If you are going to grow tomatoes you are going to run into some problems. I call them "Tomato Troubles". But, they are not really difficult. This article will help you identify them and handle them. With a little luck the problems of growing tomatoes may not even happen for you.
We can put the main problems into three topics:
* Water
* Climate
* Pests
Water. Strange to think of water as a problem when there isn't a drought. But, it can be. Watering should be done on a very regular schedule: usually in the morning, or the cool of the evening, but, never in the heat of the day. If you water slowly and deeply, the plant will put its roots deep and be a stronger plant. Water at the base of the plant. not sprinkling from overhead. You run the risk of mildew with overhead watering. If you miss a watering session from your regular schedule, just go on with the schedule. Don't flood the plant in a "catch up" attempt. Incorrect or inefficient watering can deny the plant the calcium it needs. Calcium is carried from the soil to the root of the plant by water. When it is not sufficient you will find a soft brown spot at the bottom of the tomato. The best thing to do is to pick off the affected fruit and give the healthy ones a better chance.How much water can bring arguments between tomato gardeners. All agree the tomato takes lots of water, but disagree on the definition of lots. Some say the equivalent of a good inch a week; others say water whenever the soil surface seems dry.
Climate. Tomatoes need a long growing season. They want warm air and warm soil. Therefore do not put your seedlings out until you are sure you are at least 2 weeks past the last freeze for your area. You can help the soil to warm by covering it with black plastic. If you live in the North, or colder climate you may do better to keep the seedlings in a green house or indoors for a time before setting them out. Sunny windowsills work well. In the southern, or hot climates, you may want to plant them in filtered shade as they will sun burn. I live in southern California, but not in the hot inland valleys. We are about 5 miles from the ocean so we do not get triple digit temperatures. Full sun works well where I live. On the other end of the growing season you may need to tent your tomatoes with plastic to create a mini green house so the fruit can continue to ripen if the fall cools off too quickly. Or you can pick the fruit and let it mature back on the window sill in the sun! Fried Green Tomatoes more than the name of an old movie, they are very tasty. Or you can enjoy the green tomatoes. This is good!
Pests. These are the main problems of tomato. The worst thing that aphids, white flies, and horn worms and snails. A spray with the hose often wash away the insects, but they soon return. A solution of water, detergent and vinegar in a spray used usually takes more time. Planting marigolds, petuniasor anise seems to discourage these unwanted guests. I am told that worm-casting worked into the soil will discourage the white fly. I have no experience with it. I have always been afraid I would break off the leaves trying to dig it in around the plant. Worm-casting is a fertilizer, and I do dig some in when preparing the soil. But, since I also plant marigolds, I cannot say which keeps them away. There are good bugs. Lady bugs are real helpers. Actually you can buy them, and introduce them to your garden. If you and your neighbors have enough aphids (their favorite) and other tasty insects, they will hang around all summer, helping you garden!
Snails like beer! Put some in a pie tin at night, and in the morning you will find the results of their deadly party! But, put the pie tin where your dog won't find it. Need I say more? Cats don't seem to care for it, at least none of mine have. The worst is the horn-worm. They are a moth larvae, and they are big and green and hard to see, and super destructive. They can eat a whole small plant over night. Did I say they are big? Huge is better. About 4 inches long and fatter than my finger! They tend to come out at night, so a little careful inspection with a flashlight, just before bed is a good idea. If you find one, just pick it off. They are harmless to you. But, they love the leaves of your tomato.
All this may sound like a lot of trouble, but it really isn't. And, homegrown tomatoes are worth whatever it takes. There is just no comparison with store bought!
