Tomato Growing Thread 2012

You're lucky having flowers on your outdoor toms - mine didn't even seem to want to have leaves on them for several weeks after planting out. OK, I've now got green leaves on them, but I'm still waiting for flowers to appear on most of them.

 

what's with the 'tapping'? ....(I'm new to growing veg)

 

Hi *dim*.

Basically, it's about pollen transfer, from one flower to another

 

Most of mine are up to the roof. I usually grow to two leaders with 4 - 5 trusses per leader. However, this year's apalling weather may throw the usual experience of ripening up to 10 trusses out of the window.

 

Two leaders? I assume you let one of the side-shoots develop?

 

Yes, Freddy.

The theory is that in our short growing season, more tomatoes will ripen on two leaders than on one.

It makes practical sense to me - but on a cautionary note - I have yet to see a scientific trial which 'proves' the point.

Kevin

 

we want piccies
WE WANT PICCIES
WE WANT PICCIES
Jenny namaste

 

Lucky for some, nice one

In my case....I've got some flower buds opening.....finally

 

Last evening I measured one of the tomato plants in my greenhouse, 32" from base of plant to first truss, now that's what I call a leggy plant. On the positive side, should they ever ripen, I won't have to be bending down as much as usual!

I've long since dusted the 'Coolglass' off the outside of the greenhouse since it seemed slightly superfluous to leave it for the sake of the 3 'summer' days we've had, but the trouble I'm having is, that with the ultra cool weather, they don't actually need watering as often as they need feeding and even Amazon can't seem to supply me with an intravenous tomato feeding kit.

 

I haven't had any shading out and yesterday noticed a fair few blossoms had dropped off....the temperature is fluctuating too much....one day it's cold another day it's colder!!!!

 

I wouldnt worry too much, plants automatically regulate the water/nutrient uptake balance. On hot days, transpiration increases so they take up a lot more water than nutrients. On cold days, they will be drinking but nowhere near as much

 

Hi Kev.

Have you done this before? I'd be very interested to know if there are any real gains from this method. For instance, is the 'poundage' any greater than would normally be the case? Do they need any 'special' treatment?

Cheers...Freddy

 

Hi. Freddy

Unintentionally I have nearly have always ended up growing to more than one leader by forgetting to pinch all suckers when I should do. No special regime to it other than using an extra stake or twine. However can make things a little crowded if plants are close together.

The theory is roughly outlined here....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/uncovered/gardening/tomatoes.shtml


Kevin