Q.Tomato
My tomato plants have luscious, green foliage but very few fruits are setting on the vines. We planted them in raised beds with a potting soil mix. Any ideas on why we don’t have more fruit?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Here are some of the more common reasons for tomatoes not producing: a lack of pollinators, low temperatures (below 50ยบ F), high temperatures (over 90 F), a lack of sunlight (less than 8-10 hours), inconsistent watering, damage from pests (e.g. thrips), or too much nitrogen fertilizer (produces foliage growth but no fruit).
Are your plants getting frequent visits by pollinators (bees)? If not, you can lightly shake the plants when in bloom or hand pollinate them. Make sure the temps are regulated, ensure they are getting enough light, give them plenty of water but be careful not to over water, check for insects (look at the leaves, stems, etc.), and try giving it a boost of fertilizer using about 3 tablespoons of Epsom salts to 1 gallon of water.
And there may be too much nitrogen. If you are getting blossoms, try spraying your tomatoes with some espom salts and water, (1 teaspoon epsom salts/1 quart of water water, mix throughly and drench both the plants and the soil) The magnesium in the epsom salts helps the plants to set fruit. Works well with peppers as well.
If temp is over 90 degrees this might be one reason