Tomato appearing on 5" high bush plant - surely not??

[teakdesk]

Sorry mcsee and Colin, I'm arguing again!!!

I think the roots need to be fed first - with super-phosphate or a 0-7-0 fertilizer etc. - and only when the roots are strong should it get nitrogen.

Then when the green is strong it can get potash for fruit !!!


I think in this case a standard multi-purpose compost will do for a couple of weeks.



.

[King Carrot]

I can't help feeling some of the above advice is getting a bit over complicated and OTT now, won't somebody think of the tomatoes

[mcsee]

won't somebody think of the tomatoes

Bin them and start again.

[Flummery]

I'm tempted to the bin and start again side - you will need to do such a lot to compensate for the current poor state of growth that I think, economically, it's not viable.

[mcsee]

I'm tempted to the bin and start again side - you will need to do such a lot to compensate for the current poor state of growth that I think, economically, it's not viable.

True. With growing time lost to date, plus the possibility they won't respond to any treatment, it would be feasible to get new plants. Maybe a Vine member close by can help you out with new seedlings.

[Croila]

Thank you everyone for your replies! Gosh, but people here are so knowledgeable! (Even if they don't always agree, heheh!)

Right. Well, I have gone and ordered some more - which I think I'm lucky to get, given that it's now June! BUT, I am going to try and nurse these poor abused plants I already have back to health and just see what happens.

I moved them into my garage (which has a window) last night, which is a good bit warmer than the conservatory they've lived in so far, and I put them outside this morning so they can get some sun and air. It's actually about 22 degrees here in Edinburgh today so I'm hoping they'll be okay!

I'll repot them tonight and give them a feed of ... ummm ... something ... and then just see what happens to them.

With any luck, I'll have a total glut of tomato plants

[Potstubsdustbins]

Croila,

As another grape said on a different thread ask two gardeners the same question and you will always get three different answers. Just goes to prove we only think we are in charge of nature.

Colin

[VanWin]

Look, I don't think this is a complicated thing. I am getting the same thing with runner beans and peppers and other plants. My gut feeling is that with changing weather patterns the plants are getting confused.
I am in France and it was summer in mid spring, then a drought. The plants thing it is time to do what plants do even though we know it is too early. If it is unreasonably hot, that says, good Lord, autumn will be upon us in no time, quick, flower, breed, complete the life cycle before it's too late.
I put 4 inch runner bean seedlings out and they almost instantly broke into flower. I don't blame them, they are out to procreate and ensure genetic survival. Treat them like very young mothers and give them all the support and help they need, but just bear in mind they will not have had time to make a deep root system so water more often. I know, it may not work, but that's the way I am, life will always strive and I will always help it.
The attached picture is for the benefit of other tomato growers, these are the supports they sell over here, you just carefully wind the plant into the spiral, no strings needed. I don't recall seeing these in the UK but maybe in my absence they have been made available.

[Croila]

Thanks VanWin, that explanation certainly makes sense. My peas have flowered too early too, everything's just gone crazy this year I think!