Black spots on tomato leaves won’t bring an end to your garden when you use the following easy-to-fix treatments for this often deadly fungus.
Black spots on tomato leaves? Save the day with this easy organic fix!
This article is an entry to our 2014 “How to Grow Tomatoes: Tips, Tricks and Tutorials” competition. We value our community members because they contribute valuable “life resources” to our growing TGN library.
black spots on tomato plants in my garden
We live in a mobile home park that looks like a suburb of Los Angeles but is actually the low desert of California.
Image Source Ryan McGuire from focus on
Keeping plants watered in our poor clay soil is our biggest problem, as tomatoes do best if they are watered deeply and left alone for a week or two. I found that I had to supplement by overspraying the garden to simulate late rain. It removes dust from leaves, aphids don’t seem to like it.
Black spot has also been an occasional problem for several years.
Now, some would say it’s because the leaves got wet, but tomatoes have been raining for thousands of years. After all, they are native to hot and humid tropical regions. So I just don’t believe the idea (watering doesn’t bother the pumpkin either).
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For those unaware, tomatoes are also perennials in their natural habitat. I keep tomato plants and their cousin bell peppers here for up to 5 years – as long as I can keep them from frosting. They grow huge without pruning.
Expert advice and practical experience
Black spot fungi appear on tomato leaves as, um, black spots. It usually affects the lower ones first, followed by leaves yellowing and falling off. It reduces or completely destroys yield and eventually kills the plant.
Image Source Pam Carter from focus on
Standard “expert” advice is to pull out any affected plants and dispose of them. I’ve done this in some cases, and I certainly wouldn’t put one in the compost. But I also saved the plant with a very simple treatment.
It occurred to me that since it is a fungus, antifungal substances should control it.I wanted to stay organic so I went to my local drugstore and bought a bottle Brimstone. This is just sulphur powder.
It works just fine.
What to do with black spots on tomato leaves
How simple it is.from an old pair of pantyhose or a knee-length. Fill it with sulphur powder. Tie it on.
Now, hold its knot and dust the entire plant in a bouncing motion, as if you were playing a yoyo. Be sure to dust the surrounding soil, as well as any adjacent plants.
Repeat as needed. I haven’t found this to affect the pH of the soil. By the way, this method is great for applying other powders like diatomaceous earth around the garden and around the home.
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A wonderful fruit of victory
Image Source Mary Parker from focus on
We saved three potted tomatoes this way a few years ago; they turned out to be our largest producer. You may have a hard time finding sulphur flowers at the pharmacy right now. I’ve noticed some things have gone off the shelf, but I’m sure you can still find it in the garden center.
What do you think?
We hope to hear from more readers! Have you battled the evil black spots on tomato plants in your garden? Let us know your personal tips and tricks in the comments below.
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This is an updated version of an article originally published on July 17, 2014. Authors may not be able to respond to comments at this time; however, we encourage our community members to get involved, share their experiences and answer questions!
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