So, I'm trying to figure out the truth of an old orchid wives' tale. I have heard that tomato plants give off a gas or otherwise will cause orchids to drop their buds and blooms. The other version of the story is that it is the ethelyne produced by ripening tomatoes (not the plants themselves) that cause the buds and blooms to drop.

This question arises because of an on-going discussion with my husband. He would LOVE to grow tomatoes from seed in my greenhouse during the winter. I have my reservations--particularly if the tomatoes will somehow cause any or all of the orchids to drop their blooms.

So, mythbusters--any truth to the tomatoes cause buds to drop theory? Better yet, has anyone actually grown tomatoes and let them ripen in your greenhouse along with your orchids? ?????