Tomatoes require nitrogen for top growth, phosphorus for fruit development and potassium for roots. Complete fertilizers of 5 percent or 8 percent nitrogen and 10 percent phosphorus and 10 percent potassium work best with vegetables. Tomatoes prefer infrequent, deep watering. Excess water will discourage fruit set and alter fruit development and flavor. Last summer was too cool for good melon development.
Melons also prefer infrequent and deep irrigation.
The Garden Detective column is compiled with the help of master gardeners at the UC Cooperative Extension Service in Sacramento County. Send questions to The Garden Detective, California Life, P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852. Please include your name, address and a daytime telephone number. Let us hear from you.