Watering Tomatoes

Are your tomatoes yellow and the leaves curling? Do you water every day? If this sounds like your situation, then your tomatoes may be simply getting too much water. Tomatoes like to be a little on the dry side, even on hot days.

If they are in the ground, then watering them every third day is all they need. If they are in a container, then they should be watered every other day or every third day. Check your tomatoes for yellow or curling leaves, and if so they could just be getting too much water. Try spreading out your watering regiment and your tomatoes should get better. If they are still struggling, then bring in some leaves and we can help you find the culprit of your tomato woes.

When To Plant Vegetables

Many vegetables can be planted now. Those that are considered cold crops can be planted early, such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, or cauliflower. When it comes to warm weather crops, make sure you check your soil temperature. It will be tempting to plant tomatoes after the first warm day in April, such as the few we had in Oregon already, but the temperature of the soil is what is important. For planting seeds, most packages will tell you what soil temperature you need for those varieties. For vegetables such at tomatoes and peppers, soil temperatures of 60-65°F are recommended to begin planting.

Some of these vegetables are difficult to raise from seed, unless you have a place to allow them to germinate in a greenhouse or indoors. We carry a large variety of warm weather vegetables that have been grown in greenhouses, allowing you to plant them as soon as your soil is warm enough, and giving you a head start on enjoying them earlier in the year. Don't hesitate to call or visit your local garden center if you have questions about when to plant certain vegetables.

Bare Root Fruits

It is time to begin thinking about planting fruit trees, which come available in most independent garden centers during the next month or so. Do not plant them if the soil is too wet. The soil will pack around the roots and prevent good growth. When planting bare root plants, be sure to dig a hole at least one foot larger than the roots. Mix bonemeal with compost or good soil in the bottom of the hole. If desired, a transplant hormone can help the plant achieve good growth.

If you are pruning your fruit trees, do not prune when it is freezing. Cut out diseased or dead wood to open the tree up for more light. Cut back a third of the fruit tree if it has been very neglected. For blueberries, taller, upper branches usually do not need pruning for the first three years. Older, lower branches may need to be pruned lightly, but concentrate on cutting out the crossing or non-productive branches. After pruning each plant, disinfect your pruning shears in a bleach solution to avoid spreading fungus diseases.

As always, for more information and hints for growing your plants, ask your independent garden center. Have a great year!