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Tomatoe plant

gary 803gary 803 Posts: 74
in Problem solving
Recently moved these outside but not looking as good now, not clear how often and much to water them. I think it has 2 main stems. I have some 20 gallon breathable bags coming tomorrow any tips please?

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  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    Re the number of stems on your plant......(I will leave Gardeners World to explain this for me).

    Tomatoes are divided into two main types: cordon (indeterminate) or bush (determinate). This identifies how the plant grows. Cordon types are the most commonly grown, and grow as cordons (single-stemmed plants). They grow to heights of up to 2.5m and require support and regular pruning of sideshoots.

    Bush types grow as a bush, with many stems. Often referred to as dwarf tomatoes, they're perfect for growing in pots and hanging baskets, and don’t require any pruning. They're perfect for beginners as they require less work than indeterminate types. Fruits are usually small, cherry types.

    A few varieties are semi-determinate. These tomatoes grow in the same way as indeterminate varieties, but are shorter.

    If you know the variety of tomato plant then you will be able to find out if it is a bush tomato or a one stemmed cordon.

    As to watering, that is dependent on the weather so in very hot, dry weather the tomatoes will need watering at least once a day. It is best to keep an eye on them to make sure they haven't dried out. In wet and colder weather the plants may be able to go without a daily watering. Just keep an eye on the compost to make sure it isn't drying out. I believe it was Alan Titchmarsh who when asked when a person should water their plants said, "When they need watering". It's the soundest advice I have ever heard on the subject and one that I try to adhere to. There really is no timetable for watering as it is entirely dendent on the conditions.

    And how much water to use? Tomatoes would fall over without a lot of water. They are greedy and thirsty plants so be lavish with the liquid.....any excess will drain from the bottom of the pot. Also it depends on the size of the plant. The bigger it gets and the more fruit it supports, the more water it will need. You'll get a feel for it as the summer progresses.


  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    In addition to the above, the leaves look a very dark green.
    If you've been feeding it, that's not something that should be done until the first fruits begin to appear - and if you haven't, please ignore :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • gary 803gary 803 Posts: 74
    These are the ones I bought.
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09JPB4HRN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    Minibel is a bush tomato so having two stems is fine. Does the pot have a drainage hole?
  • gary 803gary 803 Posts: 74
    Yes it does but moving them into the large bags so the roots can grow better. Afraid I maybe watering them too much? once/twice a day?

  • gary 803gary 803 Posts: 74
    What's wrong with the other leaves that look dead?
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    If you are referring to the curled leaves then this might be caused by fluctuating temperatures. Too cold at night and too hot in the day. The minimum temperature where I live only rose above 10C this week.

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They look as if they've grown rapidly to be at that height already, so as @Pete.8  says, if you've been feeding them, that will cause excessive growth too soon, and isn't actually helpful for creating the flowers/fruits.  Sometimes the roots can't keep up with the top when the growth is too rapid. It usually balances itself out, but getting the watering right is key. Sometimes it isn't possible for them to get enough to fully reach those farthest leaves. You shouldn't be watering that often though, even if it's hot and dry, so it suggests they don't have enough room and enough soil to get a good balance between root and  top. A good watering should keep them going for a couple of days, even when outdoors. 
    I don't see any dead foliage as such, but as @Ceres says, fluctuating temps can also cause a bit of imbalance, and all plants will shed some older foliage anyway.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • gary 803gary 803 Posts: 74
    Thanks everone
  • gary 803gary 803 Posts: 74
    My bags arrive tomorrow for my plant so heres a before photo.
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