Question:
I'm planning to purchase my tomatoes soon. Does it matter whether I plant determinate and indeterminate varieties? I’ve had poor success growing tomatoes before; could this be part of the problem?Answer:
- Yes, knowing the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes is important. Additionally, if one of your problems is they grow too big and you want a compact variety for a container, then it's an absolute yes.
- With so many varieties to choose from, you must know how they will perform. Will they do well in a small space or require staking or a tomato cage? Without knowing, you can be very disappointed with the results.
- Determinate tomatoes are characterized by short, bushy vines that grow to a specific height.
- These plants are self-topping and usually do not need staking. All blossoms and fruit develop simultaneously, leading to a short harvest period. Examples of determinate varieties include Ace, Patio, Spring Giant, and Green Grape.
- Indeterminate tomatoes, on the other hand, have vines that continue to grow indefinitely until they are killed by frost.
- These plants continuously produce more leaves and stems since the lead or terminal bud does not set fruit. The fruit ripens progressively, so at any given time, you'll see tomatoes in various stages of development.
- With indeterminate varieties, the harvest can last for months. Notable examples include Early Girl, Brandywine, Sweet 100, Better Boy, and Red and Yellow Pear. You can still be successful without knowing the difference.
- Here are the other factors that contribute to having mixed success.
- First off, gardeners plant tomatoes way too early. The key to growing tomatoes and ensuring fruit set is not the daytime temperatures but the nighttime temperatures.
- Tomatoes are a warm-season crop that may struggle or even fail to set fruit if nighttime temperatures drop below 55 degrees. Once the plants are slowed down by cold nights, they often cannot recover and will not meet expectations.
- I recommend planting tomatoes between April 15 and May 15 or later.
- Good soil preparation is critical. We must amend our clay soil with generous amounts of organic matter yearly. Calcium can also help prevent Blossom End rot.
Question:
Can water plants like Water Lilies be grown in a pond without fish? We have a problem with raccoons.Answer:
- Many water gardens do not have fish. Fish are an added benefit or enhancement but not a requirement.
- Water Lilies are just one of the many types of water plants available. Today, online is your best source of water plants.