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.
Tomato plants can be divided into two main categories: those that form a flower cluster at the terminal point, and those that grow indefinitely. The taller plants that grow indefinitely are called indeterminates, and due to the fact that they mature very late in the season, are often in danger of 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.
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 cooler climates of the north do best with what are called the first early varieties of tomatoes. These medium sized tomatoes don’t like too much sun, and are often ready to be harvested in about two months.
As if the weather weren’t enough, it is also necessary to protect your tomatoes from 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 rid the vine of affected tomatoes and hope the rest will flourish. Clearly, it is best to take the active approach in preventing this problem by watering your plants thoroughly, hydrating all the way down to the root. Mulch is great for keeping the soil moist, and maintaining a pH level of 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.
As an adult, they transform into brown mouths with a wingspan of five inches. Using trap crops, such as marigolds and basil, can help keep them from laying their eggs on tomato plants.
One of the smaller enemies of tomatoes are the tiny, yellowish, green and white aphids. They can be temporarily removed by a hose, but will return unless other measures are taken.
Planting companion crops such as petunias, anise or coriander can help control them. But there are also many insecticide soaps that eliminate the problem without harming the tomatoes or you when you eat them.
Despite the needed care, tomatoes are well worth the effort. These delicious and healthy vegetables make a great addition to any meal.
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