Melinda’s Garden Moments: Tomato Troubles

Nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers helps everyday gardeners find success and ease in the garden through her Melinda’s Garden Moment television segments. Melinda shares “must have” tips that hold the key to gardening success, learned through her more than 30 years of horticulture experience. Home gardeners throughout the country find her gardener friendly, practical approach to gardening both refreshing and informative. Here, Melinda shares garden tips which expand on the information provided in her one-minute TV segments.

New topics will be added throughout the growing season, providing timely step-by-step tips on what you need to do next in your garden! To view online streaming video of Melinda’s Garden Moments, click here.

Tomato Troubles

You waited all season for that first red ripe tomato only to discover less-than- perfect fruit. But don’t worry, you can still have a great harvest and improve things for next season.

Blossom end rot is a common problem on the first set of fruit. It’s due to a calcium deficiency often caused by fluctuations in soil moisture often seen in container grown tomatoes.

Cracked fruit are also common in the garden. Fluctuating temperatures, moisture and improper fertilization result in irregular development of the fruit which results in cracking.

Control both these disorders with proper care. Water thoroughly and less frequently to encourage deep roots. Mulch the soil to keep it evenly moist. Be sure to avoid root damage.

However, affected tomatoes are safe to eat.

A bit more information: Late blight can wreak havoc on a tomato planting. Look for resistant varieties like Pruden’s Purple, Legend and Mountain Magic. Select healthy plants and always do a thorough cleanup in fall. Consider using an organic copper fungicide if late blight has been a problem.

You must begin applications before symptoms appear. And always be sure to read and follow label directions carefully.

For more gardening tips, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com