Why would containers make tomatoes mealy?

[BW_AustinTX]

I have read more than a few posts that infer that containers can make tomatoes mealy.
I am wondering why that would be. Is it certain types/varieties, or all?

Thanks for the advice.

[lakelady]

Well, Raybo will probably come and respond on this one. I've heard that too much rain can make tomatoes mealy, so perhaps a container that is too wet would do the same?

[rnewste]

Originally Posted by lakelady

Well, Raybo will probably come and respond on this one. I've heard that too much rain can make tomatoes mealy, so perhaps a container that is too wet would do the same?

Question: Did you ever taste a "good" Hydroponic tomato??

Probably not. Too much moisture availability is one of the culprits. For several years, I have been trying to find a combination of ingredients which will provide the necessary moisture level - but not too wet. This year, during sequential days of very hot weather my plants showed wilting at the outermost foliage - - which was a good thing.

I'll keep experimenting over the next several years to fine-tune the Combo Mix, but right now, the 3:2:1 ratio of Potting Mix, Microbark, and Perlite gives me the best outcome of good taste as well as long productivity in SWC containers.

Raybo

[amideutch]

How do you define "Mealy"? Are we talking about flavor or the texture of the fruit?

Then what type of containers are we talking about? SWC's or normal containers that are top watered and drain through the bottom.

Ami

[sirtanon]

Raybo's got it right on the head. Too much water is generally the culprit, be it from sitting in too-wet soil, too much/frequent watering, or hydro.. And in my experience, a lot of potting mixes tend to stay VERY wet. Also, if the drainage isn't working right - like if the hole at the bottom of the container is blocked - the container will stay way too wet.

[BW_AustinTX]

Originally Posted by amideutch

How do you define "Mealy"? Are we talking about flavor or the texture of the fruit?

Then what type of containers are we talking about? SWC's or normal containers that are top watered and drain through the bottom.

Ami

As mentioned in the original post, I read it several times on the forum.
Mealy in those post seemed to describe texture, which some equated into flavor as well.
For the 2nd question, I do not think they were SWC's.

[amideutch]

I've never had a problem with "Mealy" tomatoes growing in open containers. Aggregate is important and if you water your containers manually it is not to hard to spot a container that is not draining correctly. Some containers I put the drain holes in the side an inch up from the bottom so as to form a reservoir in the bottom of the container. Ami

[Gobig_or_Gohome_toms]

I grow all my tomotaoes in non SWS containers and try to keep a good moisture level it can be hard at times but have been successful and have not had mealy tomatoes due to over watering but the key is keeping them moist but not wet.

Craig

[Dewayne mater]

After two years of growing in earth tainers, I can tell you I have not yet had a mealy tomato. I hate mealy tomatoes! I've grown them before. Water can be a culprit - too much. Another is not enough sunlight. If the plants are getting enough light to get leggy, then the tomatoes produced are often mealy. Another culprit can be cold. End of season tomatoes that have endured cold nights regularly (30s-40s) get that way. Don't think it is inherent in the system Raybo recommends.

[BW_AustinTX]

Thanks everyone, very helpful.