Growing Tomatoes

[FlickerOfLight]

Good afternoon, Rogue-Nation!

I’ve recently started growing my own food. My journey began with some flower seeds for the yard, and I’ve had great success with growing flowers. Since I’d never attempted growing anything from seed before, I bought a small setup and began planting seeds in soil. As the flowers sprouted and thrived in the yard, I decided to expand and try growing some of my own produce.

I started with cucumber and bell pepper seeds. The cucumber plant is doing great—it sprouted yesterday and already looks like a strong, healthy plant. The bell peppers, however, are still in the early stages with only small sprouts visible.

I also purchased a tomato plant. I placed it in a larger container and decided to experiment with a raised garden, mainly because of the rabbits and other wildlife around here.

The tomato plant, which I named "Ludell" after my grandmother (who grew the best tomatoes), seemed to thrive in its first week. However, I noticed some yellowing of the lower leaves. I suspect I may have overwatered it. Additionally, I realized I hadn’t added enough fertilizer when I repotted it. After adding a little fertilizer, Ludell bounced back for a day or two. However, today the leaves have brown edges and yellow spots.

I’ve done some research online and found many suggestions, including using soil test kits. However, I’d prefer to learn through the experience and wisdom of others who have more hands-on knowledge.

If any of you seasoned gardeners can offer advice on how to care for a tomato plant like Ludell, I would greatly appreciate it. My hope is to grow some tomatoes that would make my granny proud.

Thank you in advance for your help!

as @Ninurta said to much fertilizer / nitrogen will burn plants up. something he didn't mention yellowing leaves can be a sign of to much water.

my brothers and me use to compete on who could grow the best, me and my middle brother got tried of it, my youngest brother still grows tomatoes every year, he plants them in buckets, built himself a fine trellis system for them, grows all kinds grape, cherry, big boys, beefsteak,early girl, roma, hillbilly, and has pretty good luck with them. except one year when he tried to the hanging upside down bucket way. they didn't do well that year, got less that half. but that could have also been been due to the long hot dry summer to, like the one we had just a year or so ago during covid.

I've got a 5 gallon pot and a ring trellis around it. It's a big boy tomato plant. I'm guessing those are the giant tomatoes, which are my favorite next to the Roma.

Sounds like good times competing with your brothers. Bragging rights go a long way----and for many years. 

This is my first attempt but I've already fallen in love with the process, and will be trying more plant's soon. I think I'm going to go with the 5 gallon bucket system with a twine trellis wrap type of setup. I'm even working on a homemade watering system out of old 2 liter bottles.