Typically what happens to a tomato due to poor drainage?

Root rot.

A 6' tall plant will be nearly impossible to move to another pot now and survive. But make a note for next year - more holes, better mix, and no stones.

Dave

If your tomatoes were suffering from excess water, the leaves would be yellowing from bottom, the plants would lack vigor and have poor color. They would likely show signs of wilting although sufficient water was present. When the growing medium does not drain well, the plant is suffering from oxygen starvation at the roots and can eventually die from it.

How large are the containers you have your tomatoes in?

You mention Most likely a stone or two covered up the 3 drainage holes in the pot. Did you put stones or gravel in the bottom of the conatiner? If so, it really isn't necessary and your tomatoes are going to need every inch of potting medium before the end of the season.

Hope that helps!

Betsy

Here is what I would do if the plant is only marginally affected;

Rather than swapping the pot, Let it get pretty dry in partial sun, maybe stuff an old knee high cotton sock down the pot side to wick some water out faster, move any mulch aside.

when as dry as you would like (dowel method at 2/3's pot depth) then add small amounts of water to restore correct moisture content. add some weak tomato fertilizer.

you might have gotten it in time. But you are zone 7, so you have time for things.

d

Thanks everyone. I used 20-inch containers. I did put stones at the bottom for drainage, ironically. My plants are indeed yellowing from the bottom and the leaves are partially wilting despite good watering. I'll try to drain and dry it as suggested and hopefully save the plants.

Good advice! I would also suggest checking out the container forum here and there search out A1's 511 mix recipe, its a great mix, it drains well and hold its structure much better than most potting mixes. I've never grown such awsome tomato plants in pots untli this year, and they tasted excellent too!

Damon

You don't need Al's mix for a single season, that's just overkill. If I were to be growing the same plant for 4-5 years then maybe!
I would drill more holes in the current pots. I have around 20 3/8" holes in mine and they are doing good.

Taz I couldn't disagree with you more. And instead of shooting down suggestions give one of your own. A1's 511 mix is NOT over kill for one season! Its better and more user/error friendly than any other mix I've ever used. Plus its cheaper if your willing to make it. It makes no difference if you have 1 or like you 20,000 drainage holes, your mix either drains well or it doesn't, period!

Damon

taz6122,

IF jbrickm used Al's 5:1:1 mix or another variation that was focused around 1/8" particle size, he wouldn't have a problem with poor draining which leeds to stunted growth and or root rot. A 5:1:1 mix is just what works for alot of people where others, like myself, use different ratios to adapt to weather conditions, plant type and watering habbits.

All that crap isn't necessary for a single season tomato plant! 1 part sphagnum, 1 part MG potting mix and 1 part perlite will do fine for 5,6,7,8 months. As long as theres several drain holes there won't be a problem.

taz6122,

Take it easy. I'm glad you found a mix that works for you and thanks for sharing your growning mediums. It sounds like to me you need to sign up for class. Let me see here, oh yes, the Professor Al has openings available. Check to see if you can take his class, its a real eye-opener taz6122.

Al's Soil Science 101
Limited seating, HURRY!!

Actually, both of the suggestions are great. For now, I did drill more holes as a fix. I would like to use Al's mix for next season but pine bark fines are hard to find near Atlanta. Anyone know where to get them?

prestons_garden

I've read all that Al has to offer so far and it's actually an eye closer as in puts me to sleep. All my plants do great. I don't have a lot in containers but the ones that are are only there for the growing season and get re-potted over winter just for something to do. I'm not going to travel the country side looking for or order the ingredients online anyway. Don't waste your time on me.

jbrickm- There is a thread over on the container forum on where to find bark fines by region. i cant remember what the exact name of the thread is but if you search 'bark fines by region' you should be able to find it. Good luck this year and next!

Damon