Question
Hi,
I bought a big beef tomato plant 3 feet high from Home Depot 5 days ago, and planted it in our yard with potting soil.  The tomato plant doesn抰 look healthy now; some flowers have died, and some leaves look withered.  I also found snails and flies like to stay on it.  In addition, some leaves have holes on them.
Would you please tell me how should I make this plant enliven again?
Thank you.
Jen


Answer
Jen, I always recommend avoiding plants that large. I find that the seedlings that do best are the ones that are 12" high or less. Larger ones usually do not adapt as quickly to transplanting.

Your plant most likely experienced transplant shock. Even though you used potting soil, the soil surrounding the planting hole may be low in fertility, lacking necessary nutrients.

At this point, you need to nurse the plant by mulching it with organic materials such as peat, shredded leaves, or straw. This will help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature constant. Do not fertilize the plant until its condition begins to improve. Also, do not overwater the plant. Saturated roots make it impossible for the plant to draw in oxygen and nutrients. It also depletes the soil.

As with most plants, it will probably recover within two weeks once it acclimates itself to the new soil. Just be sure to follow the instructions I've given. Once the plant does perk up, you can apply a diluted solution of fish emulsion or sea kelp to help the blooming process.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike