Question regarding my tomato plants?

I have 4 tomato plants that i planted in the begining of this yr each in a seperate big container, I got a lot of tomatoes from them but very small size, even though the variety was of much bigger type. Now its November and the plants have wilted away , turned brown, only a few stems are green and they still are bearing a few no. of tomatoes.


My Question is


Now that winter is almost here should i throw away these plants and plant new one in Feb or will these yield fruits again.





If i keep these plants whats the best way to care for them to make the tomatoes size bigger next yr.


I live in Northern California, how do i care for them in our rainy winter.





I am an amatuer gardner- pls help

Question regarding my tomato plants?
These have just about outlived their usefulness; I'd throw them away (you can compost them if you have a compost heap) and start with new seeds or plants in the spring :-)
Reply:Tomato plants are an annual plant. Clear the pots and disinfect to be reused with new plants next year. If these did not bear fruit to the size expected, then they probably are of a variety which does not do so well in your area. Temperature and moisture are important to each type.
Reply:Tomatoes are annuals - they're meant to live for one season then die. Just start fresh next year with new plants.
Reply:Tomato plants are for single years only and need throwing away or composting if they aren't diseased. They will not bear fruit a second year.


I would replce the compost for next year as alot of tomato pests and diseases can live on in the soil.


To ensure the maximum growth, unless specified as a bush variety only keep the main stem of the plant, nipping out all side shoot before they get too big as they sap the tomato of its strength thus resulting in smaller fruits. Make sure you water, (daily), on a regular basis at about the same time of day and try and use a regular amount of water. I use an empty baked bean can so that I know I'm not overwatering them and use a potasium based liquid food twice a week but only when the tomatoes have set and you can actually see the fruit. If you feed them too early then all the nourishment will go into making good foliage and not fruit.


I'm afraid I cannot recommend a good website but I do have thirty years experience in growing them myself.


Good luck.
Reply:I usually go to the web search and type in garden forums and all kinds of sites will pop up take your pick,


but try to be specifec, you might have to register but once you do you can go there to find out all kinds of gardening tips and help with related problems .
Reply:Where I live I can get three crops a year. There comes a time when each tomato plant becomes tired looking and get´s very leggy. They will continue to bear fruit albeit less. I just discard the old and continue with the new plants. I´m fortunate that I have sunshine all the year round and the warmth needed for a good crop outdoors.