What did we do wrong using a raised bed kit for our tomatoes?

Last year we purchased raised bed kits for our tomato plants. We had the worst year. Our tomatoes were small, black on parts, and few in number. We did fertilize a little. What did I do wrong?
Thank you,
Linda S.
  5 answers
  • Ken Ken on Mar 29, 2018

    My first guess is that the soil you used may not have been appropriate. If you just scooped up soil from your yard, we know where to start.


    Here is a site that addresses most possibilities: https://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/how-to-grow-tomatoes-in-a-raised-bed

  • M. Stalinski M. Stalinski on Mar 29, 2018

    Try looking for websites that use Epsom salts on your plants. Sounds like they are missing nutrients. Some planters are so

    shallow that all the “good stuff“ washes out of the soil every time you water. Good luck this year! I plant in a raised bed and have had very good luck but each year there’s a different weather phenomena that requires giving the plant/s a little more attention. Just have to check them every time you water.

    • Linda Dodd Allison Stone Linda Dodd Allison Stone on Mar 29, 2018

      Thank you! That does make sense to me. I did fertilize my plants. I was so disappointed, for it was a lot of work only to receive the worst crop ever.

  • LIRR1926 LIRR1926 on Mar 30, 2018

    Also here in the northeast it was a bad year for tomatoes. They are very temperature sensitive in different parts of the fruiting cycle and we had too much heat at the wrong times. Irregular watering can also be a problem, try to give them sufficient water but in a consistent way.

    Another possibility is that you bought a different variety of tomato.

    Short of having a green house we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and she's getting rather annoyed with us these days.

  • LIRR1926 LIRR1926 on Mar 30, 2018

    Also forgot to mention the one that the Master Gardeners always mention first at classes on growing vegetables is get a soil test. This way you will know what if anything is needed to be added to the soil and you won't just be throwing chemicals at the soil (its all chemical). Some D-I-Y ones are available from garden centers but the best is your County Extension Office. Goggling your county/state should turn up the info. Cost is modest and they do a full analysis and will tell you what is needed not using guess work.

    One of our Master Gardener teachers was rather surprises when his analysis sail to stop adding compost--its always good right? Best to get the full information.

    • Linda Dodd Allison Stone Linda Dodd Allison Stone on Mar 30, 2018

      That is valuable informatio. I will get my soil tested. I’d wondered if the beds were too shallow for the roots. I think I have a black thumb😳Thank you very much!!!