Hi,
We are northerners transplanted to the Plano/Frisco area of North Dallas. This is our third year for trying to grow tomatoes. In the north we had no trouble growing an abundance of tomatoes and although we have followed Texas growing instructions; raised beds, amended soils, etc., we are still not producing tomatoes after three years. This year I have two varieties; one that I bought at an upscale home store and one that I bought at a local native plant nursery. The plants are very healthy and covered with yellow flowers but still, NO TOMATOES! What is the problem? What do I do? I have noticed that we don't see many bees.
Thank you so much for your help.
Tomatos not setting
I grow all my tomatos in pots, and every time I water I shake the pot a bit to help the plants self pollinate. Last year we had a bumper crop of cherry and roma maters. If yours are in cages try shaking the cages every so often, otherwise shake the plants themselves a bit to get the pollen to fall.
Sometimes it's the variety, the weather, too much N (all growth, no fruit). They have complete flowers and are wind pollinated - just shake the plant or cages early in the morning (before 10A) to assist pollination. Are they in FULL sun?
You're located in Collin County; the Master Gardeners may be able to help - see:
http://www.ccmgatx.org/Plants/Vegetables.asp
Ms. Tommie
Welcome to Texas! Folks think that since were a southern state, that growing flowers and veggies is a breeze, but not so much.. Tomatoes are somewhat fickle, in that they require a lot of variables to be just right!
1. The weather- Night temps should be between 55 and 75, with day temps no greater than 85 (MOST Toms.)
2. As mentioned above: Tomatoes are a complete flower, but sometimes require a little help to pollinate (shake, shake, shake)
3. As mentioned above: soil fertilization is a factor. Need a good mix of N-P-K. Also good drainage.
4. Initially transplanted tomato plants require a substantial amount of water. While fruit sets, must keep an eye on watering, too much, or too little, causes a condition known as blossom end rot (BER) causing the fruit to rot on the bottoms.
Also realize that instead of one long growing season (as your used to up north) we have 2 short growing seasons, so you would be wise to try to grow vareities that take ~ 62-70 days to complete growth cycle. Granted, it's a challenge but most of us that grow in Texas wouldn't have it any other way!
Jerry
Good points ~ Jerrytx. If I might add, the cultivars sold in the south are not always best suited to our climate.
Look for shorter DTMs or 'Days To Maturity' and start them early and plant out as soon as possible.
In summer I start fall tomatoes at the end of June and early July and plant out by end of July for a fall crop.
Thanks to all. The replies have been very helpful.
Ellen
They also make a spray called Blossom Set for tomatoes if all else fails.
Update: We are having a little success with the tomatoes finally! Just a handful but we are encouraged. Thanks so much for the help!