Q&A – Why is my tomato withering?
Question:
I have 4 tomato plants in pots on my back patio. All were doing quite well, especially with all the afternoon rain we've been getting in Memphis. However, two days ago I went to pick cherry tomatoes and found it withering. Do you have any idea what could have caused this? When I don't get rain, I water from a rain barrel; I have not applied any herbicides or fertilizer; I planted in miracle grow garden soil. At this rate it will dead in a week, but I want the knowledge in case it happens again. I don't think it is blight because it didn't have the spotted leaves I associate with blight. The withered leaves came off in my hand when I touched them.
Answer:
It is likely this tomato is being over-watered. It is growing in potting soil which often contains a lot of organic matter which will stay wet a long time. Even if it is dry at the surface it may be sopping wet at the bottom of the container. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond recommend sticking your finger in the soil to see if it is still moist. If it is moist, don’t water, wait until it dries out. Also, make sure the pots are draining. Raising them off the ground will help them drain better.
Related Resources:
Growing Home Garden Tomatoes
Tomatoes
I have 4 tomato plants in pots on my back patio. All were doing quite well, especially with all the afternoon rain we've been getting in Memphis. However, two days ago I went to pick cherry tomatoes and found it withering. Do you have any idea what could have caused this? When I don't get rain, I water from a rain barrel; I have not applied any herbicides or fertilizer; I planted in miracle grow garden soil. At this rate it will dead in a week, but I want the knowledge in case it happens again. I don't think it is blight because it didn't have the spotted leaves I associate with blight. The withered leaves came off in my hand when I touched them.
Answer:
It is likely this tomato is being over-watered. It is growing in potting soil which often contains a lot of organic matter which will stay wet a long time. Even if it is dry at the surface it may be sopping wet at the bottom of the container. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond recommend sticking your finger in the soil to see if it is still moist. If it is moist, don’t water, wait until it dries out. Also, make sure the pots are draining. Raising them off the ground will help them drain better.
Related Resources:
Growing Home Garden Tomatoes
Tomatoes