AboutElyse Grau Expertise I can answer most questions on vegetable and fruit growing, in particular those that pertain to the Northwest, Midwest and other cool areas of the country. I prefer to use only organic/natural methods and materials.
Experience I have Master Gardener training and have been gardening for over 25 years. I use organic and natural methods only. I live on 5 acres and have a large vegetable garden, as well as orchard, grapevines and berries.
Question Our tomato plants are not very big right now and I am thinking it's because of the cool summer days (60's) and cold nights. Last week we had our first couple of consectutive days of being in the 70's and now I have yellow flowers all over the plants. I am wondering if I need to pinch these off since the tomato plants are still so small. This week it looks like summer is finally here because it will be in the 80's with lows in the 60's-70's. Just wondering I let them be or pinch them off!
Thanks,
Tami
Answer Tami:
You don't say what the nighttime temperatures have been, that is actually more important than the days. It could very well be the reason. I don't think you need to pinch the flowers off at this point, the plants will grow as the tomatoes do. And if the temperatures remain too cool, the flowers will fall off without setting fruit anyway.
