Question
I grow tomatoes every year. However I use Tomorite a fertilizer that includes seaweed. I don't know if the fertiliser is the culprit or whether it is the type of seed, but my tomatoes always have a tough skin. I would like to be able to grow some that have a soft skin. Have you any advice about this?

Answer
Normally this condition is the result of the seed itself, due to the inherent nature of that particular variety, or it could be an imbalance in the ph level of the soil. If you've grown this same variety before and did not experience this problem, I would suspect the soil.

PH levels can be checked with a ph meter or soil tester. Normally these are available at garden centers and nurseries. They can also be found on-line through companies such as Park Seed, Gardens Alive, or Planet Natural. If the soil is acidic (below 6.8), you need to add lime. If it is alkaline (above 7.2), you can add sulfur. Another way to balance the ph level is by amending the soil with organic matter, including shredded leaves, compost, peat, and aged manure. These not only neutralize the ph level, but they also provide a constant source of nutrients to the plants.

Finally, be sure to supplement enough water to account for 2" per week. I would also mulch the plants to help cool the soil and retain moisture.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike