Monday 9 May 2011

Where To Plant Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are vulnerable and sensitive things, and don't like soil that is old and possibly infected with disease and full of bugs waiting to eat as much of them as possible!

If you are an experienced allotment grower and plant tomatoes directly into the soil, you will know about soil preparation and the care needed to get a good crop from this tender and sub-tropical plant.

However, for the home gardener, tomatoes are best grown in new compost and in containers and grow bags.

If you plant them directly into the garden soil, they'll get eaten by bugs and infected with disease.

Containers, including hanging baskets and grow bags are ideal for growing tomatoes and there is no huge concern as to whether your plants will survive. Just plant them in new compost/soil and they'll be happy.

Saturday 7 May 2011

Tomato Tips - Keeping Plants Healthy

Tomato plants grow at an amazing speed under the right conditions and it is keeping them happy that will ensure a successful crop.


Here are a few tips on how to manage them - especially how to avoid those conditions that are a threat to their health.
  • Wet leaves for prolonged periods will result in fungal disease and kill them!
  • Soil that is soddon through heavy rain will be air-less and the plants will struggle.
  • Cold temperatures combined with wet leaves will result in tomato blight.
  • Even when growing outdoors, try to shelter them from rain.
I guess the biggest threat to the health of tomato plants is rain. It lowers their immune system and they will be vulnerable to every disease in the garden.

Of course a drop of rain on a warm day won't do them any harm, but wet leaves overnight when temperatures drop is a problem - especially if they are stood in soaking wet soil.