Amazing. 2010 - planted late May. 200 plants, 140 no fruit.

**nctomatoman** · June 17, 2011

This year, I get most things planted first week of May. Around 150 plants - fruit set on virtually everything. We are getting some 90 plus degree days. some theories:

Planting earlier, even though the day time gets hot, the ground hasn't yet absorbed so much heat, so night times cool off enough.

Despite the heat, humidity is lower. So pollen isn't clumping as much.

Because we aren't getting much rain, there is essentially no foliage disease at all (yet) - and I don't spray at all with anything. Healthier plants, better fruit set?

Because I am out of work, I am spending much more time watering, feeding, pruning, removing any suspicious foliage. Better care = better performance.

It is early yet, the plants still have to mature the fruit, heat is on the way - but I have to say I am encouraged. We may actually get to do some canning!

Update on the small pot extreme prune indeterminates - most plants have set fruit on at least two trusses, so I've begun the process of topping (which is painful for me!). I am also limiting my tall growing indeterminates to 2-3 main stems - haven't done this in years. amazed at how some varieties (Cherokees, Brandywine) try to sneak out suckers as soon as you turn your back!

Some pics here

http://nctomatoman.weebly.com/1/post...few-below.html

Can you tell I am excited about this season???!!!

NOTE - edited to address Raybo's question. Very few if any bees in the tomato patch this year so far (they are all in the salvia and our flowers) - last year the driveway was humming with buzzing bees. So that's not a factor. Good point, tho!

June 17, 2011	#1
nctomatoman Tomatoville® Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hendersonville, NC zone 7 Posts: 10,385	Amazing. 2010 - planted late May. 200 plants, 140 no fruit. This year, I get most things planted first week of May. Around 150 plants - fruit set on virtually everything. We are getting some 90 plus degree days. some theories: Planting earlier, even though the day time gets hot, the ground hasn't yet absorbed so much heat, so night times cool off enough. Despite the heat, humidity is lower. So pollen isn't clumping as much. Because we aren't getting much rain, there is essentially no foliage disease at all (yet) - and I don't spray at all with anything. Healthier plants, better fruit set? Because I am out of work, I am spending much more time watering, feeding, pruning, removing any suspicious foliage. Better care = better performance. It is early yet, the plants still have to mature the fruit, heat is on the way - but I have to say I am encouraged. We may actually get to do some canning! Update on the small pot extreme prune indeterminates - most plants have set fruit on at least two trusses, so I've begun the process of topping (which is painful for me!). I am also limiting my tall growing indeterminates to 2-3 main stems - haven't done this in years. amazed at how some varieties (Cherokees, Brandywine) try to sneak out suckers as soon as you turn your back! Some pics here http://nctomatoman.weebly.com/1/post...few-below.html Can you tell I am excited about this season???!!! NOTE - edited to address Raybo's question. Very few if any bees in the tomato patch this year so far (they are all in the salvia and our flowers) - last year the driveway was humming with buzzing bees. So that's not a factor. Good point, tho! __________________ Craig