Homegrown Tomatoes - Problem Solver

There are a few things in life that are well worth the effort required for the benefits gained. As Guy Clark sings in his song, Homegrown Tomatoes, "There's only two things that money can't buy, and that's true lovin' and homegrown tomatoes." While both are wonderful things, we occasionally have problems with one or the other. Since tomatoes are a little easier to tend to, let's stick to them! What follows are some common problems with the appropriate solution.

• Rolled Leaves - This is a common occurrence this time of year. When the temperatures get above 90 degrees in late spring tomato plants respond by cupping their leaves to cope with the heat. Do not be tempted to over-water at this time. The plants are not hurt.
• Blossom End Rot - Are your tomatoes getting a brown spot on the bottom of the fruit? If left on the vine the spot will cover one third to one half of the fruit. The area eventually turns black, sunken, and leathery. The onset of drought after a wet spring is the most common cause of this disease. Too much water can also cause it! Proper mulching is the key. It is easier for you to keep the soil evenly moist without it becoming too dry or too wet when mulch is used. Lack of calcium may also come into play. Using too much nitrogen fertilizer can make calcium unavailable to the plant. Horticultural limestone will correct this problem. A soil test before planting will tell you if this is the case. See your local Extension Agent about soil testing by Texas A& M University.
• Early Blight - This is a fungal disease. Yellow blotches on the leaves give us the first clue. The leaves then turn brown and dry. It starts on the bottom of the plant and moves up the foliage. It helps to keep water off of the foliage. Copper Fungicide is a good way to control this fungal disease.
• Spider Mites - The leaves turn tan and mottled, then brown and crisp. It starts at the bottom of the plant and works its way up. Sometimes you can see fine webbing on the bottom of the leaves. A non-toxic product called Neem is good not only for spider mites but also grasshoppers.
• Blossom drop - This is a sign of a stressed plant. The main cause seems to be lack of moisture in the soil. Again, mulching will help. Sudden temperature changes, nutrient imbalance, and disease can also cause it. Large tomatoes are particularly vulnerable. Proper watering and constant temperatures are the best cure.

It is important is rotate your vegetable crops every two or three years. You will not give a particular disease or harmful insect that may affect a particular plant a chance to grow into a problem in one area. Overwatering a tomato is easy to detect as well. If you have nodes of root growth just above the ground level you have probably watered to the point of killing off part of the below ground root system. Cut back on watering or improve drainage next season. Here's hoping your true lovin' and your homegrown tomatoes make your tummy tingle!