Posted by Stephanie | Posted in Park Seed, Seed, Tips and Techniques, Tomatoes, Vegetables | Posted on 19-02-2007
This is our last bit of info from the Park Seed tomato files. This section covers some habitat issues and gives some methods for controlling them. Some of these things will be affected by the variety of tomato you are growing and your local climate and may not be avoidable. Switching to a hardier variety perhaps growing your tomatoes in a container could be your solution. Good luck with your tomato garden this year, and I hope this information has been helpful.
Hard Cores and Center Spots: Due to changes in temperatures, especially low night temperatures. No control, although some varieties are more resistant than others.
Anthracnose (Ripe Rot): Improve soil drainage. Pick all ripe fruits as they mature and use promptly. Dust with an approved fungicide such as Zineb, Ferbam, or Maneb for control.
Fusarium Wilt, Verticillium Wilt: Rotate crops but do not rotate with eggplants, peppers, or potato crops. Plant resistant varieties.
Blossom End Rot: Caused generally by sudden changes in soil moisture and lack of calcium. Lime soil and mulch plants with hay, straw, etc. Keep watered and fertilized and do not cultivate in dry weather. Use resistant varieties.
Sun Scald: Worse in hot weather. Do not prune plants heavily nor thin foliage. Use heavily foliaged varieties.
Poor Fruit Set: Avoid setting out when night temperatures are below 55°. Use early varieties. High day time temperatures and hot, dry winds will also cause blossom drop. Rain and high humidity hamper fruit set. Shaking plants will increase pollination. Do this in mid day when it is warm and humidity is low. Maintain soil moisture. Avoid growing plants in shade. Use Blossom Set hormone.
All Vine/No Fruit: Too much water, too little water, or too much fertilizer. Keep the nitrogen percentage low on the fertilizer. Avoid shade. Remove terminal shoots. Hold back on water somewhat and root prune to help plant to set fruit.
If you have any pictures or stories You’d like to share please feel free. We’d love to here from you.
Park Seed’s Tomato Culture File from GardenerHelp.org
cheers’
Thomas