Feeling v.stupid - do I need to get rid of my cucumbers and tomatoes due to problems?

[crafty_bec]

I've taken photos of my problems with them, I don't know whether they're ok, or have some sort of virus/problem.
If any kind person can tell me what they think I'd really appreciate it, as I've searched the forum and can't seem to find a similar case.
I've looked at mosaic virus photos and vermiculite wilt, but am just not confident enough to know whether my plants have to be destroyed or not (and hoping for the later, after stupidly promising my left overs to various expectant members of my family, who now want to know when they can have their toms)
Thanks for any help, I was going to transplant them to growbags this week, but want to know whether to bother.

Other info:
They've been grown in my unheated greenhouse, firstly in seed trays in john's seed compost, then transplanted into their current pots in westlands multi-purpose compost.
I have been stupid and been watering from the top...

And the sunflower pictured was sat next to a tom and cucumber with yellow leaves, don't know if it's passed on whatever it is..

Last year had the same problems with cucumbers, and got rid of them. The greenhouse and pots/tray were thoroughly sterilised before any sowings were made.

Varieties:
cucumber are Flamingo

toms are:

red cherry
moneymaker
gardener's delight

Can I just say it's wonderful having this forum, and have solved many of my mystery's by reading through other posts and picked up tips along the way.

[Tomatoking]

Hi Bec

Well it seems a little early for a virus, and to me the pots look too dry, in fact one cucumber is slightly wilting. The head of the plants look very dark, which shows they have not been over watered.

I know you said you have been silly and watered from the top, but I wouldnt always stick to the rule only water from the bottom, yes you do have to be careful with cucumbers and watering, but maybe you are being too careful
There is some fertilisers in the bags, and if the peat is a little too dry you could get a little scorch on the leaves, which I think you have.
They are still quite healthy so do not panic, just keep the pot slightly moist, and still water freom the bottom as well.

Well thats my thoughts, but others might have other idea's as well.

Mr TK

[pdblake]

The middle two pics look like Magnesium deficency. I think the answer is to water with epsom salts.

Not sure what the blistered leaf is though.

[Hans Mum]

I concur with TK's prognosis

[Flummery]

I think it's iffy watering and scorch too. I know you are supposed to water from the bottom but I often don't - I don't have the time and facilities. Some of mine have leaves like that. But you know, you get away with it. I wouldn't worry. Leave them a bit and they'll start fruiting and Bob's your uncle!

[jackyspratty]

Im no expert!! As you all know lol! But I agree with all the above! Think its a deficiency and watering. I dont always water from below cos my concrete polytunnel floor is slanted which makes it difficult to water evenly. Try a little bit of a foliarspray?

Last year think I got mosaic virus, as the leaves were very mottled, and shrivelled, and got a very small yeild. I disinfected the poly etc with jayes fluid, so fingers crossed this year.

When i transerred the cucs to a larger pot, I kept the smaller pot mound raised inthe middle, so when I water it goes iin to a trench area round the edge, as I lost a couple to getting the stem wet last year too!

[crafty_bec]

Thanks very much for all your replies.

Will try the epsom salts (did try it last year, but seemed to make the leaves go limp) - anyone recommend how much/how often?

How often does everyone water their toms/cucs - I usually only do once a day - am I being a meanie? LOL

Thanks again
Bec

[Snadger]

A bit of warmth and dry air will soon see the cukes perk up I reckon.

Strive for perfection by all means, but don't expect you're going to get it 100% of the time.

[SarzWix]

I wouldn't bother with the Epsom Salts just yet if it was me. Try and get the watering right first because if they aren't getting enough water they won't be able to take up the available nutrition from the compost. Once they've had a few days of good moisture, then you could try feeding them a bit if they still look like they need it.

Keep an eye on the temperature in the daytime too - an unheated greenhouse will still get really hot on a sunny day. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation and some shading, that will help the plants a lot.

[Bramble_killer]

I don't always water every day too. If I can't tell if the compost is still wet I'll stick my finger in as the top dries out really quickly in the greenhouse.

[teakdesk]

I agree that there is no need to panic even though the leaf in the last shot appears a little strange!

Yes, I agree with earlier posters that yellow leaves can indicate a magnesium deficiency but this is not necessarily because magnesium is not available - the plant may not be able to take magnesium up from the compost because of watering problems.

I always advise against daily watering for two reasons:

1/ compost has bacteria which the roots need to work properly and bacteria need air pockets in the compost to grow - if the compost is water-logged then there will not be these air pockets

2/ a little water daily can keep the top and sides of the root-ball wet but the centre of the compost can be dry

I prefer to let the compost get dry and then water thoroughly (in nature there will be a few days without rain and then the plants will be drenched with rain so this simulates it!).




However, there are other reasons for yellowing leaves. As a plant grows the young, new leaves require chlorophyll which it makes from sunlight. If the plant is growing in shade (or there are a few grey, cloudy days) then there is not enough light for photosynthesis to work properly and the young leaves do not make enough chlorophyll so the plant takes some from the older leaves and gives it to the new ones.

The old leaves then have too little chlorophyll and since this is what gives them their green colour the leaves turn yellow.

The more vigorous the growth of the plant the more chlorophyll is needed so this effect is quite common at this part of the season.

It is a quite normal part of the plants growth and is not a problem.



Yet another reason for yellowing of leaves is too much feed. You don't say that you are feeding them yet so this is unlikely to be causing your leaves to yellow but often when plants are first put into new compost that is full of nutrients or when they are fed with tomato food too early they will suck up potassium and leave the magnesium behind. Reducing the amount of potassium they are fed will cause them to take up magnesium again.

[Flummery]

I don't water every day either. If the soil/compost is still damp I leave it. I have a personal theory that too much water can result in flavourless (watery-tasting) fruits.

[Jimmy]

I stopped doing cumbers in my GH because they always seem to get powdery mildew which then affected other stuff as well.

So now the cumbers go in there own frame.

Also I only bother with "Market More" which grow well outdoors and give lots of lovely one serving sized fruits.

Jimmy

[Two_Sheds]

I have been stupid and been watering from the top...

Not stupid. Sometimes it's unavoidable, esp. if things are in growbags.

I always try to water from the bottom (by standing pots in gravel trays for 20mins or so) because otherwise I get fungus gnats & green algae on the compost.

A good long drink every other day is way better than a daily sprinkle though

[Bigmallly]

I stopped doing cumbers in my GH because they always seem to get powdery mildew which then affected other stuff as well.

So now the cumbers go in there own frame.

Also I only bother with "Market More" which grow well outdoors and give lots of lovely one serving sized fruits.

Jimmy

Not sure if I'm getting mixed up with something else but isn't spraying with diluted milk a remedy for powdery mildew?..........ignore me if I am off the mark.......