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FAQ #5531

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We planted tomatoes near a tree and, even though they get some sunlight, they are now more than 6 feet tall with few fruit. We planted Beefsteak, Early Girl, and Roma and mulched the tomatoes with sawdust. Do you know what the problem is?

Last Updated: January 07, 2008


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You have too much shade. Tomatoes and other fruiting plants must have six to eight hours of direct sunshine daily; otherwise, fruit production will be diminished or eliminated. The tomato varieties you planted are indeterminate and especially sensitive to insufficient sun locations.

In addition, sawdust is the worse mulch you can use. When incorporated into the soil before complete decomposition has occurred, it robs the plants of nitrogen and causes stunted growth. Remove as much of the undecomposed sawdust as possible and, from now on, use shredded leaves or grass clippings. To compensate for the sawdust, double your rate of fertilizer from 2 pounds of a complete, slow-release formulation such as 19-5-9 to 4 to 6 pounds per 100 square feet.

Plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc., in the sunniest location available. Try to find determinate varieties such as HeatWave, Celebrity, and Merced. Plant broccoli, lettuce, celery, cauliflower, green onions, etc., in shaded areas.

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