Answers to Your Questions: Tomatoes That Aren’t Growing, Spirea to Be Moved

Tomato That Won’t Grow

My tomato plant is sick. What’s wrong with it? Is the soil contaminated? Is excess moisture the cause? Thank you for your help.

Answer

There are several reasons why a tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) may lack vigor. Although it does not dislike rain, it will remain stunted in poorly drained or waterlogged soil. A cool location will have the same result (tomatoes like warm weather). In addition, sunlight is essential: tomatoes do not grow well in the shade. Soil that is too alkaline or too acidic, or a lack of minerals, will result in plants that do not grow and have yellow leaves. If you always grow tomatoes in the same place, the soil will also become contaminated with disease spores. In this case, the plant often grows well at first, but then slows down and the lower leaves turn yellow. There may also be toxic substances in the soil, such as oil, gasoline, or other chemicals. The list goes on.

One suggestion: try spraying the plant with a seaweed fertilizer. This product, which contains all the minerals and growth hormones the plant needs, often gives it a boost. It can “stimulate” a weak plant, but it will not solve any underlying problems.

If that doesn’t work, try a different location next year, or try growing them in pots.

Spirea to Be Separated

I have a huge spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei). I would like to divide it and plant it elsewhere. Is this possible? If so, how should I go about it?

Answer

Yes, you can divide it. However, wait until September, when the plant begins to lose its leaves. At that point, the plant will be more or less dormant and will suffer less from the trauma of division than a plant in full growth. Cut it back to 15 cm (6 in) above the ground and dig up the root ball. Now, using an axe or a saw, cut from top to bottom. It’s as easy as that. Normally, you should be able to cut it into 2 to 5 pieces without too much trouble. You can also propagate it by cuttings or layering.

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Larry Hodgson has published thousands of articles and 65 books in French and English during his career. His son, Mathieu, has made it his mission to make his father’s writings available to the public. This text was originally published in Le Soleil on August 2, 2008.