How to Fix Common Problems With Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden variety plants in the world. That said, they come with their fair share of problems that need fixing from time to time just like most things you grow in the garden.

But, before you can learn how to fix common problems with tomato plants and increase/protect your harvest, you need to know what they are!

What are the most common problems with tomato plants? Tomato plants can suffer from a number of different problems including pests, harmful bacteria, watering and light issues, as well as various diseases. It’s important to know how to identify, prevent and cure these infections before they spread to all your plants.  

Read on below and learn how to fix common problems with tomato plants!

Identifying and Fixing Common Problems with Tomato Plants

Tomato plant diseases are often caused by factors out of our control, such as the weather, which makes it impossible for us to prevent them. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to fix common problems with tomato plants. Being vigilant and comparing the plants with one another, will help us detect slight changes that can lead to disease. 

Problems With Tomato Plants (and Solutions)

Some of the most common problems with tomato plants may be prevented or cured, while others not only kill the plant but also may spread and affect other plants or even future harvests.

Here is a list of the most common problems with tomato plants, including diseases (as well as solutions for each one):

1.  Early Blight / Late Blight

With Early Blight, the leaves develop brown spots with the shape of a target. The leaves start to turn yellow till they eventually dry and fall. With Late Blight, you’ll also find a ring with white mold around the dry spots. 

Solution

A garden fungicide can treat the affected plants. Crop rotation prevents future infections. 

2. Leaf Spot

With this common problem, dark spots appear on the tomato plant’s leaves. As the leaf spot grows it develops a black dot in the middle. The leaves start to dry and eventually fall. 

Solution

A spray against fungal diseases can cure the plant. If you avoid watering the tomatoes from the top and removing the affected leaves, you’ll prevent the infection from spreading. 

3. Southern Blight

With Southern Blight, the stem of the plant becomes discolored. At the same time, dark round spots appear on the stem near the soil. Fruit near the stem can get affected too. 

Solution

You have to dispose of the affected plants and the plant’s debris. Use a fungicide as a preventative.

4. Wilting Leaves

Wilting tomato plant leaves are often caused by a fungus that attacks the vascular system of the plant. All of a sudden the plant starts to wilt and water doesn’t help. The plant eventually dies. 

Solution

Once the plant is affected you’ll have to dispose of it. Crop rotation and purchasing wilt-resistant varieties of tomatoes are the options to prevent this disease. 

5. Bacterial Speck

Bacterial Speck is a common problem that is identifiable by its tiny dark spots with a yellow rim that appear on the fruits and leaves. These bacterial spots on tomato plants may be flat, sunken, or raised.  

Solution

The disposal of the affected plants is the only option. Avoid splashing water on leaves because this disease can be transmitted to healthy plants by water, garden tools, and even your hands. 

6. Buckeye Rot

Buckeye Rot is a common problem that often affects green or ripe fruits on tomato plants. A brown spot enlarges with concentric rings. As the disease progresses the affected area turns soft and decays. 

Solution

You have to remove the affected fruit and keep future fruits from contact with the soil. 

Suggested Reading: How to Grow Tomatoes: Gardening Guide