First-Time Tomato Growing in Ohio: Pollination, Watering, and Fertilizing

Why Flowers Drop Without Fruit

Blossom drop usually means either poor pollination or overwatering.

Improving Pollination

• Gently shake plants every couple of days to release pollen.
• Plant bee-attracting flowers nearby: sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos.
• Ensure 6+ hours of full sun.

Watering Correctly

• Water deeply once or twice a week (1.5 inches total).
• Avoid frequent shallow watering—it weakens roots.
• Mulch heavily with straw or dried grass clippings.

Fertilizer Strategy

• Use tomato-specific fertilizer (high phosphorus, moderate potassium, low nitrogen).
• Apply every other week.
• Stop high-nitrogen feeds—they cause leafy growth at fruit's expense.

Transplanting Timeline

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Transplant to garden late May after hardening off. Your plan is sound—just adjust watering and feeding as above.