The Grass Doctor

why do my tomato plants grow up to six feet and do not ripen till November.?

green house south facing, and tomato plants in large tubs and fed with Woothworths best fertilizer.

Public Comments

1. Did you remember to 'stop' them? Also, lots of people have to ripen off their toms on windowsills after harvesting. See <www.gardenaction.co.uk> Better luck next time!
2. There are many different types of tomato plants you can buy. Ask someone at the nursery what type would be best for you.
3. Since you mention Woolies I assume your in UK, worked for British Aerospace and married a Brit, love your country. Here in North Dakota we have some of the same problems with long days and short growing season but without our -40 winters. I've been getting my seed from Thomson and Morgan for years and have had good luck with "Ferline" under glass and "Sub Arctic Plenty" outdoors. About September stop using nitrogen or look for a fertilizer with minimal nitrogen. Your plants may not get to six feet but you should get earlier fruit. (trivia - Did you know the US Supreme Court ruled tomatoes a vegetable not a fruit). RScott
4. You have to read the instructions. Stop top growing by pinching out after about 5-6 trusses. Also pinch out new side shoots from existing fruit trusses. Make sure plants are getting enough sunshine throughout the day. Feed weekly - do not let soil dry out - do not overwater.
5. Well, here is the Tomatoes experts.
6. Jewel is right, you shouldn't let them get to 6 ft. Also, once they start ripening, gradually start cutting off the leaves from the bottom of the plant (they usually start to die off anyway), particularly the ones that are preventing sunlight getting to the trusses.
7. Got to keep trimming them off
8. The plants may be getting to much nitrogen. Too much will cause the plant to keep foliating and not set or grow very much fruit. Buy a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content.