Dealing With Tomato Problems In Your Vegetable Garden
Growing tomatoes in your garden will provide you with a variety of fresh, healthy eating options. There are a variety of tricky issues that can arise when growing tomatoes. Consider these hints for maximizing your crop and keeping your production problems to a minimum.
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 love sun. They like very hot, dry soil and air. When they get it they grow up big and plump with healthy leaves. But cold temperatures will cause them to die rapidly.
There are various techniques used to deal with the threat of frost. There are small, portable greenhouses that are used to cover the plants when cold temperatures are expected. Another option is to plant and harvest your crop before cold temperatures are a threat. This, of course, depends on your location and specific growing season.
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.
Blossom end rot, caused by a calcium deficiency, appears as a large brown spot at the bottom of the tomato. It will often produce a soft spot and appear as the tomato ripens. One underlying cause is an uneven watering practice. Water helps transport calcium into the plant.
The only solution is to pick the affected tomatoes off to give the others the best chance to thrive. But preventative methods are preferable. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Mulch around the plants to help the topsoil retain moisture during dry spells. Keep the pH around 6.5.
Tomato hornworms are a common scourge of all tomato growers. These four-inch larvae tend to blend into the green stems of the tomato plant. But they can be seen by the aid of the long white stripes down their sides. They have a large false eyespot, a black spot, on the tail.
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 there is care required, adding tomatoes to your garden is well worth the effort required. Having healthy vegetables on hand is an abundant reward.
Last 5 posts by Dave Truman
- Vegetable Gardening - Planning Your Vegetable Garden - July 18th, 2008
- Planting Vegetables Through All the Seasons - June 26th, 2008
- Disease Control Tips For Your Vegetable Garden - June 5th, 2008
- Dealing With Pests In Your Vegetable Garden - June 4th, 2008
- How To Fertilize Your Vegetable Garden - May 8th, 2008
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