any tomato experts out there?

[Grumpy's Gal]

we planted tomatoes. We have REALLY poor soil.

The vines are ok - not great -- and are producing, barely.

My question -- while the vines are in the ground, can we add manure or compost? Dig it in around the plants?

 

[bobbiwoz]

A tomato plant is usually planted deeper into the ground than it sat in the pot because it's stem will send out roots, I think you can add compost all around the base of the plant and up a few inches. I would probably go out with at least a 6-10 inch radius and up at least 2 inches.

I would add compost, not manure.

I've never done anything once I've planted the plant in the ground. I hope it works for you, I think it should.

I don't think you should work into the soil, don't disturb the roots that are there.

Bobbi

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

I just didn't know if we should wait out this summer and then when we take the plants out in the fall, then we should add all of the good stuff to the soil and let it sit before we plant again next spring. ?????????????

 

[PrincessMommyof2]

You could try both. Add compost to see if it helps with this crop.

Personally, I use manure in the fall. And compost. I like my veggie garden soil to be rich. I use either 2 yr old manure or store bought stuff that has no weed seeds. I like letting the nutrient leech into the soil over the winter rains. Just my opinion.

 

[DebºoºS]

I wouldn't disturb the plants by adding anything new to the soil. A thin layer of mulch might help. If they're growing then the soil is probably rich enough to support them. Regular feeding with Miracle Gro should get you through this season. Amend in the spring with manure, compost and new soil.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I agree with bobbiwoz. Top-dress with a couple of inches of compost or well-composted manure. Pick off any leaves that might be buried in this process. The tomato vine will send out roots all along the buried section of stem, and thus be able to take up nutrients from the compost. This will also help keep the moisture level in the soil even (essential to prevent the fruit from cracking). It will also supply missing nutrients to the soil, such as calcium (this will help prevent blossom-end rot). I'd also put a slow-release organic fertilizer such as Espoma Garden-Tone around the plants, and if the plant looks somewhat stressed, you might even give it a foliar feed (spray directly applied to the leaves) of fish/kelp emulsion.

 

[bobbiwoz]

How are they doing?

Bobbi

 

[DebºoºS]

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[jann1033]

smells awful but you could try fish emulsion ( water it in )

 

[DebºoºS]

smells awful but you could try fish emulsion ( water it in )

That would definately help.
My Mom used to bury the fish bones in the gardens. I use pond water & coffee grinds.