How to Control Blight on Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a popular and delicious addition to any garden, but they are not without their challenges. One of the most common issues that tomato growers face is blight. Blight is a fungal disease that can devastate tomato plants, causing them to wilt, brown, and eventually die. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to control blight and keep your tomato plants healthy.

Choose Resistant Varieties

One of the best ways to prevent blight is to choose tomato varieties that are resistant to the disease. Look for varieties that are marked with "VF" or "VFN" on their tags or in their descriptions. These letters indicate that the plant is resistant to verticillium wilt (V), fusarium wilt (F), or both (N).

Avoid Overhead Watering

Another common cause of blight is overhead watering. When water gets on the leaves and stems of tomato plants, it can create the damp, humid conditions that blight thrives in. Instead of watering from above, try to water your plants at the base using a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose. This will keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of blight.

Practice Good Sanitation

To prevent the spread of blight, it's important to practice good sanitation in your garden. This means removing any infected plants as soon as you notice them, and disposing of them carefully. Don't compost infected plants, as the spores can survive and spread to other plants. Also, be sure to clean your garden tools with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water before using them on another plant.

Use Fungicides

If you've had problems with blight in the past, or if you're growing tomatoes in a particularly humid or rainy area, you may want to consider using a fungicide to prevent or control the disease. Look for products that are labeled for use on tomatoes, and follow the instructions carefully. It's important to apply fungicides regularly, as directed, to get the best results.

Conclusion

Tomato blight can be a frustrating and damaging problem for gardeners, but it's not unbeatable. By choosing resistant varieties, avoiding overhead watering, practicing good sanitation, and using fungicides as needed, you can keep your tomato plants healthy and productive. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of juicy, delicious tomatoes all season long.