Tomato Plants

[erb56]

i have been growing 2 tomato plants indoors for about 6_7 weeks ,they were coming along fine until last week when i noticed the leaves were starting to curl and wither slightly at the edges ,the flowers are already set.i don't want to lose the plants now ,what am i doing wrong? any help appreciated .

[chamois]

You're doing nothing wrong. Tomato plants have a tendency to develop curling of the leaves both as young plants and when fully mature. Some of the leaves of the plants in my greenhouse have leaves so rolled up, they look like green cigars!

[Gizmonster]

Have you "tickled" the flowers ??
Because they're growing inside, you need to pollinate the flowers yourself, as there won't be many bees and other pollen carrying insects about inside.
When my dad went on holiday and he left instructions about watering plants, feeding cats, etc .... I thought he was winding me up when he showed me a feather duster and said I had to "tickle" the flowers of his tomato plants. It's basically to transfer pollen from the male parts of the plant to the female parts of the plant.

[erb56]

thank you both ...i have tickled the plants too and found a small tomato ,,,

[Clanad]

Outdoor grown tomatoes are wind pollinated in the main. Here in the U.S., hot house growers often set up circulating fans to intro due air movement. Noting wrong with "tickling" or bumping the plants to assist in loosening the pollen.

Additionally, though, I'd check the undersides of the leaves to assure you haven't acquired new neighbors… spider mites. They will appear as very small reddish brown specks that suddenly move as you watch them.

There are several commercial, chemical sprays that will eradicate them, however, the simplest method is to mix about 2 fluid ounces of dish soap (think ya'll call it 'washing up soap?') into a quart of warmish water. After mixing well, but not sudsy, pour into a sizable spray bottle and literally soak the plant in the soapy water, assuring the undersides of the leaves are drenched as well. Won't hurt the plant and eliminates the bugs quickly...

[lilacben]

erb, How strange I was just coming on here to ask the same thing.! I have 8 growing and my conservatory is looking more like the day of the triffids.! I seem to have a few tomatoes on each plant. I have been thinking of putting them outside now but not sure if I should.?

[erb56]

lilichan sorry i didn't see you message ,,,,,i have since put both plants outside ....now hoping for the best ,,,