Gary, the plants had been living outside for weeks before I planted them, so they were fully hardened-off. They had been planted just a day or two before disappearing, so I think they were just watered at planting, and there wasn't really over- or under-watering going on. There are bluejays around, but would one pick off the name-tag before flying off with the plant? I am beginning to focus on the pillbugs, as all tomato leaves close to the ground are getting seriously scalloped by bug-nibbles. I did remove any leaves that touched the ground, but watering/rain makes the other leaves sag. I removed more leaves today. I wonder if getting some grass clippings in there would distract those bugs from my babies? I think it is possible that I damaged the stem of the first plant to disappear, since it was pretty thin and I was wearing gloves. When I checked that spot a couple of days ago, the remaining stem/root had disappeared, too! I haven't lost any more plants since then, although the mysterious leaf-withering continues on some plants. I swear some plants have doubled in size since I planted them a week ago!

Those are flea beetles and the tiny holes in the leaves are flea beetle damage. The yellow/brown leaves is Early Blight. Remove the leaves, bag 'em and toss in the garbage can. Some people spray (Daconil seems most popular) - there is quite a bit of discussion about the application.timing, etc. within these forums.

Hello. These caterpillars even in large size is sometimes difficult to spot if you don't pay attention very much especially just looking throughout your plants. You obviousely see markings of bitings by it/them but you don't see it/them. At night, they tend to go up to the top of your plants and look for another opportunity....travel to the other plant around it. In my case, 10, 11pm at night, it/they'd be somewhat easier to spot. Downside is by the night, they'd be done some damages already. Oh, and just in case you see really huge one hunging on top of your plant upside down, don't pick it/them up by your bare finger! I've just tried to pick up the largest in my life which'd be at least 6 inches long for some reasons!! And worse..it bit my finger as I tried to pick it up and...you imagine the rest especially bitten by a thing you least expect:( It was pretty bad...if you imagine how they eat plants with their jaws or whatever... And they try to stick on your finger with back part of their legs or whatever you call them. From my exp, use a thin bamboo stick and try to shake its head part first then go to its tail part. If you shake it off and it falls on the ground. Your option is just KILL IT! Several times, I let them go..but then they came back even bigger by the time I figured and did much more damage. I hope this helps. Whatever you do..don't touch them by bare fingers unless you are sure they are small enough:)

Jean, I didn't realize the system only accepts one photo with an initial posting, and won't permit another picture with a follow up on the same thread. I'll try to start a new thread called Sudden Death Syndrome II and see if the close-up picture will be accepted. Thanks for letting me know. Cliff