Re: Ongoing care for tomato plants

don wrote:
> I've heard it's better to just water the ground around the plant, and
not soak 
> the leaves as well.  Is that true?

http://www.humeseeds.com/sumtom.htm
says ...


"WATERING: Run the hose at the base of the plants. Do not 
water tomatoes with an over-head sprinkler. Water thoroughly 
when you water, then hold off for several days, before 
rewatering. At the same time don't let the plants lack for 
water, as that is likely to stunt the plants, and the uneven 
water supply can can result in blossom end-rot. (This 
appears as a water soaked area on the blossom end of the 
fruit.) I find the biggest mistake that home gardeners make 
is to over water and over feed tomatoes, which results in 
lush foliage growth, cool and moist soil, and just a few, 
slow ripening tomatoes. Over-head watering can also be a 
factor in creating blight on your tomatoes. If possible 
avoid watering your tomato plants in late afternoon or early 
evening. The best time to water is early morning, so the 
soil has a chance to warm-up before the cooler evening hours 
set-in."

Daniel B. Martin