Tomato Problems

[Cstead01]

Hi just looking for some advice, I have been growing some tomatoes in a cold frame outside and this morning i noticed this discolouration on some of the leaves.

Has anyone any ideas on the cause of this

thanks

[Thelma Sanders]

It looks like it's kind of bleached? Thus happens if the leaves are damp and then strong sunlight gets on them, specially through glass/clear plastic.

Those leaves will die off, but if you are lucky they will carry on growing. Have you got any fine netting, bubblewrap or some fleece to cover the frame and diffuse the light on sunny days, until they're bigger?

[veggiechicken]

Hi and welcome. I don't know where you live but its too cold overnight here to grow tomatoes outside in a coldframe or unheated greenhouse.
They need a minimum temperature of 10C.

[nickdub]

I'm going to second VC again - seems to be my regular position - looks like the ends of the leaves got a bit chilled to me.

If it was cold near you the night before you noticed this, that would confirm it. Probably the simplest work around would be to cover the frame with some sort of insulation each evening for a while. Pieces of cardboard or and old blanket would do at a pinch. Don't forget to weigh it down somehow if its windy.

Anyway its not v serious, but keep an eye on the weather and if a frost is forecast, you may need to bring them indoors.

[Cstead01]

Thanks for the replies I'm near derby and there was a slight frost on the car windscreen Thursday morning, I did bring them in last night in case it was cold damage causing it but wasn't sure.

Will have to pay closer attention to the night time temps from now on!

[It never rains..it pours]

Looks like cold in the link below. They say 13c as a minimum which seems high and expensive to me, Im defending 10c with inkbird & heater.

https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-t...eather-damage/

[nickdub]

Partly depends on the variety, seem cope with lower temps better than others. A lot of mine are out in the poly-tunnel now, and though I'm sure they'd grow better with more warmth they're all still going on OK .

(Obviously I'll be watching the forecast for frost, and will be bringing them inside again if one is due.)