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poor results with tomatoes
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Posted by ljpother 3a (My Page) on Fri, Nov 13, 09 at 11:44
| I grew tomatoes (purple prince) in large pots. They were out most of the summer and I moved them to a greenhouse in September. A large number suffered blossom end rot and several were misshapened. While the plants were outside, keeping the moisture levels relatively even wasn't a problem. However, in the greenhouse the plants always seemed too wet or dry. From what I've read in these forums, I gather uneven moisture is part of my problem. The other factor is the temperatures hit 100C on occassion and were regularly in the 80s.
Next year I am thinking of leaving tomatoes in the greenhouse for the season. Self watering containers aren't an option so should I keep them wetter or dryer, water more often? |
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RE: poor results with tomatoes
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- Posted by tapla z5b-6a MI (My Page) on
Fri, Nov 13, 09 at 13:19
| I know it sounds like no advice at all, but you should strive to keep them 'just right' when it comes to moisture levels. The problem with that lies in the fact that trying to keep moisture levels 'ideal' in water-retentive soils leads to salt build-up in the soil. If you shoot for a fast draining soil mix that still has good water retention, you can almost forget about the over-watering issues, as long as you're willing to water a little more often than what you might be used to. The high soil temperatures, wet and/or dry soil conditions, lack of Ca in the soil, low pH, and an unbalance in nutrients, particularly Mg, are all things to guard against to prevent BER. Al |
RE: poor results with tomatoes
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| Thanks for the reply. Given the heat should I err on the moist or dry side? In the greenhouse the transition from moist to dry seemed abrupt. The soil would seem moist; but, it would be dry in the afternoon. |
RE: poor results with tomatoes
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| If you are having heat issues, I would opt for a growing medium that was porous enough to allow you to water daily or more frequently if you chose to with no risk of root rot. Assuming you are watering with cool water, it can drop the temperatures inside the container significantly. Whether the medium be on the moist or dry side the heat still builds up in the air spaces so a watering just before mid day can help in preventing the temps inside the container from going through the roof. |
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