[DrBill]

Hi, I've got some bush tomatoes growing outside. They are planted directly in the ground, with plenty of good compost mixed in. They are growing really well and producing lots of flowers, but none of them have set yet - they just seem to be dying. I have also given them a comfrey tea feed in the hope of helping them along. Is it just too wet at the minute or are other people having success? Any advice on how to encourage them to set would be much appreciated. Thank you!

[peapod]

what do you mean they look like they are dying? Could it be blight? Pics would be good then we could tell you (in our wisdom!) what could be the problem
In the meantime, make sure they are watered and try to mist them with a spray bottle of water

[JWK]

Give the plants a tap every time you water to help them self pollinate and misting as suggested will help.

[peterjf]

my thoughts too JWK

[Patricia]

And if that fails you can tickle the flowers with a soft paint brush bouncing from flower to flower. I had the problem last year of the tomatoes not setting till later on in the season. But they finally did and I had the best crop ever.

[Ivor Backache]

Hello DrBill and welcome to the forums. From what you are saying it is the flowers that are dying and that is what is supposed to happen. The flower self pollinates, shrivells up and if you pull it away from the plant you should see a tiny green tomato, the size of a pin head. Two or three weeks time it will be on your plate.