Gardening Dave Truman on 26 Aug 2008 02:17 am
Vegetable Gardening - Dealing With Tomato Problems
Tomatoes are a wonderful addition to any vegetable garden. They add zing and a variety of healthy ingredients to any meal. But growing them can be a little tricky in some areas. Here are some tips about how to maximize your crop and minimize your problems producing them.
There are two broad categories of tomato plant, those that form a flower cluster at a terminal point and those that continue to grow taller indefinitely. The latter are called indeterminate and they tend to mature very late in the season. That makes them subject to possible frost damage.
Tomatoes thrive in dry air and soil, very hot temperatures, and direct sunlight. When tomatoes are subject to these conditions they grow large and plump with healthy leaves. Cold temperatures kill tomatoes quickly.
Dealing with that potential problem involves employing a number of techniques. Some growers will utilize a small, mobile greenhouse to cover the tomato when frost is likely. Others simply plant and harvest early enough that the problem never occurs. Which you employ and when depends on your specific growing season - when it begins and ends.
The opposite problem can occur, however with other varieties - sunburning. These so-called first early varieties are well suited to northern climates since they are often ready to harvest in 60 days or less. The cooler climates are perfect for these medium sized species.
Beyond weather problems, tomatoes are at risk for a number of common diseases, pests and soil problems.
Large brown spots that appear at the bottom of the tomato, known as blossom end rot, are caused by calcium deficiency. Uneven watering practices can be the cause of this deficiency, as water transports calcium into the plant through the roots. There is also a soft spot that appears as the tomato ripens.
If a tomato develops blossom end rot, the only solution is to remove the troubled tomatoes off the plant to allow others the best chance to thrive. Preventing the problem is preferable. Be sure to encourage deep root growth by watering deeply. Help topsoil retain moisture during dry times by adding mulch around the plants. Maintain 6.5 pH in the soil.
A common irritant to all tomato growers are tomato hornworms. These four-inch larvae have a black spot on the tail and a large false eyespot. They typically blend into the green stems of the tomato plant, but are seen because they have long white stripes down their sides.
When mature, the tomato hornworms are large brown moths that may have wingspans up to five inches. To keep these moths off the tomato plants, where they will lay their eggs that develop into larvae, plant marigolds, basil, and other trap crops.
As with many other plants, aphids are another troublesome insects for tomatoes. They are tiny white, yellowish, or green soft-bodied bugs that can be washed off with a hose. Washing them off with a hose works temporarily, but they will return.
Petunias, coriander, or anise are companion plants and will help control the presence of aphids. Also consider an insecticide soap that will eliminate the problem and is safe for you and your plant.
Though they require a bit of care, tomatoes are regarded as well worth the effort by most vegetable gardeners. After all, the whole purpose is to have tasty, healthy vegetables to eat.
