Tomato - Tomato
It’s all fun and games until it’s not. Each gardening season, tomatoes are among the most popular and easy-to-grow fruits for homeowners. You may start with tiny seeds and nurture them carefully until they reach their full maturity and peak productivity. However, nothing is more disheartening than finding out that your homegrown tomatoes don’t resemble those from the farmer’s market. All that watering and care feels like it went down the drain.
Today Sutherlands will go through common problems when growing tomatoes and how to fix them.
Q: What causes the skin of my tomatoes to split?
A: The primary culprit is fluctuations in your watering schedule. This often occurs during seasons of heavy rainfall. While tomatoes do require water, it's essential to avoid overwatering them. When they absorb too much moisture, their skin can split.
The Fix:
- Regulate your watering practices.
- If Mother Nature continues to deliver rain, consider harvesting the tomatoes early and allowing them to ripen off the vine.
- Apply mulch around the plants to help manage water consumption effectively.
Q: What causes one side of a tomato to have end rot and dark skin
A: This is called blossom end rot! You may think it was caused by a disease or pest, but this usually happens when the tomato starts to mature. It’s actually the result of calcium deficiency. Too much or too little can disrupt the delivery of calcium.
The Fix:
- Water in moderation and keep the plant absorbing water consistently.
- Add lime, bone meal or calcium supplements to feed the plants.
- Add mulch. It’s the easiet way to retain moisture.
Q: Why do my tomatoes look oddly shaped and deformed?
A: When tomatoes exhibit unusual shapes and deformities, this issue is commonly known as “catfacing.” The name aptly describes the condition. So, what causes catfacing? Don't worry about tossing them out; they are just as delicious as their perfectly shaped counterparts. This deformity is more prevalent in certain larger varieties, and factors such as cooler nighttime temperatures can contribute to it. If you notice holes, however, it may indicate damage from pests.
The Fix:
- Try different varieties: Smaller tomato varieties tend to avoid this issue.
- Delay planting. This can help you sidestep extreme cool temperatures, as damage can begin as early as the blooming stage.
Q: Why Are Tomato Skins So Tough?
A: Achieving the perfect tomato requires a careful approach. Environmental factors and care practices are the primary reasons for tough skins.
The Fix:
- Maintain a proper watering schedule. For in-ground plants, deep soak them once or twice a week. For potted plants, water daily or even twice a day during extreme heat.
- Avoid over-fertilization: Excessive potassium can lead to tougher skins. The ideal fertilization schedule is every 4 to 6 weeks for in-ground plants, while potted ones should be fertilized every 1 to 2 weeks.
- As a general guideline, apply mulch to help retain moisture.
Growing tomatoes is undeniably rewarding. The joy of harvesting fresh produce directly from your garden to your table is hallmark of a bountiful summer. Embrace the journey! Sutherlands is ready to assist with any challenges your tomatoes might present. Wishing you a delightful summer filled with homegrown goodness!
Shop Tomato Care Essentials:
- Garden Soil
- Potting Soil
- Bone meal
- Calcium nitrate
- Tomato Cages
- Plant stakes
- Tomato plant food
- Raised garden table
- Planters
- Hose
- Nozzles
- Water timer
- Mulch
- and keep crates handy for harvesting time!
ENJOY!
