Dealing With Tomato Problems In Your Vegetable Garden

Growing tomatoes in your garden will provide you with a variety of fresh, healthy eating options. There are a variety of tricky issues that can arise when growing tomatoes. Consider these hints for maximizing your crop and keeping your production problems to a minimum.

Tomato plants are categorized in two broad categories-plants that form a flower cluster at an end point and plants that grow in height indefinitely. Those that grow in height are called indeterminate and typically mature late in the season. Because of this there is a threat of frost damage.

Tomatoes love sun. They like very hot, dry soil and air. When they get it they grow up big and plump with healthy leaves. But cold temperatures will cause them to die rapidly.

There are various techniques used to deal with the threat of frost. There are small, portable greenhouses that are used to cover the plants when cold temperatures are expected. Another option is to plant and harvest your crop before cold temperatures are a threat. This, of course, depends on your location and specific growing season.

Conversely, sun burning can happen with other varieties. The plants that are affected by sun burning are well conditioned for northern climates, as they produce ripe fruit in 60 days or less.

Tomatoes are also threatened by pests, soil issues, and common diseases.

Large brown spots that appear at the bottom of the tomato, known as blossom end rot, are caused by calcium deficiency. Uneven watering practices can be the cause of this deficiency, as water transports calcium into the plant through the roots. There is also a soft spot that appears as the tomato ripens.

The only solution is to pick the affected tomatoes off to give the others the best chance to thrive. But preventative methods are preferable. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Mulch around the plants to help the topsoil retain moisture during dry spells. Keep the pH around 6.5.

A common irritant to all tomato growers are tomato hornworms. These four-inch larvae have a black spot on the tail and a large false eyespot. They typically blend into the green stems of the tomato plant, but are seen because they have long white stripes down their sides.

The adults are large brown moths that may achieve wingspans of up to five inches. Marigolds, basil and other trap crops can help keep them off the tomato plants where they lay their eggs that develop into larvae.

As with many other plants, aphids are another troublesome insects for tomatoes. They are tiny white, yellowish, or green soft-bodied bugs that can be washed off with a hose. Washing them off with a hose works temporarily, but they will return.

Petunias, coriander, or anise are companion plants and will help control the presence of aphids. Also consider an insecticide soap that will eliminate the problem and is safe for you and your plant.

Though there is care required, adding tomatoes to your garden is well worth the effort required. Having healthy vegetables on hand is an abundant reward.