Most tomato problems come from watering, weather, pests, or disease. Blossom end rot signals uneven watering, cracks signal water swings, yellow leaves signal age or disease, and holes signal pests.
What is wrong with my tomato plant?
Match the symptom to its likely cause and fix. Most tomato problems trace back to watering, weather, pests, or disease.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dark sunken base on fruit | Uneven watering, low calcium | Water evenly, mulch, keep pH near 6.5 |
| Cracked or split skin | Water swings after rain | Mulch and water steadily; pick at first color |
| Yellow lower leaves | Natural aging or disease | Remove leaves; feed if widespread |
| Holes in fruit | Hornworm or fruitworm | Hand-pick; spray Bt early |
| Brown leaf spots | Early or late blight | Improve airflow; remove infected parts |
| Sudden wilting | Fusarium or verticillium wilt | Plant VFN-resistant varieties; rotate crops |
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Tomato Problem FAQs
Why are my tomato leaves turning yellow?
Yellow lower leaves are often natural aging. Fast, spreading yellowing with spots signals disease or a nutrient problem, so remove affected leaves and check watering.
What causes blossom end rot?
Blossom end rot comes from uneven watering and low calcium uptake, not a lack of calcium in soil. Water evenly and mulch to fix it.
Why are my tomatoes cracking?
Tomatoes crack when heavy water follows a dry spell. Steady watering and mulch prevent the swings that split the skin.
How do you treat tomato blight?
Improve airflow, water at the base, remove infected leaves, and use a copper or chlorothalonil spray early. Choose resistant varieties next season.
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