In article ,
"Zeppo" wrote:
"Billy" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Zeppo" wrote:
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.
We've had some decent winds here and there, but I can do that.
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.
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.
Or you may have over-fertilized with a nitrogen fertilizer
which gives you lots of healthy leaves, but little fruit.
gloria
What is the best fertilizer for tomatoes?
I've got 4 tomato plants started from seedlings growing in 5 gallon pails
I've been using Miracle-Gro every two weeks. Should I be using something
different? How often?
Thanks,
Jon
You've gotten past the growth stage of the tomato, so now you should cut
back on the nitrogen. Chemical fertilizers like Miracle Grow (18-21-21)
are water soluble, are quickly washed away with watering, and are so
strong as to make burning your roots easy. Organic fertilizers, on the
other hand, adhere to the soil and breakdown slowly to give continuous
feeding to plants. I would recommend any organic 0-10-10 fertilizer, in
conjunction with fish emulsion (5-1-1) feedings.
If you continue to use Miracle Grow, even if it is out of balance with
your plant's present needs, use it at 1/2 to 1/4 strength, and feed
weekly.
--
- Billy
Billy,
I'll discontinue the Miracle Grow and pick up some organic fertilizer and
fish emulsion. Would you recommend applying these weekly as well?
My first shot at growing veggies. Seem to be going pretty well so far.
Thanks,
Jon
No, the organics won't be washed away by the water, and you'll get a
constant feeding of your plants and the organic material decomposes.
--
- Billy
There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who
learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and
find out for themselves.
Will Rogers
http://countercurrents.org/roberts020709.htm
http://www.tomdispatch.com/p/zinn