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General discussion regarding the techniques and methods used to successfully grow tomato plants in containers.

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Old August 22, 2016   #1
RomanX
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Default Reduce and/or stop watering to end this season?????

I must end this tomato season early (in 2 weeks) to get ready to go into surgery. I remember something about watering to stimulate the plant into ripening the fruit they already have. . .

I have my 8 plants (six different varieties and two the same) in a variety of containers: top-watering 5-gal buckets and 18-in patio container, as well as self-watering Earthbuckets.

Right now, the plants in: 5-gal buckets take 1/2 gal twice a day; 18-in patio container takes 1 1/3 gal twice a day; one Earthbucket takes 1/2 gal twice a day while the other Earthbucket takes 2/3-3/4 gal twice a day.

Plants in two 5-gal buckets, the 18-in patio container and one Earthbucket are still producing.

Do I reduce or stop watering?? (My garden helper will cut them down Sept 1.)
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Old August 22, 2016   #2
dmforcier
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Well, in the pepper community a common practice is to cut the plant off at the base, leaving the fruits on, then hang the whole thing upside down in the garage to allow what fruits that will to ripen, protected from frost and predators. I don't know if this will work all that will with large tomatoes.

AFAIK, rhe amount of water doesn't make a difference, unless the plant dies of thirst.

But I have to ask, why end so early if you have a helper? NC should have over a month of season left, even at high altitudes.
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Old August 22, 2016   #3
RomanX
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Since space in my 1 bedroom apartment is at a premium, bringing inside & hanging upside down even only my SMALLEST plant. . . is not an option.

My garden helper is 15 years old, who lives about 30-40 minutes away

What with surgery and rehab, I won't return home for 2-3 months.

My best solution: my tomato plants must die!!!
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Old August 23, 2016   #4
dmforcier
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Well, take all the fruits that look anything like full size. You may be surprised at what ripens.

And bona fortuna with your treatment!
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Old August 23, 2016   #5
Gerardo
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A hefty fertilize to push the few that are near and then stop watering. Pick them off during your convalescence. Garden helper comes in when they're all gone.
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Old August 23, 2016   #6
Cole_Robbie
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Good luck with your surgery.
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