Q&A for How to Grow Tomatoes in a Greenhouse

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What can I grow alongside tomatoes in my greenhouse?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

Basil, chives, and nasturtium all make suitable companion plants for tomatoes.

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Question

How do I know when to plant tomatoes in my area?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

You should plant tomatoes a week or two after the last frost. You can look up your average last frost date here: http://www.almanac.com/content/frost-chart-united-states

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Question

It is early August and my tomato plants have stopped flowering and producing. What did I do wrong?

Community Answer

A temperature change can stop your tomato plant, especially if the variety is not well suited for your climate. Another possibility is a fertilizer problem. Make sure your plants are getting plenty of phosphorus and potassium while they are flowering, but not too much nitrogen.

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Question

Can I cut my tomatoes back if they are touching the roof of the greenhouse?

Community Answer

Yes. Pinching off the top of the main stem will have not only the effect of stopping the plant growing taller, but gives the plant the ability to redirect more of its energy into fruit production.

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Question

I'm growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, but their leaves are turning yellow. Is it because I am watering too much?

Community Answer

It's due to a lack of nitrogen in the soil. To remedy this, harvest rainwater and use this instead of the water you've been using.

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Question

What causes cat-faced tomatoes?

Community Answer

The most common cause of cat-facing in tomatoes is exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees F during flowering and fruit set. Low temperatures slow down pollination and cause the blossom to stick to the developing fruit. That prevents certain parts of the fruit from developing.

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Question

How far apart should the plants be?

Community Answer

The further apart your rows are, the larger and more numerous your tomatoes will be. Roughly 18 inches (46 cm) is ideal according to one study. If your rows are closer together, just space the pots slightly farther apart within the row.

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Question

What do I do if my new plants are dying?

Community Answer

Make sure you are properly watering your plants and that they receive the ideal amount of light. Add a fertilizer to give them an extra boost of nutrition, and talk to a specialist at your local garden center if they continue to get worse.

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Question

How do I trim the bottom leaves on my tomato plants?

Community Answer

Snap off the older leaves where they meet the stem.

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Question

Why are my tomato leaves turning yellow and wilting at the bottom of the plant?

Community Answer

Some yellowing at the bottom of a healthy plant is normal. Cut the lower leaves off within eight to 10 inches of the ground.

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Question

How long is the life cycle of a tomato plant that is in good health? How long does it take to produce ripe fruit and how often will it produce?

Community Answer

Tomato plants are subject to phototropism, which is a response to the availability of light. You need 14-18 hours of light for the growth stage for 4-6 weeks. then a massive drop in light to 12 hours of light for the fruiting stage, which should be about 8 weeks. Under normal light conditions you can grow two crops per year. If you choose to use commercial lights you can control growing and fruiting seasons (also with the use of chemicals to enhance growing and fruiting) and you will be able to have a maximum of four crops per year.

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Question

How do I get larger tomatoes?

Community Answer

Sufficient regular watering, feeding regularly with a high potassium feed specially for tomatoes and plenty of sunshine all contribute. Another factor is the overall number of fruits being produced by the plant -- having fewer fruits on the plant will produce larger fruits.

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Question

What if a side shoot is missed and it produces flowers?

Community Answer

If side shoots are allowed to grow and flower, the plant can and does produce tomato fruits and continues to grow along this side shoot stem, as well as your main cordon stem. The disadvantage is that the plant becomes harder to train and maintain when it has branches from the main cordon length, but the plant continues to grow in any case.

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Question

Can a greenhouse be positioned over an existing garden bed, and tomatoes be planted in natural ground?

Community Answer

The main objective of cultivating in a greenhouse is to ensure the produce is genetically pure and free from any kind of diseases. Planting on an existing farm bed might predispose the plant to disease.

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Question

If my tomatoes are turning black on the bottom, does that mean I've been overwatering?

Community Answer

It is an indication that your plant has depleted the calcium in the soil. Tomatoes need calcium, especially at fruiting time.

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