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Tomatoes

You can have the first ripe tomato on the block, if you follow a few simple tips. In the heavy soils of Union County you will need to add organic matter such as 2-3 inches of peat moss rototilled into the top 4 inches of soil. Well composted leaves and grass clippings can also be used. Set your plants in the garden after danger of frost (generally after Memorial Day). Prior to planting incorporate a slow release fertilizer (per directions) into the planting hole and mix well before planting. As the plant grows remove suckers (buds at the base of the leaf) for the first month. These shoots tend to be non productive and only use up nutrient reserves.

Watch for insects and diseases such as cut worm and mites. Cut worms can girdle the stem at the soil line. A tin can, with ends removed, placed over the plant will give adequate protection. As the weather warms watch for mites and white flies. For mites, use the white paper test. Tap the leaves lightly with a stick dislodging the mites onto the white paper. Little red specks will move around that are smaller then a speck of pepper. Products containing Malathion (for mites) or esfinvalerate (for cut worms) are effective.

A number of fungus diseases attack tomatoes. If you spot unexpected wilting, brown leaves on the edges or spots on the leaves suspect a fungus. Determine the cause by going to a local garden center, nursery or your County Extension Educator. Products containing triforine or thiophanate-methyl are very effective at controlling fungus. A problem you may experience with your tomatoes is low fruit production. This can be caused by extreme temperatures (night temperatures below 55 degrees F. or day temperatures above 90 degrees F.) for extended periods. If tomatoes are not mulches with straw (conserves and moderates moisture extremes) blossoms may drop if soils are too dry. If you have less then 6 hours of sunlight, blossom production is reduced. Also over fertilizing with a high Nitrogen fertilizer results in leaf growth at the expense of blossom and fruit formation. These problems can be addresses by planting early, mid and late season varieties. This will avoid extremes of temperature. Water regularly (1 inch/week) on mulched tomatoes. If your garden is too shady, consider pruning the surrounding trees or go to container gardening. Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus (15-30-15) to reduce excess nitrogen application.

For more information contact George McVey, Program Assistant, Horticulture and Union County Master Gardener Coordinator at 937.644.8117 or e-mail him at gmcvey@ag.osu.edu.