Tomato concern

 


I decided to start a small garden in the front yard (suffering odd
looks from the neighbors). It's a great sunny location, the back is so
shady as to be unacceptable.

Anyway, I have five tomato plants, all Big Boys. Four are the typical
small four-packs, the other was in a six-inch pot. I got a bit of late
start, the plants went in the Memorial Day weekend. The plants are
growing very well, they're large and healthy-looking. We've had
unusually warm weather here in St. Louis during June. I've been keeping
everything well watered.

The tomatoes are putting out lots of blossoms, and there are bees
buzzing around. However, only one plant has any fruit set, and that's
the older one, which has two moderate sized one (2-3 inch) that I think
were set before I even got the plant. Nothing else on it or the others.

Chile plants (poblano) I put in at the same time have lots of
developing fruit.

Am I overly concerned at this point, or is something wrong? If so, what
should I look for? Plan of action?



Brian

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Day 151 of the "no grouchy usenet posts" project

 



There could be two things wrong:

1. They may not be getting pollinated.  Tomatoes are self-pollinating and
like a bit of wind to loosen the pollen inside the flowers.  Gently shake
the tomato cages every day.

2. It might be too hot.  Tomatoes don't like to set fruit if it is over 95
degrees F.  Try misting them every day with the hose.  I do this in my
over-100 climate, and have had wonderful fruit set.

Hope one or both of these helps!
--S.

 

Suzanne D. wrote:


We've had some decent winds here and there, but I can do that.


The hot spell's over, and we're in the 80s for highs of late, so
perhaps if that's the trouble they'll get going. I'll keep that in mind
for the next batch of heat.



Thanks.

--
Day 151 of the "no grouchy usenet posts" project

 

Default User wrote:

Or you may have over-fertilized with a nitrogen fertilizer
which gives you lots of healthy leaves, but little fruit.

gloria p

 

Gloria P wrote:



I haven't been fertilizing them much, a few shots of Miracle-Gro when
they were first planted. I'm guessing that hot spell was a factor.




Brian

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Day 151 of the "no grouchy usenet posts" project