Lilly and Hazel, thanks very much I appreciate the advice. This is my first time growing them and so all the help is really very useful. With all the things i read can go wrong I think i really will need a good helping of luck haha!
I have been trusted by a work colleague to love and nurture her fabulous tomato plants; her husband sowed them and they're now about 10 inches in pots. She's retiring and off to Spain for the summer, hence me looking after them. Today I was to pot them on in my greenhouse raised bed but noticed a lot of black ants ~ will they eat them? How do I get rid of them? My mate is expecting a bumper crop when back off her hols so I might have to blag it and buy some from M & S!
Jamie - you're already doing better than many people, so don't worry. Consistent watering is the main thing. That doesn't mean watering every day, it means water when the plant needs it, and stick to that. Irregular watering is what causes splitting. Cossetting tomatoes isn't necessary either - grow them a bit harder and you'll be rewarded. They'll only need feeding a few times too - most people feed far too much, and it's not necessary.
We had a tomato expert here - not seen Italophiile for a while - and that was something I learnt. I feed mine twice and that's it. I used to feed every week once the fruits appeared
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
thanks everyone i appreciate the help again. Can you explain what cossetting is ?
Very interesting regarding adding sugar to the water. sounds like a good idea
In regards to final pot size, how big should i be looking for ? The ones i have are about 11 inches diameter across the top tapering down to about 8 inches diameter at the bottom and about 13 inches deep i think. Would this be alright or do i need bigger ?
Hi Jamie - yes, as scroggin says. Bit of tough love for them
I used that sort of size of pot too. I've also used florist's buckets which are ideal - they're often available very cheaply in those bargain stores or supermarkets. Not as sturdy, but you'll get a few years use out of them
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
Lilly and Hazel, thanks very much I appreciate the advice. This is my first time growing them and so all the help is really very useful. With all the things i read can go wrong I think i really will need a good helping of luck haha!
Thanks again,
Jamie
I have been trusted by a work colleague to love and nurture her fabulous tomato plants; her husband sowed them and they're now about 10 inches in pots. She's retiring and off to Spain for the summer, hence me looking after them. Today I was to pot them on in my greenhouse raised bed but noticed a lot of black ants ~ will they eat them? How do I get rid of them? My mate is expecting a bumper crop when back off her hols so I might have to blag it and buy some from M & S!
Jamie - you're already doing better than many people, so don't worry. Consistent watering is the main thing. That doesn't mean watering every day, it means water when the plant needs it, and stick to that. Irregular watering is what causes splitting. Cossetting tomatoes isn't necessary either - grow them a bit harder and you'll be rewarded. They'll only need feeding a few times too - most people feed far too much, and it's not necessary.
We had a tomato expert here - not seen Italophiile for a while - and that was something I learnt. I feed mine twice and that's it. I used to feed every week once the fruits appeared
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
thanks everyone i appreciate the help again. Can you explain what cossetting is ?
Very interesting regarding adding sugar to the water. sounds like a good idea
In regards to final pot size, how big should i be looking for ? The ones i have are about 11 inches diameter across the top tapering down to about 8 inches diameter at the bottom and about 13 inches deep i think. Would this be alright or do i need bigger ?
thank you, Jamie
Thanks scroggin appreciate the help.
Jamie
Hi Jamie - yes, as scroggin says. Bit of tough love for them
I used that sort of size of pot too. I've also used florist's buckets which are ideal - they're often available very cheaply in those bargain stores or supermarkets. Not as sturdy, but you'll get a few years use out of them
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks again fairygirl. Appreciate you getting back to me again. Few more weeks and hopefully theyll be out in the greenhouse and doing well
Jamie
Hi everyone, just looking for a little more advice. My tomato plants seem to be looking well and i am considering what to do next.
Last time i potted them up to these pots was 12 days ago and roots are coning through already.
Should i wait another week and put them in their final pots or should i pot them up again and wait another 2 weeks.
I would guess my last frost date in my area is somewhere near mid may.
Please and thanks
Jamie