Tomato Growing Thread 2021

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by JWK, Jan 4, 2021.

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  1. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    Planted mine out today in an unheated greenhouse. Used wilted comfrey leaves in the planting holes and mycorrhizal fungi. Not the best of photos:
    20210515_154928.jpg

    20210515_155007.jpg
     
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    • DMM

      DMM Gardener

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      20210516_194636.jpg Help ......... I bought 4 tiny tomato [sun yellow gold?] from Aldi months ago on a whim and they've grown to this now.
      I wish I hadn't bought them as have never grown tomatoes before, have no room for them and absolutely no idea what I need to do with them!
      I know I could search for info but have a few problems on the go. My car is leaking petrol all over the street, I'm surrounded by plants I've grown from seed that I can't plant out cos it's not time and it's raining anyway, and lots more that I shan't bore you with!
      Thanks.
      Oh ...I did buy some Tomorite when things were less hectic. Not used yet tho. What now ????? I'm stressed with this awful weather and everything I need to do .....including these tom plants. I can't let them die though!
       
    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      Where are they going eventually @DMM outside in the soil, greenhouse or pots on the patio?

      It's difficult to see but do you have any flowers on them yet?

      If your weather is not too bad I'd move them outdoors during the day if it's sheltered, that should slow them down a bit.
       
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Yes this is a big problem for us all at the moment, I've managed to get some things planted outside and it's a big relief having a few less seed trays to keep moving in and out each morning and night. It's stressful and frustrating, bear with it, the good weather will be here soon, honest.
         
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        • DMM

          DMM Gardener

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          Thanks for your response JWK. They'll have to stay in pots I'm thinking - in front of a brick wall that gets lots of sun [well when there is any that is!]. Sorry yes, the photo is a little dark but no, there aren't any flowers yet. From remembering my Grandad's greenhouse tomatoes though when I was a youngster I think they have what will turn into flowers ... about 16 little clusters of them. In fact I've just checked now a minute ago and one of the buds on a cluster is just starting to open into a yellow flower.

          It's not tooo bad I guess the weather now [well it is but it's not cold really at least] and my space is pretty sheltered so thanks for that suggestion, I will move them outdoors during the day for now.
           
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          • DMM

            DMM Gardener

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            Oh how I hope so JWK re the weather..... well I'm guessing we're all hoping !!
            Same here re managing to get a few bits outside now - I planted some out yesterday and felt a huge sense of relief!
             
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            • JWK

              JWK Gardener Staff Member

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              At least you have flowers just showing @DMM sorry to say but I think you will struggle to get a good result with your plants, they look too tall and thin, when the fruit form they will need lots of supporting. In fact the whole plant will need sturdy canes and tying in as they become top heavy. You will get some fruit but a better solution would be to do some drastic pruning, providing you have side shoots further down? Let me know if you are up for that or need help in identifying the side shoots.
               
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              • JWK

                JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                @DMM I can't find any information about your variety sun yellow gold , have you still got the label? Does it say Bush, Corden or Indeterminate ? Being Aldi I guess it will be little graphics but I am trying to work out if you have a Bush type variety.
                 
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                • DMM

                  DMM Gardener

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                  Oh dear - not sounding too promising then!
                  I pinched out all the lower side shoots I think, the shoots starting to grow between the leaf stem and the main stem .... as I read somewhere that's what you're supposed to do :scratch:
                   
                • DMM

                  DMM Gardener

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                  Sorry I got the name wrong :doh:
                  They're Sun Baby Yellow according to the label ........ so Cordon type I think ??
                   
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                  • JWK

                    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                    You have been doing the correct thing by pinching out the side shoots, don't worry. All I was going to suggest is to encourage a lower side shoot to grow and then you nip off the very top, resulting in a smaller plant. Can't do that now so just concentrate on supporting it when outside as it could blow over in the wind.
                     
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                    • JWK

                      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                      Yes had to google, the good thing they are small fruit so your plant won't be as top heavy as I initially thought. Good luck !
                       
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                      • DMM

                        DMM Gardener

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                        Thanks for the info John. Yes at least the fruits [if they actually happen] will be small.
                        I can't just lop off the tops now then to stop them growing any taller?
                        You seem to know a lot about tomatoes so would you be able to confirm when I should start to feed them please? Thank you.
                        Deborah

                        PS - Think I'm sticking to flowers, foliage and herbs in future !! :)
                         
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                        • pete

                          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                          The only thing you have done wrong is start too early, which is why they are so tall, if you start later, say around now with one more plant about 6inches high ,and see how you get on.
                          I'm sure you will find it much easier than you think.

                          I'd even suggest you get rid of the ones you have now, sadly, as I think you will be disappointed in the outcome and put you off for future years.
                           
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                          • Loofah

                            Loofah Admin Staff Member

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                            I have a couple on the windowsill, thankfully not too big as it's too cold yet. All mine will be outdoors this year as the greenhouse won;t be completed in time.

                            There's also a Christmas present of a bush variety that came in a bucket plus compost which I stuck outside ages ago with a bit of glass over it. Thought it had rotted off but noticed germination over the weekend so things are warming up! Going to be a late crop though lol
                             
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