Common Tomato Growing Problems and Solutions
As summer heats up, vegetable gardeners wait anxiously for the first tomatoes to ripen, sun-warmed and sweet. But it's not always an easy wait.
Key Points to Remember
- No tomato crop will ever be perfect. Imperfection and loss are normal, and chasing perfection with chemicals is unnecessary.
- Many problems can be prevented. Proper selection, planting, and care make tomatoes less susceptible to issues.
- Alertness saves tomatoes. Regularly checking your plants helps catch problems early.
Common Tomato Problems
Got lots of leaves, but no fruit?
Too much nitrogen and not enough phosphorus can cause this issue. Use a balanced fertilizer like Burpee's Organic Tomato Fertilizer.
Do the blossoms fall off before fruit forms?
Blossom drop is often caused by cool weather. Wait for warmer temperatures before planting.
Is the tomato puckered or distorted?
This condition, known as catfacing, occurs due to cool nights. Choose catface-resistant varieties for better results.
Are the tomatoes cracked?
Uneven watering can cause cracking. Water deeply and consistently, and consider using soaker hoses to regulate moisture.
Do the tomatoes have a soft or rotten spot on the bottom?
Blossom end rot is a sign of calcium deficiency. Use calcium-rich fertilizers and maintain steady moisture levels.
Are the leaves wilting or yellow?
This could indicate fungal diseases like verticillium or fusarium wilt. Rotate crops and select disease-resistant varieties.
Do leaves have spots?
Spider mites or fungus could be the cause. Use insecticidal soap or improve air circulation.
Do the stems have spots?
Brown patches may be a sign of late blight. Remove infected plants immediately to prevent spreading.
Do the tomatoes have pale spots?
Sunscald or stinkbugs might be responsible. Provide shade and control pests.
Are the edges of the leaves nibbled?
Tomato hornworms could be the culprit. Hand-pick them or let parasitic wasps handle infestations.
Are chunks bitten out of the tomatoes?
Squirrels may be snacking on your crop. Use physical barriers like chicken wire to protect your plants.
For more tomato-growing solutions, explore Burpee's full selection of tomato plants and seeds.