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101

06:54 PM Jun 15, 2012
Otricoli, Italy

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We have been having a debate here about watering tomatoes. Some say to keep them reasonably wet and others say to let them dry out and water them sparingly. The 'let them dry out' crew says when they get more dry, they are more apt to want to set fruit to create more seeds. 

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7 replies
146
Latest post Jun 22, 2012 by YourGardenShow

81

11:51 PM Jun 19, 2012
Tacoma, WA
usda zone 7b
In my experiences I have found they did best drying out then watering well(to soil capacity,with out standing water) I don't think it makes them set faster but in Washington it can get a bit cool during any part of the growing season so its best to let them decide how much water they need (checking on them occasionally) 

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102

04:39 AM Jun 20, 2012
Tacoma, WA
usda zone 7b
@FreyjaW: I agree with you about letting them stay on the dry side. Western Washington can be tricky for tomatoes in the fall, too, because if we have a cool, wet fall, the fruit cracks and get's blossom end rot & cat facing before early blight sets in. In our case, consistent watering is important no matter if it's wet or dry, you will have fewer problems if the watering is consistent.

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101

09:01 AM Jun 20, 2012
Otricoli, Italy

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Thanks for your replies, I'll check with the old timer gardeners here and see what they say as well and report back.

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102

03:21 PM Jun 20, 2012
Tacoma, WA
usda zone 7b
@YourGardenShow: That would be great! Thanks! :)

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22

03:11 AM Jun 22, 2012
Rockwall, TX
usda zone 7b
I am all about watering as little as possible. I have in fact only watered my tomatoes twice since Feb. We have had rain but it has been in the mid to upper 90's with triple digits set to start next week. I have more tomatoes than I know what to do with in my small 100sq/ft garden. One of the benefits of a total organic program is you can cut your watering by at least half and I think I have done a good job backing up that assertion.

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101

04:13 PM Jun 22, 2012
Otricoli, Italy
I spoke with my Italian 91 year old gardener friend and he said he didn't water a great deal, but that certain larger tomato varieties he gives additional (more frequent) water to. Basically though, he said he waters every three days or so.

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102

12:09 AM Jun 23, 2012
Tacoma, WA
usda zone 7b
@YourGardenShow: Thanks for the info! That's good to know...:)

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