Member discussion regarding the methods, varieties and merits of growing tomatoes.
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July 21, 2015 | #1 |
BANNED FOR LIFE
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 13,333
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A Thought for Fall Tomatoes
When growing tomatoes from seeds, some seem to grow lanky no matter what you do. I found this out in the first three months this year, and again while starting seeds back in early June.
My thought for getting Fall tomato plants started is to purposely grow them lanky (To a point). In the Summer, diseases, funguses, mold, etc. really gets after low hanging stem/leaf parts. I'm thinking a tall - thick stemmed tomato plant would have a better chance of surviving those conditions that seem so bad in the Summer. What do you think? |
July 21, 2015 | #2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2008
Location: DFW, Texas
Posts: 1,212
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In Spring, I don't grow lanky tomatoes from seed because I put the grow lights within 1 inch of the plants, grow in a cool garage and use only very diluted fertilizer to encourage slow growth. I do get more of fast growth in fall transplants because of the warmer temps and faster growth is inevitable. I think you are better off with larger transplants in summer for the reasons you state, but, I don't know that lanky is better, just taller/larger plants overall, in my opinion.
Dewayne Mater |
July 21, 2015 | #3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 7,068
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It really doesn't matter too much how they look when you set them out because they will tend to grow more tall and lanky in the intense summer heat and will fill out better once the cooler nights of fall get here. I always keep everything pruned off on the bottom of the plant to avoid as much early disease as possible.
Bill |
July 21, 2015 | #4 |
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I finished pruning the lower parts this morning. I'm shading them from noon till dusk. I have 14 plants that will stay in their solo cups until August 1. Our tomato plant out is August 1-7. I just wanted to see if plants planted a month earlier would do better/worse/same? I am also spraying them down with Garden Safe every Sunday night.
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July 21, 2015 | #5 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 7,068
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Quote:
Bill |
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