Is it possible for tomatoes to get TOO much sun?
tomahtohs
14 years ago
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spiced_ham
14 years agoRelated Discussions
Too much sun on new tomato plants??
Comments (2)Yes, ANHsmom, I'm thinking that has to be more like it. With them being the same plant/soil/container as mine that gets less sun. That eliminates fungus, etc. Also, at the nursery, they were under some of that whiteish hard plastic roofing so they would have had a little protection there. It's not going to help that we're getting a rainey weekend, but I'm thinking I'll pull them to an area that's half shade, half sun during the day. Thanks for the input! Beth...See Morewhats wrong with my tomatoes? brown leaves
Comments (4)I agree with seeker that you have a problem with lack of water, particularly with two plants in 4 gallon pots. Most growers feel that a 5 gallon container is the minimum size for a single tomato plant. What I can see of the growing medium looks like it might be similar to many of the soilless potting mixes marketed here in the states, at any rate it does look to have some perlite in it, so I suspect that isn't the issue. Regular garden soil or dirt in a container compacts and has poor drainage qualities which can lead to roots that can't support the plant. Container plants will need watering more often than tomatoes in the ground, probably daily or more often in times of high temperatures. Dig down with your finger about 3-4", is the growing medium wet, dry, or just right? If it is wet, don't water, if dry then water. If it is just right, check again the next day. If the medium is very dry, normal watering may have no effect on it, the water will just run off the top and down the sides of the container then out the drainage hole(s). In that case a slower delivery method is needed to allow the growing medium to absorb the water. That is the principle behind those glass watering globes you see advertised. You can slow the delivery down by taking a large plastic container (a gallon milk jug, or even a 2-liter bottle, you'd just have to repeat more with a smaller container) and make a very small hole in the bottom so that it just drips and place it in your planter and fill it up. Repeat as needed until the growing medium is thoroughly moistened throughout the container. Mulching the top of your container with compost, straw, hay, rotted leaves, grass clippings, even shredded paper or sheets of paper or cardboard helps maintain a consistent moisture level. GardenWebber sprouts_honor (Jennifer from Cleveland) had a wonderful suggestion on how to tell whether or not you need to water your tomatoes, and I quote here: "Get a wooden dowel rod (or two) and sink it in the ground near a plant or two and leave it. Pull it out when you think you need to water. If the top is dry and the bottom is a little damp, it's time to water. If it looks dark and feels saturated, wait to water. I use this technique with potted plants that don't like being over watered and it's helpful with in ground plants too." Plants that are grown in any kind of container will need feeding more often than plants that are grown in the ground because each time they are watered, the water run off carries away vital nutrients. Most container growers feed their plants on a regular schedule, every one to two weeks, with a balanced water soluble fertilizer. If they feed at longer intervals, they may use the full strength dilution recommended on the label, if at shorter intervals, 1/4 to 1/2 strength, adjusting according to how the plants are doing. I hope that helps. Betsy...See MoreToo much sun on the tomatoes?
Comments (4)It depends on how many hours of direct sun you get and what the temperatures are. A lot of tomatoes can/maybe exposed even without pruning. Sey...See MoreNot sure if my succulents are getting too much sun?
Comments (10)alexa Many bagged mixes labeled as 'well-fast draining' are unfortunately not, and one only finds out after potting the plant in it (that is why I don't buy any, but make my own :). If buying any, see if there is ingredients label. If there is sand and/or lots of peat listed, I would pass on it. If you still have some C&S mix left, you could sift I as I suggested. Get a kitchen sieve from a dollar store, sift all small stuff out (could go on garden beds or compost heap if you have either). Get a bag of perlite, sift the same way (do not breathe the dust). Add more perlite, until you have approx. 50/50 mix. That will dry up much better....See Moretomahtohs
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