Newbie Gardener

Hello, So glad I found this site :-) I'm Jane and completely new to gardening. I am growing Strawberry plant and Tomatoes outside for first time ever so I'm hoping you guys can help and advise throughout the summer months.

I have a black tiger tomato plant (think that is name) and some plum ones. I was told the one that has flowered to remove the leaves from below the flowers so have done and will be re potting that into a bigger pot for outside.

Now my Moneymaker tomatoes are in a grow bag outside but I'm having a problem with watering it as half the time I'm not sure if the water I give is enough to go into the grow bag. I did give 5 litres water today as that was what the grow bag instruction said. is there anything like a moisture meter I can purchase to make sure I don't over water them.

I have uploaded a file of what I'm growing so far.

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner

 

Hi Jane welcome to GC , I am new to all this gardening too, fantastic that you are growing your own tomatoes and strawberries, my first toms were a disaster as I didn't take out the new growth between the stems so they became triffids but after a bit of chopping here and there they are still growing some good toms I have planted more, not in a grow bag this time but each to its own pots and they seem to be doing ok, maybe its because I'm checking them every day

You have certainly come to the right place for advice, everyone is so friendly and helpful.

I had a good read up on tomatoes and to be honest I just water them every day, some info told me not to water too much and some told me to water a lot so I just thought I'd take my chances, however that's probably not the right way, I'm sure someone will be along soon to help with your dilemma, and maybe I'll learn something too

Look forward to catching up with you in the forums, good luck with the toms and your gardening

 

Hi and welcome! I know nothing about tomatoes, but there are so many friendly experts on this site someone else is bound to have an answer to help you Enjoy your stay here!

 

Hello @jane0o0, a very warm To GC

 

My method of tomatoe growing will have most gardener's biting the nails with anxiety....

Put tom in either a grow bag or other suitable container, as it grows support with cane, I don't pinch out or take off side shoots etc..... Just water daily feed when I remember and bingo, a nice crop of tom's, that I end up having to many so give to friends etc...

This isn't the right way, and perhaps I could get a better crop I don't know, the method works for me as I have more than plenty of tomatoes to meet my needs and a lot more....

 

Really, I never knew it was to early to put tomato plants outside :( Shows how inexperienced in gardening I am) I hope they survive then.

 

Do you have to cover your tomato plants when it rains and if so how do I do it please or will they be ok.

 

They'll be fine

 

Just a quick question please regarding my tomato plants outside. its starting to chuck it down of rain - will they be ok as I thought they didn't like the leaves to be wet. would hate to lose them now due to no protection.

 

Hi @jane0o0, your tomatoes should be ok. I've planted some outside & they are doing well. The nights are still quite cold but they will soon pick up once the weather warms up! you are doing a grand job, your plants look good.
Just a little tip for you if I may.....you might want to put some net over your strawberry plant, blackbirds love a nice juicy strawberry! . I'd hate for you to try so hard & the blackbird gobbles up your fruit!

 

Thank you Beckie76 Was a bit worried that if the leaves and grow bag get drenched in this rain that they could die. I've surprised myself with these tomato plants as I've never grown anything before lol the Strawberry plant Beckie is just leaves and nothing else not even flowers :( so don't know what is happening to that. Glad your tomato plants are doing well also. we'll all have some juicy tomatoes to eat this summer :-) Mmm my favs.

 

Hello jane and welcome
I'm up near your neck of the woods and I've just put my outdoor toms out. They should be fine now, provided they are in a sunny spot.
You mentioned grow bags, have you punctured holes in for drainage? If so they won't drown