How to Handle the Problems of Growing Tomatoes

If you have a vegetable garden, you probably want to add tomatoes as one of the plants. Although tomatoes are actually fruits, everyone seems to regard them as vegetables.

Tomato plants are divided into two separate types. The first type forms a flower at the top of the plant that stops the plant from growing. The second type, called indeterminate, grows much taller. This can cause a problem in colder climates because the tomatoes may not be ready for harvest before cooler weather hits. They also like very warm air and soil. So, they will die in colder weather if not protected.

Tomato plants can be covered with small greenhouse-like structures to help protect them. If possible, longer growing plants should be started earlier on in the growing season, perhaps by planting seedlings indoors or in a greenhouse.

There can also be problems with growing tomtoes in warmer climates. They can be sunburned if planted in full sun. The solution here is obvious: plant in partial sun.

Tomatoes are also susceptible to other pests and diseases.

Blossom end rot is a soft brown spot at the bottom of the tomato. It is caused by a calcium deficiency. This disease can be caused by incorrect watering procedures since water carries calcium from the soil to the root of the tomato plant.

Try picking the affected tomatoes off of the plant to give other, healthier, tomatoes a chance to grow.

Of course, it's better to water correctly in the first place to prevent this problem. Water deeply so that the roots will grow deeper. Also mulch around the plants to protect them from drying out. The soil's pH level should be about 6.5 for healthy tomatoes.

Pests that can affect your tomato harvests are tomato hornworms and aphids.

Tomato hornworms are four-inch larvae that are difficult to see because they are the same green color as the tomato plant. Look for the long white stripes down their sides and a black spot on the head. You will have to watch for them and pick them off as soon as possible.

These hornworm larvae transform into large brown moths that can grow to have a wing span of five inches. Plantings of marigold and basil around the base of the tomato plants can keep the eggs from being laid on them by the adult moths.

Aphids can also cause problems with growing tomatoes. These tiny bugs are only about 1/10-inch across so can be difficult to spot. They can be washed off with a garden hose. Unfortunately, they will keep coming back.

You can try planting petunias or anise around the plants but there are certain insecticide soaps that will eliminate the bugs without hurting the tomato plants - or the people who eat the tomatoes.

It may sound like it's a lot of trouble to grow tomatoes but it's really not. Having healthy tomatoes to eat is well worth the effort put into it. Plant tomato seedlings of a type to suit the climate they will be growing in and protect them from cold and heat. Water them correctly and watch for diseases and pests. Then, you can be assured of a good haravest of tomatoes to eat.

Jude Wright is the owner of numerous home-related websites. Visit her gardening blog at GuideForGardeners.com for information on all types of gardens.