Last week, within 2 days, we alternately turned on our air conditioner and then our gas logs. April weather can be strange indeed, which poses problems for back yard gardeners. Though the air may feel warm, the soil temperature may well be still too cool, and a sudden late frost is always a possibility.
Planting tomatoes and peppers too early in cooler temperatures can cause stunted growth, wilting, surface pitting, foliage necrosis and increased susceptibility to disease. Low soil temperatures can stunt plant growth and prevent root development. Most summer vegetables like soil temperatures of between 55 and 65 degrees.
Many plants come from a greenhouse, where they were pampered with lots of light, water, and warmth, and they really needed to be hardened off before planting. Hardening off means to keep the young plants in protected area, such as a porch or garage, and gradually acclimate them to their new environment, placing them outdoors in a shady spot for a couple of hours and slowly increasing the time. Plants that aren’t properly hardened off are much more susceptible to sun and windburn as well as breakage.
To increase tomato yield, experts advise to plant the tomatoes deeply, up to the leaves. High quality compost also increases growth and production. Put the tomato cages up when you plant, not later or you could damage the roots. Ultimately, keep your tomatoes well-watered and you may very well enjoy a bumper crop.