Hey everyone! I'm reaching out for some advice on growing tomatoes. I've been trying to grow different varieties, but I'm not having much luck. Back at my old home with different soil, I used to do better. Most years, my plants grow decently but only produce a few tomatoes; sometimes they even rot! The past couple of years, my plants look healthy but stop growing and don't produce flowers or fruit. I've tried planting in the ground, in buckets, and in a raised bed. I've added compost, fertilized with vegetable fertilizer, and given them plenty of sunlight, but still no luck. This is a vulnerable post for me because my Dad used to grow the most amazing tomatoes before he passed away, and I'm trying to feel closer to him by succeeding in growing them myself. I've attempted around 18 varieties, including his favorites like Manitobas, Early Girls, and Sweet Millions, and I've had some success with Pineapple tomatoes in the past but can't seem to replicate it now. I'm open to all suggestions to grow delicious tomatoes! Thanks in advance for any help! ❤️?
2 Answers
How hot is it where you live? Where I am in Atlanta, the summers are scorching, and I have to water my tomatoes daily. When I remember to do that, they grow like crazy! If the climate is cooler or you’re getting inconsistent rain, it could affect how well they produce.
Yikes, a lot of rain can definitely confuse the watering schedule! Consistency is key for tomatoes!
It sounds like you might need to tweak your fertilizer! If your plants are healthy but aren’t flowering, you could be using the wrong type. Tomatoes need higher nitrogen early on for healthy growth, but switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) when you're ready for them to flower. Also, make sure your watering routine is consistent because erratic watering can lead to problems like blossom end rot, a common issue with tomatoes. Consider a drip irrigation system; they save time and ensure even moisture.
Agree with everything here! ?
Thanks for this! Just to clarify, should I look for fertilizers with higher numbers for P and K specifically? I'm mostly planting in the ground and raised beds, but I plan to set up drip irrigation next summer when we do a yard renovation!
I live in Saskatchewan, and our summers can be around 85°F, but also cool down to about 70°F at times. We water daily in the heat, but random thunderstorms can throw off my schedule. I guess my dad made it work, though!