2 Answers

1.Cut away any yellowed and rotted leaves and stems. A rotted stem will feel mushy to the touch. These stems will not recover and are taking away moisture and nutrients the viable stems and leaves require to recover.

2

Turn off any automatic sprinkler or soaker hose. If there’s rain in the forecast, gently cover the tomato plants with clear plastic sheeting. Weigh down the plastic sheeting with heavy objects such as large rocks. Arrange the cover so air still reaches the plants.

3

Allow the soil to dry out until it’s moist to the touch, not completely dry. The best way to tell if your tomato plant requires more water is to stick your finger into the soil. If the soil is moist at a depth of 2 to 3 inches, you don’t need to water it just yet.

4

Continue to monitor the soil; when it’s dry at a level of 2 to 3 inches, remove the plastic sheeting and water the plant to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. As the weeks pass, continue to monitor the soil and the plant’s appearance. If Mother Nature is providing enough rain to keep the soil moist to a depth of 2 to 3-inches, do not provide any supplemental irrigation. If the plant’s stems and leaves continue to rot and yellow, it cannot be salvaged and must be removed and disposed of immediately.

• Prevent future issues with overwatering by maintaining a regular irrigation schedule. Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch such as leaves, hay or grass clippings around the tomato plants to help improve the soil’s drainage.


• Avoid watering your tomato plants if there’s rain in the forecast over the next 24 hours.