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Growing Tomatoes

Strange growth pattern in young tomato plants

10 years ago

Hi,
I live in Victoria, British Columbia climatic zone 9a. I successfully grow around 7 varieties of heirloom tomatoes in my garden.
This year I'm hoping to grow a couple of plants inside under compact fluorescent grow lights.
The seedlings I planted near the end of August grew very rapidly soon after transplanting from 1" starter pots to 6" cups.
However, the tops are forming in a way I've never seen before. I've searched the internet for clues to the problem, but came up short.
I've attached a link to an image.

strange_tomato_growth

Any ideas on what the problem could be?

Thanks,
moodyville

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Comments (6)

Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7
10 years ago
What kind of potting soil/material did you use ?

To me it looks like some kind of herbicide effect.

Sey
bookdesign
Original Author
10 years ago
I used soil from a 5 gal. pot used to grow nice tomatoes this past summer, plus I added a bit of manure and some slow release fertilizer pellets.

Thanks for your reply
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theforgottenone1013 (SE MI zone 5b/6a)
10 years ago
Agree that it looks like herbicide damage. Could maybe be from the manure.

Rodney
Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
OK. I think I got the clue I was looking for. MANURE. As Rodney beat me to it.

It probably was infected with herbicide. Manure are mixed and composted with grass use as bedding.

Tomato plants are extra allergic to herbicide, unlike anything else.

Sey
bookdesign
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the clues. I'm going to try again experimenting with different mixes, including and excluding manure,
jean001a
10 years ago
See this about herbicide carryover:

http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/sfn/f09Herbicide

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