Return to the Growing Tomatoes Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Tomato Soil problem

Posted by thejewster (My Page) on
Fri, May 10, 13 at 5:44

Hello

I am new here so I wondered if you could help. I am growing Moneymaker tomatoes and the seedlings are now about 4inch tall and looking ok. The problem is that the compost in the pot keeps getting some white/grey fur/powder stuff on it. I tend the just rub the compost with my finder to get shut of it but after a few days it comes back.

Could you please tell me what to do.


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Tomato Soil problem

Good luck.

I have heard the same problem before. I think the reason is that your pots are too wet and not enough air circulation.

Try to keep the top surface on pots dry. Pour some pearlite on top of pots to diacourage the white flies.

Another thin is to water with camimile tea.
Last resort is to get houseplant insecticide that kills white flies.


 o
RE: Tomato Soil problem

So would not watering them as much help


 o
RE: Tomato Soil problem

There is a FAQ about this over on the Growing from Seed forum that you'll want to read. Using compost for germinating seeds isn't normally recommended for just the reasons you have discovered - it doesn't drain well in small containers and contains too many bacteria and fungi. Plants often die due to damp-off and root rot.

However since you are already using it then for it to work you have to control your watering of the plants VERY carefully and you have to increase the air circulation in the area dramatically with fans.

Watering when using compost in small containers often has to be reduced by at least 1/2 and sometimes more. It can't be done by the appearance of the surface. You have to stick your finger deep into the soil to the root level to determine moisture levels. When in doubt, do NOT water. No misting and bottom watering only will help.

Air circulation is vital to suppressing mold and fungus growth. Small fans in the area delivering a gentle breeze across the soil surface and lightly stirring the plant leaves will help a great deal.

Dave


 o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!


Return to the Growing Tomatoes Forum

Information about Posting

  • You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
  • We have a strict no-advertising policy!
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.


Learn more about in-text links on this page here