on supporting sucker growth rather than setting flowers and fruits. Good Luck!

Permalink Reply by JUDI FARRELL on September 12, 2009 at 10:11am

try adding some acidity to the soil, I add my coffee grounds, but mix them with some loose soil first, or make a weak tea of them. Evrything else sounds good.

Permalink Reply by Michele E on September 12, 2009 at 10:54am

Miracle grow is not ideal for tomatoes - causes the flowers to be ruined and does not nourish the soil. I have had the best organic heirloom tomatoes in years using quality seeds/plants and a 50/50 soil/compost to prepare the beds each year. A great resource for tomatoe care is Laurel at: http://heirloomtomatoplants.com/Growing%20Tips%20and%20Garden%20Pro.... Also, this year, I started a once a month foliar spray of liquid fish and kelp and has made a huge difference. All the best! There is nothing like homegrown heirloom tomatoes!! Michele

Permalink Reply by Lisa Dent on September 13, 2009 at 7:49pm

I have slow growing tomatoes this year, ( too much rain and not enough sun this summer) but here in zone 7 I plant them so that they get late afternoon shade and they seem to do very nicely.