Tomato problem, leaf drop, brown spots, leggy

13 years ago

I have 3 tomato plants, 2 in the ground and one upside down hanging. All of the are having the same problem. Leaves are turning brown and dropping. fruit drops before they're golf ball size and just general bare and leggy. I am a beginner gardener so I don't know much. They get water either every day or every other day and get Miracle grow tomato food once a week. The hanging plant gets nice new growth every few weeks and then it withers.

I'm including a few pictures so maybe some knowledgeable, kind person here can shed some light.

Thanks,

Randy

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Comments (13)

johnjsr
13 years ago
In z 10, I would think that you're season is over. Mine is over in z 9 for tomatoes. We've had an unusually hot spring (after an unusually cold winter).
john
flyingfish2
13 years ago
RR, my season is gone. last few plums on one vine. neighbor who I gave a SWB with sweet 100's still doing good inside her screened pool area. I'm NW of stuart in 9b, where are you located.
read thread about starting fall tomatoes and do what Silvia recommends she's the plant EXPERT #1!
bernie
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Looks more light early blight caused by alternaria to me. In this case the end result is likely not as disastrous as late blight. Fruits can often be held on the plant till harvest. It's a common disease in vegetable beds and that's what rotating crops is all about. Mulch helps, as does removing the lower foliage and trying to stay ahead of the spread of the disease upward. Lots of suggestions on the inet if you can positively identify it as to the organism causing it. I have some this year, it's somewhat weather related, but not nearly as bad as I had it last year and part of the reason is that my shipment of straw did not arrive to mulch the beds. I have been faithful however, to keep ahead of it and overall the plants don't look bad, nor does it appear to be spreading much and I'm starting to harvest now. Once the symptoms are showing, you're too far along to do anything really of consequence with spraying, and I grow my veggies organically anyhow.
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I can only give you the same advice as what you'll find in all the other "what is wrong with my tomato plants" posts here. The 'what you need to do' (treatment) is the same regardless of which bacteria or fungus is causing the problem unless it is Late Blight. And since you say the plants look good otherwise I strongly doubt it is Late Blight. Are you using a good fungicide on them as recommended? You should be. Weekly per the label instructions of whichever one you choose to use. Why are you leaving the affected leaves on the plant? That only makes the problem worse and spreads it. They need to be removed as soon as they develop and disposed of out of the garden. How long have the plants had this problem? Is it getting worse or staying the same? Contact your local county AG extension office and ask if Late Blight has been ID'd in your area. If so then that is a good indication of your problem and the plants are quickly lost no matter what you do. If not, then what you do is spray the plants, keep them cleaned of damaged affected leaves, improve the air circulation around and through them, and keep them going with lots of TLC care until you can harvest. Good luck. Dave
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reallyrandy
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the responses. I'm in Hollywood, FL. Is that what happens when season is over? Should I pull the plants up or let them be until fall?

Don't know much about veggie gardening but I have a bit of a green thumb when it comes to tropical plants. I'd like to do much more with food plants.
coffeemom
13 years ago
Hi Randy. I'm in Pembroke Pines.I pulled out my tomatoes months ago. They really don't like the heat and humidity of zone 10. The rain usually makes them rot.
HOWEVER!!!
August is just around the corner and at the end of that month you can start seeds. September is better if you can wait and if it stays this hot.October is good for buying seedlings.
I have extra Chaya if you're interested in growing summer greens.
coffeemom
13 years ago
Read this while your waiting to plant your vegetables.
I have to admit I have terrible luck with veggies but bluesky is closer to you and has no problem with hers. Hopefully she will chime in.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ifas Info
floridaurbanhom
13 years ago
Yeah, looks like blight. All my tomatoes here in zone 9 that were in full sun have had it. I did some experimenting with growning some tomatoes in shade and they are still going pretty good. Where I placed them, they get 3 hours of morning sun and 2 or 3 of late sun, but no sun in the heat of the day. Cherry type seem to do better as well. I have read about a Everglades wild tomato that is like indestructable but haven't found any seeds as of yet.
reallyrandy
Original Author
13 years ago
I would like to find an indestructable tomato... if it tastes good. Keep us posted, please.
bamboo_rabbit
13 years ago
While I'm sure not indestructible I have been very happy with the Matts Wild Cherry tomato. While all the rest of the tomato plants have bit the dust the two Matt's are still growing strong and producing. Two plants give a pint a day combined....this picture was taken 7/29/10 and the plant is just as healthy as can be. The fruit is small but are very good tasting.
saldut
13 years ago
Bamboo Rabbit, where do you get seeds for the Matt's Wild Cherry ? is is the same as the Wild Everglades ? they sure look alike.... thanx, sally
whgille
13 years ago
Bamboo - Nice looking tomato plant!

Reallyrandy - Here is my version of the indestructible tomato a currant Hawaiian, all the currant varieties do well in the heat, I had this last summer and I also grew it in Arizona in over a 100 degree heat. Too bad like Tom said, you can not make a meal out of them.-(

Silvia
bamboo_rabbit
13 years ago
Saldut,

I bought the Matts though honestly do not remember from where. I don't know if the Matts is the same as the Everglades or not.....to me they look the same and my bet is they are. Everglades is probably just someone changing the name of the plant, making up a cute story in an effort to make a buck. There is nothing wrong with making a buck, it is the American way. The Matts is not a hybrid and if you would like some seeds I would be happy to send you some, free of course. Just drop me a line at Bamboo_rabbit at hotmail.com
dunedingal
13 years ago
I don't usually post but had to tell you all how much I admire your plants. OMG! I can't believe how nice those tomato plants are!! My last two tomato plants are barely hanging on, finally transplanted a grape tomato out of a container into a morning sun/afternoon shade area in my garden and the husky cherry is under my oak tree. I have one lone tomato on it and am determined to see it through to ripeness.
Bamboo Rabbit - I would really be interested in getting some Matts Wild Cherry tomato seed from you if you have any to spare. BTW I'm waiting for a shipment from Jung's of Yummy Peppers. I've always gotten aphids on my peppers, whenever I've put them in the garden, so I'm interested to see if these will deter them.
Sylvie
bamboo_rabbit
13 years ago
Dunedingal,

Sure, just drop me a email with your address.

I like the Yummy peppers.....the heat does not faze them. I just tried two this season but next winter plan to start 10.

Tomato problem, leaf drop, brown spots, leggy

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