The stems actually look like a thick piece of floss. I have about 14 plants and they're all about 6-8 inches now. They don't really stand up much, most of them look more like a thin vine on the ground. This is my first time growing tomatoes, is this normal?
2007-03-14 04:18:12 · 6 answers · asked by Ryan B 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
It sounds like they need more light. Plus pinch out (remove with your finger and thumb) the second leaves to emerge. This will force more energy into more leaf production and start to make them bush out instead of keep shooting up and up. I hope they work out. I grow tomatoes every year. Nothing beats eating homegrown toms!
They will also need plenty of watering and also regular feeding.
http://www.helpfulgardener.com/vegetable/2003/tomatoes.html
2007-03-14 04:31:14 · answer #1 · answered by kittyfreek 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My first thought is that they are not getting enough direct sunlight. vegetables need as much light as is available in the given day, otherwise, the plants are weak and like you mentioned, the stems are thin and the plant is taller than it should be, this height is from the plant stretching to find more light. If they are indoors, you might consider hanging a florescent light two inches above the plants, keep moving the light up every couple of days as the plants grow. Also, the plants should be sunk to the sucker leaves (the first set of leaves on the bottom of stems) when the plants are around 10 inches high (support the stems with sticks if they don't stand alone). When the plants get to be around 16 inches high the suckers that grow out of the branch axis should be pinched off, just leaving the strong fruit bearing branches. Good luck and keep learning, your plants will love you for it.
2007-03-14 04:37:28 · answer #2 · answered by Chris * 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is some good advice above.
Probably they are not getting enough direct light and so they are having to s-t-r-e-t-c-h to reach it.
Additionally, if you feel the stems are too long, or there is too much stem before the first set of leaves, you can bury some of the stem and it will grow roots where ever you buried. Tomato stems can grow roots all along their stems. This will encourage strong root growth and might help your plants to not look so stringy and stretched on top.
2007-03-15 08:12:15 · answer #3 · answered by Sara 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may just be the variety, but I suspect that you're growing them indoors without any extra light. When they grow outside they need to be in full sunlight. This means that if you are starting them indoors you need plenty of light. You might try using a full spectrum fluorescent light, and place it within a couple of inches of the tops of your plants. Keep them watered, and give them each a little tent made from a clear plastic grocery bag to grow in. What you're looking for is nice stocky growth with lots of dark green foliage.
Good luck!
2007-03-14 04:35:32 · answer #4 · answered by Icanhelp 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Test your soil. It should be the consistency and color of chocolate cake. If it's too sandy or too clay you will have to add either topsoil or peat moss to richen it. You can also test the PH to make sure that it is correct for tomatoes, which nee a slightly acid soil.
2007-03-14 04:25:25 · answer #5 · answered by Daniel C 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some may have strong stem. Below is a good reference.
2007-03-14 04:28:38 · answer #6 · answered by Joyce 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋