Summer time is here and it is the time for gardens and flower blooms all across the country to thrive and once again come to life with the changing of the seasons. There are many questions related to gardening and many require specific answers. I found a question related to gardening that was submitted by someone asking why her tomatoes would not grow well, and asking why they have not yet flowered. At first I did not know where to start. I do remember the success of biting into homegrown tomato fresh from the garden is more than just a simple accomplishment in my book.
First of all plant growth is based on many factors and conditions. For example for photosynthesis to take place the basic necessities and requirements must be met. Of all of the factors involving gardening, a good source of sunlight is always priority. The soil should be composed of a rich mixture of topsoil and high nitrogen based mulch or compost. Organic cow manure is a very good soil additive. Finally water is always a determining factor in plant growth and necessary for photosynthesis to take place. How much water is exceptable for tomato plants may depend on the overall size and location of growth. Watering is always best to do in the evening right before dark, this deters evaporation and evening care also allows for easier transplanting with less shock to the plant as well. Most decent sized tomatoes should be watered sufficiently every few days to a week depending on the conditions. This will promote a nice green color in the plants. Other elements and nutrients are absorbed by the plant on the basis of need.
One interesting fact according to research studies is the fact that plants actually clock night time hours rather than daytime hours. So they like their sleep just as much as they do their waking hours basking in the sun. One reason for this is the fact that time changes from spring to summer to autumn actually promote the plants natural triggering mechanism for flowering and fruiting. The plant knows it is time to stop growing and time to start flowering. If the plants do not flower there could be other problems that might divert this natural process.
Some important factors involved with gardening are based on the plants stages of growth. After germination the plants begin to grow needing very little nutrients and care other than watering and moist loose soil. The basic stages of growth can be divided up into three stages at this point. These stages are known as the growing, flowering, and fruiting stages of plant growth.
In this case these tomato plants are still stuck in their first stage of their growing process. This is known as the Growth stage where the plant is working to support photosynthesis. During this stage fertilizers high in Nitrogen are usually recommended. This fertilizer is mainly to stimulate growth during the first stage of development. It is important to make sure these plants have reached the size required to produce a good yield. Higher nitrogen fertilizers come with a high first number stating the nitrogen content.
The second stage is the flowering stage. Flowers on the plants eventually turn to fruit. Fruiting is commonly known as the third or last stage of the plants cycle. Though some plants are simple, some have complex characteristics that require special attention. Tomatoes are a great garden plant because they grow in many conditions around the world.
The third stage of the plant known as the fruiting stage is an indicator that extensive plant care should slowly diminish. During this stage less fertilizer and more water is always better to produce better quality yields especially right before harvesting the crop. Over watering may also produce dull tasting crops, so right before harvesting decreasing water as well is always a good idea.
“The question of why are my tomatoes not flowering,” may have a simple solution. If these plants become stuck in the growing stage they may need simple persuasion like a soil PH adjustment or blossoming stage fertilizer. You can intervene by adding Peters Blossom Booster high Potassium flowering stage fertilizer. I believe Root and Bloom works well also, and may be made by Schultz. Peters is great because they make products to amend specific soil conditions and stages of growth for plants. Most plant store and gardening clerks can assist you on how to read the specific numbers on the boxes. I believe root and bloom has a higher middle number, where as the first number is higher in high nitrogen fertilizers. This is often a better choice than many all around fertilizers, which do not necessarily target any one condition. In other words while you target one deficiency you may risk overdosing on another. These treatments should continue as directed until a couple of weeks to a month before you plan to harvest the vegetables.
Though they are proven safe for plant consumption, they are still concentrated versions of chemicals and nutrients needed to sustain plant life. Some fertilizers may produce an awkward taste in the fruit if plants are continually treated or overdosed during harvest. So a natural water flush is recommended a few weeks prior to harvest.
Other than fertilization a good amount of sunshine, some natural soil additive like processed cow manure and even a little lime or potash in the spring will naturally promote good growth and development. Lime is a quick fix to most unfavorable soil conditions because of the high amounts of acid rain around the world today. If the PH becomes to acidic some plants wont do well either.
Tomatoes are great because in decent soil with the right amounts of light and water they will grow very well. I hope this helps promote some super gardens, happy harvest and happy fourth.
