Tomato feeding Q

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by daisybelle, Jul 29, 2015.

  1. daisybelle

    daisybelle Gardener

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2006
    Messages:
    326
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Science tech
    Ratings:
    +48
    I only recently got a greenhouse and bought a few tomato plants from the car boot just to play :)
    I've got them in big pots and when I feed them, it all just runs out of the bottom, seems such a waste :( I keep them as consistently moist as I can, would they be better dryer before feeding?
    I use liquid food you dilute and apply with a watering can with the rose off, cos it says not to get it on the leaves. I put a bit on each pot and then go around again so I'm not flooding them all at once.
    Is this a problem, will they get enough food? All tips gratefully received, thanks :)
     
  2. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2010
    Messages:
    16,524
    Location:
    Central England on heavy clay soil
    Ratings:
    +28,997
    Letting the compost dry out between waterings can aggravate water/feeds running straight through it, cause blossom end rot & split fruits, and can even change the shape of the leaves, making them thinner and less healthy. Keep with moist.

    It could be the compost you're using, there's a lot of rubbish around, what is it?
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

      Joined:
      Jan 9, 2005
      Messages:
      51,105
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired
      Location:
      Mid Kent
      Ratings:
      +93,966
      I'd suggest a saucer under the pots and leave any run off for at least an hour before emptying.
      Dont let them sit in water for long periods though.
       
      • Agree Agree x 3
      • Craig1987

        Craig1987 Gardener

        Joined:
        Jan 27, 2013
        Messages:
        258
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Payroll Administrator
        Location:
        Rotherham, South Yorkshire
        Ratings:
        +292
        If you can, dig up the inside of your greenhouse. This way, the plants can be planted straight into the ground. The ground can hold a lot more moisture than a plastic plant pot. If your plants go dry, they can get unhealthy like Scrungee says. It's also a lot cheaper in the long run. You'll save on having to buy fresh compost each year. A bag of manure scattered inside is a lot cheaper and in my opinion better.
         
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

          Joined:
          Jun 3, 2008
          Messages:
          32,413
          Gender:
          Male
          Location:
          Surrey
          Ratings:
          +49,873
          The problem with using border soil in the greenhouse is it needs changing every season to prevent build up of soil borne bugs, unless you go for grafted tomatoes with disease resistant rootstock.
           
          • Agree Agree x 1
          • Craig1987

            Craig1987 Gardener

            Joined:
            Jan 27, 2013
            Messages:
            258
            Gender:
            Male
            Occupation:
            Payroll Administrator
            Location:
            Rotherham, South Yorkshire
            Ratings:
            +292
            I do agree JWK, however, i don't have a greenhouse filled with just tomatoes. I have peppers, toms, melons, chillies and lettuce soon

            I can rotate their planting positions for 3 years.

            My plot neighbour has just removed his soil and put it in a raised bed. He's now growing carrots in this. He's chucked in a load of homemade compost and manure in its place
             
            • Like Like x 1
            Loading...

            Share This Page

            1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
              By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
              Dismiss Notice