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HOW TO FERTILIZE TOMATOES FOR A BIGGER YIELD Many thanks to those of you alerting us to the whereabouts of Amelia tomato plants. By all accounts, it now seems as if Amelia tomato transplants are as easy to find in North Florida as piney woods and dirt roads. If you are new to my blog, the reason we are on the lookout for Amelia tomatoes is because they are resistant to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus. In the recent past, Amelia tomato plants were difficult to find. Now they are available at garden centers from Pensacola to Jacksonville. Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus is leaving tomato growers across the South seeing spots – if not before their very eyes, presumably all over their tomato plants (just before they shrivel up and die). It has become a real problem on North Florida farms and in home gardens. If standing up to TSWV isn’t enough, Amelia tomato plants produce an abundance of very large, very attractive and very tasty tomatoes. And that’s leaving tomato growers very happy. No matter what variety of tomato you grow in your garden, you want to get the most you can from each plant. One key to maximizing yield is to properly fertilize your tomatoes. Larry Williams, horticulture extension agent for Okaloosa County, suggests normal fertilization early to produce a strong healthy plant and then cutting back fertilization by about 50 percent once the first flowers open. He suggests reducing fertilizer a little more when the fruit is about two inches in diameter and further cutting back on fertilization – or eliminating it completely – after the first tomato harvest. The best time to plant tomatoes in North Florida is when temperatures get warm and stay warm, usually early to mid April. They love the heat and need it to grow the way they should. This year choose at least some plants resistant to TSWV and instead of seeing spots, you’ll be seeing red (as in lots of tomatoes!). Click here for more of Larry Williams’ keys to successfully growing tomatoes in North Florida. If you would like to subscribe to my blog and receive an email letting you know each time I post an update, simply send me an email by clicking here. Please let me know where in Florida (or elsewhere) you are gardening. --- --- --- CJ from Florida writes: Thank you so much for the information you post on The Front-Yard Farmer. I was transplanted to Florida from Texas back in 2000 and have had terrible trouble with gardening. Your information has made a huge difference and prevented me from giving up. My question today concerns Earth Pots. I recently purchased six of them but am having trouble finding some needed supplies. The potting mix that I've found all has extended release fertilizer in it. Is this going to be a problem? I'm also having trouble getting the right fertilizer. They all have ammonium nitrogen. My plan is to grow tomatoes in at least two of the pots. I'm not sure what else I will grow in the others. These tomatoes are my major concern. My husband and I have a bet this year on who can grow the best tomatoes. The stakes are extremely high, not to mention bragging rights on our street. I’m glad you have not given up! I think you will very much appreciate gardening with your Earthboxes. In my garden they are tops for tomatoes and good for lots of other crops, too – even sweet corn! I know what you mean about the potting mix containing fertilizer. These days it is about all there is on the market. Fortunately, it is a small amount. I have been using it with good results. As far as adding fertilizer, look for one that has as little ammonium nitrogen as you can find. I have good luck with Fertilome’s Gardener’s Special 11-15-11. It is only 4% ammonium nitrogen; 7% urea nitrogen. Ultragreen All Purpose Plant Food 10-10-10 sold at Lowes should work well, too. It is only 2.1% ammonium nitrogen; 5.7% urea nitrogen (2.2% other). Its main ingredients appear to be poultry waste and alfalfa meal. Good luck with that wager – I’m betting on you and the Earthboxes for the best tomatoes in your home garden! --- --- --- Cuidate from Wakulla Springs writes: I'm a Miami transplant and missing my tropical fruits. Are there any varieties that can be planted in Wakulla County? Thanks. The sun in the sunshine state knows nothing of equal opportunity gardening. We are very limited in tropical fruits that will grow in North Florida. Choices include: Cattley guava Date palm Feijoa Loquat Pomegranate Prickly pear --- --- --- Robert from Florida writes: I would like to purchase 2 peach trees for my back yards, one in Melrose, Florida and the other in Homosassa Springs, Florida. Which variety would be best for good taste, large fruit, and juicy fresh off the tree that would grow in these areas? Do you have this variety or where could I purchase them? Thanks very much for your response. I think Florida King (Flordaking) would be a good peach tree for you at both locations. It produces an excellent, large yellow fruit with a red blush. Its flesh is firm and yellow (clingstone). It was developed by the University of Florida and is an outstanding choice for the Deep South. Only 150 chill hours.
If you would like to subscribe to my blog and receive an email letting you know each time I post an update, simply send me an email by clicking here. Please let me know where in Florida (or elsewhere) you are gardening. |
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