Tomato plants producing flowers

[Emily Moon]

Hi all

This is the first year I’ve grown tomatoes from seed. I sowed them in mid March and they have been spending time in a mini greenhouse though I’ve been bringing them in overnight if it’s below 8 degrees. Before that they were all on a sunny windowsill.

They are sweet millions and money maker. My question is, is it okay that they already have flower buds on them or is that too soon? Most of them are probably around a foot tall and will be grown outside when it’s warmer

I’m in Portsmouth

Many thanks!

[nickdub]

Mine have been flowering for about 1 week and some have a few v small fruits on them. I planted them out in my PT as they were getting too big for the pots.

This is the thing with a lot of plants - its quite possible to get them growing early in the year, but the roots need much larger containers as the plants get bigger or they will be stunted because what they are growing in is too small.

So in the ideal world your plants need warmth ie not below 10 C - light, as much as possible now and as large a container as is reasonably practical eg 1/2 a grow-bag - because of real world constraints something usually has to be compromised and that generally means either poorer plants or not such early first crop.

On the plus side, it looks as though the colder nights may be less of a problem from Monday on.

[Emily Moon]

Thanks for reply, feel better that other people have flowers on them!

That sounds great, they have plenty of sunlight and warmth and I’m potting them into bigger containers this afternoon 

[veggiechicken]

Relax, Emily, they're doing what they're supposed to do.
As you pass the plants, pretend you're a bee, give them a little tap just enough to shake the flowers. This will help pollinate them and you can sit back and wait for your tomatoes.

[Emily Moon]

pretend you're a bee, give them a little tap just enough to shake the flowers. This will help pollinate them and you can sit back and wait for your tomatoes.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forum-Women...costune&sr=8-7

Thanks VC, will this do?

[veggiechicken]

That's perfect Emily, and its suits you too.

[nickdub]

One small bit of advice when potting on plants like tomatoes into larger containers, which people sometimes over look - if you are storing the compost or grow bags out in the garden, bring the bags/pots inside for a day or so to warm up before putting the plants in to the new compost - nobody wants a cold bed to put their warm feet in to :-)

Happy buzzing.

[Emily Moon]

One small bit of advice when potting on plants like tomatoes into larger containers, which people sometimes over look - if you are storing the compost or grow bags out in the garden, bring the bags/pots inside for a day or so to warm up before putting the plants in to the new compost - nobody wants a cold bed to put their warm feet in to :-)

Happy buzzing.

That’s a great tip that I’d never have thought of, thanks Nick!

[nickdub]

You're very welcome - happy gardening nad may the buzz always be with you.

[Penellype]

It helps to water with warmed water too - leave a full can in the greenhouse rather than using water straight from the cold tap. This applies to all greenhouse plants.

[nickdub]

Down to 3 in my PT last night - coldest its been here for a while but the tomatoes etc look OK - reckon I've got lucky this year, as due to be smidge warmer here from now on.