I would like to train my tomatoes rather than have them sprawl over the ground. Which training method is best?
Several methods can be used to train tomatoes. However, the single stake and wire cage are most often utilized by home gardeners.
Single Stake
Staking is a good training method when growing tall, indeterminate tomato varieties. Within two weeks of planting, drive a single, 6- to 8-foot-long stake 1 to 2 feet into the ground 3 to 4 inches from each plant. The roots of the tomato plants may be injured if the stakes are put in later in the season. As the tomato grows, tie the plant to the stake with strips of old nylon hose or cloth about every 12 inches up the stem. Tie the material in a loose figure 8, with the stake in one loop and the stem in the other. When training the plant to single stem, pinch out the sideshoots or suckers that form in the axil of the leaf and stem. Staking is not recommended for the shorter growing, determinate tomato varieties as yields will be drastically reduced.
Wire Cage
Training tomatoes in a wire cage requires less attention than staking. A tomato cage can be constructed from concrete reinforcing wire or similar material. Manufactured cages are also available at garden centers.
When constructing a wire cage, the mesh must be large enough to enable you to pick the fruit. A wire cage 20 to 24 inches in diameter and 4 to 5 feet tall is excellent. To form a cage 20 inches in diameter, the fence section should be 5 to 5 ½ feet wide. (The circumference of a circle can be calculated by multiplying 3.14 by the circle diameter.) Remove the horizontal wire at the bottom of the cage and stick the vertical wires or “feet” into the soil. For greater stability, drive 1 or 2 stakes into the ground next to the cage. Then fasten the cage to the stakes.
Plants grown in wire cages don’t need to be tied to the cage or pruned. As the plants grow, simply place wayward stems back within the wire cage.
Can delphiniums be successfully grown in Iowa?
The blue or purple flower spikes of delphiniums are a spectacular sight in the garden. Unfortunately, growing delphiniums can be challenging. They don’t like hot, dry weather. In Iowa, delphiniums tend to be short-lived perennials. Plants often die within three to five years.
Delphiniums perform best in partial to full sun. The planting site should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Delphiniums also need a moist, well-drained soil. Crown and root rots can be problems in wet, poorly drained sites.
Delphiniums like a consistent supply of moisture throughout the growing season. To help conserve soil moisture, apply a mulch of dry grass clippings, shredded leaves, or other material around plants. During dry weather, thoroughly water plants every 7 to 10 days. When watering, soak the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches.
How often should I fertilize plants growing in containers?
Plants growing in containers require regular fertilization. Levels of essential nutrients in potting mixes fall rather quickly as some of the nutrients are absorbed by the growing plants while additional amounts are leached from the soil when watering. Using a water soluble fertilizer, apply a dilute solution about every two weeks. Slow release fertilizers can also be used.
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