tomatoes

amandag · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 24 Jan 2012 Posts: 3

hi amandag here i am trying to grow tomatoes in tunnel not having much sucess leaves all curled dont know what i am doing wrong

Nozebleed · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 9:26 am Post subject:

leaf curl is quite normal. are the branches curling? this can happen too and over watering is the problem. if you have photo's that would be helpful. but if you search the site you will come across numerous helpful threads on tomato leaf problems..

dormouse · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 12:04 pm Post subject:

Can be too much heat, too much cold but also it can be a case of the plant growing too quickly after transplanting for the roots to keep up with. It's trying to protect itself. As the roots grow and spread the leaves should open up. Leaf curl isn't a considered a serious problem in general.

breezyacre · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 3:58 pm Post subject:

I have been thwarted in tomato growing over the course of the last few years and I have come to the conclusion that the plastic tunnel is too hot to grow tomatoes in. I always found that they would get so far and then after a few very hot days ie like we had a week ago the leaves would begin to curl and finally to wither ( in my case). I now have them in the glasshouse and I have painted the roof with "coolglass" from Homebase. Plants , so far, look good with dark green leaves and no curling.

michael brenock · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 7:29 pm Post subject:

breezyacre you are quite correct in your conclusion, the tunnel gets far too hot in warm sunshine, growth in tomatoes improves from 55 to 65 and then drops back and halts at 80. The plant cu7rls its leaves to cut back on water losses. Glasshouses do not heat as rapidly or reach such high temperatures.
No need to use shading this summer.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)