Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
4/21/03
Contacts:
James Romer, Horticulture, (515) 294-2336, jromer@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning April 25, 2003
A Spring Chat with Dr. Grow-It-All
By James Romer
Horticulture Extension Specialist
Iowa State University
Dear Dr. Grow-It-All:
For the past several years, my next-door neighbor has been the envy of
the block. His tomatoes are always the biggest and best! The self-proclaimed
"Tomato Champ" has become a thorn in my side. Last year I tried
to dethrone his royal highness, but to no avail. Dr. Grow-It-All, the
situation was so bad that a sign was placed in my yard last August proclaiming
me the Tomato Chump. As you can tell, my gardening reputation is on the
line. I don't want to endure another season of small, embarrassing tomatoes.
I would appreciate any information you could provide.
Grateful in Garden Grove
Dear Grateful:
How and where you plant tomatoes are important first steps. Deep, loamy,
well-drained soils are best for tomatoes. As with most garden vegetables,
tomatoes prefer a slightly acid soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. I recommend
that you do a soil test if one has not been done in the past 4 to 5 years.
Tomatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for highest yields.
When choosing a site, it's important to select an area where tomatoes
and other solanaceous crops (potatoes, peppers, and eggplants) have not
been grown for 2 to 3 years. Solanaceous crops are susceptible to many
of the same diseases, so crop rotation reduces disease problems.
It is a little late to start tomatoes from seed. Typically you need to start them 5 to 6 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date. In central Iowa, the suggested outdoor planting dates are from May 5 to May 10. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant a week earlier, whereas those in northern areas should wait an extra week.
When purchasing tomato plants, select stocky, dark green plants that do not have fruits. It may be important for you to have the first tomatoes on the block, but fruits stunt plant growth and reduce the total yield. Harden, or acclimate, the tomato plants outdoors for a few days before planting. Initially, place the plants in a shady location and then gradually expose them to longer periods of direct sunlight. After 5 to 7 days, the tomatoes should be ready to be planted in the garden. Set plants deeply into the soil burying them up to their first set of true leaves. For tall spindly plants, pinch off the bottom leaves and lay them sideways in as trench. Carefully bend the stem upward so that the upper few inches of stem are above the soil surface. Roots will develop along the buried stem. Because tomatoes take some time to develop, the last practical date for planting is approximately June 20. For more information, please stop by your Iowa State University (ISU) Extension county office and ask for publication "Tomatoes" (PM 608).
Dear Dr. Grow-It-All:
We just moved into a new house in a new development and would like to
know some guidelines for selecting trees.
Leafless in Lone Tree
Dear Leafless:
What? No background information on your situation? I have never had anyone
send me a question before without providing additional details. Important
considerations include special characteristics, traits or tolerances that
will the trees need to thrive on the proposed site.
* Will they tolerate de-icing agents if planted close to a street?
* Do the prospective trees have insect- and disease-free track records?
* Have upright, columnar or tightly pyramidal forms been selected for boulevards and other confined spaces in your development?
* What is the mature height of the tree? This information is especially important when planting below utility lines.
* Are the trees sturdy and long-lived and do they possess a moderate growth rate or are they fast-growing and short-lived species?
* Have you considered the year-round ornamental attributes of the tree or do they have interest for a few short days in the spring?
* Have you inspected the trees before purchase? The general appearance of a tree reveals much about its quality and potential for success.
* Have you considered the soil and sunlight in the proposed location? Most trees prefer well-drained soils. The amount of sunlight and time of day a site receives the sun determines what kind of tree can be planted. Some, such as green ash, tolerate late-afternoon sun far better than a pagoda dogwood.
For more information, visit your ISU Extension county office and ask for "Guidelines for Selecting Trees" (RG 702) and then make like a tree and leaf!
You can get more information on the above-mentioned subjects and other lawn and garden topics by visiting the ISU Extension Web site at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/lawngard.html.
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Editors: No photos are available for this week's column.
ml: isugarden
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