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Home garden tomato problem #879295

Asked July 29, 2024, 4:21 PM EDT

Hi! My son wanted to grow a small vegetable garden this summer next to my annual/perennial flowers. His tomatoes don't seem to be doing well. We are new to vegetable gardening and are not sure what is going on and hoping for your help. It started with the leaves in the bottom, so he trimmed anything that was touching the ground It now seems to be moving up the other vines. He seems to be getting fruit on the vines, but it doesn't really seem to be ripening. I had heard they need cool nights to help with the ripening but I wasn't sure iif that was true. We have been watering overhead, could that be part of the problem? Is there anything we can do to help save his harvest? It also seems to be effecting all his tomato plants. I have included a couple of pictures. We appreciate any help or advise you can give us. Thank you!

Livingston County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Reginna, thanks for the question. 

You are correct about overhead watering.  Prolonged leaf wetness provides the perfect environment for pathogens to take hold.  It appears the plants are infected with septoria leaf spot and possibly early blight.  Both are spread by wind and rain so trimming lower leaves helps rain splash from the ground.  Tools, insects, and hands can also spread the disease.  Removing plant debris and weeds from the site is also helpful.  Both these diseases are best controlled by prevention; however, treatment after infection can slow the spread.   Warm temperatures, variety, as well as other issues can delay ripening.  Check out the following links:

Septoria Leaf Spot – Wisconsin Horticulture

Early Blight – Wisconsin Horticulture

Septoria leaf spot on tomatoes: More ways to prevent spots before your eyes - MSU Extension

Tomatoes Not Ripening? - Indiana Yard and Garden - Purdue Consumer HorticulturePurdue University Indiana Yard and Garden – Purdue Consumer Horticulture

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 8:04 AM EDT

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