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The recent hot weather...

OldcompostOldcompost Posts: 191
in Fruit & veg
How often should I be watering the tomato plants inside the greenhouse?  Some are in the ground others in 10 inch pots.  I normally do so when the moisture meters show red (dry).
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  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,941
    As often as needed?  I poke a finger in the soil and expect to feel damp about two inches down.  If it's feeling a bit dry, I give it a good soak.  I have mine on a soaker hose, and adjust the timing for my hose seepage rate and summer temperatures.  I also take advantage of the 'rain delay' button, as needed.  My tomatoes are watered daily for 10 minutes in the morning.  Your tomatoes will have different needs, for your climate, green house conditions, and other environmental factors.  Don't let them completely dry out.. if you're only following your meter.  It will lead to split fruit and other issues.  
    Utah, USA.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,343
    remember to "damp" own the floor as well
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 9,976
    Even with blinds down and doors/windows open my g/h is reaching 40c most days recently. I'm watering every other day, but like Blue O, I also use the finger test and occasionally have to water or feed daily
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,721
    My polytunnels once make the thermometer hit 52.5C with the doors open. It then cooked the thermometer so I don't know any more. 
    Devon.
  • LynLyn Posts: 21,372
    I’ve put my silver reflective insulation up in the tomato greenhouse, it helps a bit, but I’m still watering every other day. They soon tell you when they need a drink, they go limp. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,721
    I'm watering the gay abandon, everywhere that needs it ( except grass )
    Devon.
  • OldcompostOldcompost Posts: 191
    Thanks everyone, I'll water on.....Just one thing about the comment on damping the floor as well.  Why is this?
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,721
    Oldcompost said:
    Thanks everyone, I'll water on.....Just one thing about the comment on damping the floor as well.  Why is this?
    It raises humidity and lessens evaporation from the foliage.
    Devon.
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,356
    Same reason we sweat- evaporation cools things down.
  • OldcompostOldcompost Posts: 191
    The problem is that the paved floor dries out in 30 minutes when it's hot.
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