Tomato fruit falling off before ripe

JamieMcD

Hi again everyone, unfortunately i'm back with another problem!

Went out this morning to check on the tomato plants and stood on something, looked down and its a tomato. Now none of the tomatoes have really started to ripen at all yet. The cherry tomatoes are all green, the beefsteak have started to turn slightly off green towards yellow. Don't seem to be having a problem with the beef steaks as much. The cherry tomatoes though, after looking i think i have notice a few places were the fruit has dropped off before ripe.

The plants were showing signs of magnesium deficiency and so yesterday later in the day I gave them a spray with epsom salts but dont understand why some of the fruits are dropping ?

Could anyone give me any advice? I'd appreciate any help.

Jamie 

Pete.8

It happens Jamie - I've got a few green ones dropped to the ground too. 
Don't overdo it with epsom salts - once should be enough twice max for the whole season. Too much magnesium can lock up other nutrients that the plant needs.
And is it an Mg deficiency?
If the leaves are yellowing between the veins and it's starting at the bottom of the plant and then leaves above also start turning yellow then it's more likely nitrogen the plant needs.
If lots of leaves all over the plant have this effect then more likely Mg.
If it's nitrogen, then switch from tomorite to miracle grow for a couple of weeks should sort it
And if it's just a few random leaves - just ignore it
A photo would help as always, but can't be uploaded atm

JamieMcD

Hi pete, thanks very much for taking the time to give me some advice again.

Well the leaves had been going yellow between the veins towards the bottom for a while. then the ones on the lower part of the plant had started go a bit black-ish. Overall they dont look too bad i dont think but some of the leaves are a bit "crispy", for lack of a better word. Im not sure if im maybe not watering them enough, i'm sure i saw it suggested to wait until the leaves start to wilt then water them. but perhaps i shouldnt be doing this ? its hard because the weather is so variable here, some days we have cold weather and rain and the next day its 24 degrees and sunny all day, can even change like that within the 1 day! 

thanks again, appreciate it.

jamie

Pete.8

The weather seems all over the place almost 30c one day a few days later it was 16c.
I wouldn't wait until the leaves droop on your toms. Droopy leaves are a sign of stress and none of us need any more of that. I've been watering mine in the g/h about 3-4 times a week which includes 1 feed of tomorite and 1 of seaweed extract while the weather has been hot - and the basket toms I water morning and evening - and they need it. In cooler weather it'd be 2-3 times a week.
If you've got any miracle grow to hand you could use that for  1or 2 feeds, just to give them a nitrogen boost.
It's best to keep a regular pattern to watering toms, keeping them just a little on the dry side.
I doubt you have any real issues, but post a pic when it's working again.

All the best

JamieMcD

Thanks pete. 

I have only been watering about twice a week so perhaps this isnt enough. Iv got sea weed extract and some miracle grow so i might trt giving them some and see how they respond. 

Ill post a pic soon then, appreciate the advice and help.

Jamie 

JamieMcD

Okay folks just trying to post a picture.

I have also noticed another possible issue. Feel like its problem after problem haha!

But as you can see in the next picture, the green part that curls up and holds the tomato to the vine is starting to go brown,would this mean nitrogen deficiency ? Its actually worse on some other parts.

Thanks again 

Jamie 

Pete.8

Hi Jamie  - there's nothing wrong with your toms - RELAX
Don't expect to grow perfect plants - I certainly can't and most others are the same.
If you get a spot on a part of your body, you probably wouldn't rush off to see the doc. It's the same with plants. They will get the occasional 'spot' - ignore it - it'll make no difference.
If you've got lots of toms dropping off that may be another matter, but I've found a few on the ground here and there.
If the leaves are generally green and fruits are forming - just keep to your routine.
Don;t kill them with kindness - and stop worrying!

Remind me Jamie - are the toms inside or outside?
Fruit drop can be caused by big temperature swings or cold nights. Unlikely to be a problem in a g/house, but could happen outside. If they're outside nothing you can do. Blame the weather

Last edited: 15 July 2017 08:15:53

JamieMcD

Hi pete thanks for getting back to me again, think you are right. Just need to leave it and what will be will be. 

The toms are in a greenhouse. Temps have been swinging a bit. Had some temps recently down below 10 degrees outside so probably similsr in thr g house 

Thanks again

Jamie

Fairygirl

Jamie - am I right in thinking you're in East Kilbride? It's overnight temps that are the issue up here as they're not consistently in double figures during summer, which makes a greenhouse a necessity.

If it's one of those plastic greenhouses, they are more awkward to work with than 'proper' greenhouses, because the temps fluctuate more. The trick is to keep them well ventilated through the day - even if it doesn't seem that warm, but close them up at night before the temps drop too much, or you compound the issue of cool air as it simply traps that rather than warmer air. The smaller the greenhouse, the harder it is too, as you don't have much room to work with, so ventilation is pretty much the most important factor. 

I've successfully grown three plants every year in the smallest size but it's  a case of vigilance and trying to keep things on an even keel. 

Proper greenhouses are easier for maintaining more even temperatures, but whichever one you have, treat 'em a bit mean. They're basically annuals - so it's in their nature to flower, fruit and try and produce seed in one year. If you're too kind to them by over feeding, they'll produce lots of foliage and less flowers/fruit, as they have less incentive to produce that fruit.