Gardentalk – Planting and dividing

Tomato plants usually need lots of water to grow, but these tomatoes may have been slow to ripen because they were overwatered recently.
Tomato plants usually need lots of water to grow, but these tomatoes may have been slow to ripen because they were overwatered recently. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)

Are you still waiting to harvest tomatoes in your greenhouse? Master Gardener Ed Buyarski suggests stressing your tomato plants by cutting back on the usual watering and fertilizing. That may force the plant to accelerate the ripening process for the tomato fruit.

You should also consider removing any new flowers that would divert energy from the ripening fruit.

Listen to the latest edition of Gardentalk about dividing, planting, and ripening tomatoes:

 

Buyarski also encourages gardeners to continue with planting trees and shrubs before it gets too frosty.

“Soil temperatures are quite warm. Moisture levels are good,” Buyarski said. “There are bargains to be had at some of the local retailers with trees and shrubs and such. Putting those plants in the ground now, give them a first watering and, after that, Mother Nature is probably going to take care of the watering for us. They will be growing roots as long as the ground is not frozen.”

New crops of kale and spinach can also be planted for overwintering and an early spring harvest.

It’s also a good time to divide spring blooming perennials like primrose and rhubarb.

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