How to Save a Drowned Tomato Plant

Tomato plants are generally quite resilient, but they can still suffer from overwatering. If your tomato plant has been drowned by excessive watering or heavy rain, there are a number of steps you can take to save it. Here’s what to do.

Assess the Damage

The first step is to assess the extent of the damage. If the soil is still completely waterlogged, then you may want to wait until it drains a little before attempting to save your tomato plant. However, if the water has receded, and the soil is moist but not totally saturated, then you can start to take action to save your plant.

Carefully Dig up the Plant

When a tomato plant has been drowned, its roots can become damaged and can even start to rot. Carefully dig up the plant, and gently remove any soil from around the roots. Look for any signs of rot or damage, such as brown or black roots, and gently trim away any damaged roots with a pair of sharp, clean scissors.

Re-pot the Plant

If your plant is in a pot, you can re-pot it with fresh soil that has good drainage. If the plant is in the ground, you may need to dig a new hole that is slightly raised above ground level to help improve drainage. Once you have placed your plant in its new home, water it well but do not overwater it.

Provide Sunlight and Nutrients

Tomato plants need sunlight and nutrients to grow properly. Make sure your plant is in a sunny spot and that you are providing it with enough nutrients. You can achieve this by adding organic compost or fertilizer to the soil. Be careful not to over-fertilize your plant, as this can cause more harm than good.

Watch for Signs of Recovery

After you have saved your drowned tomato plant, it may take some time for it to recover. Be patient and keep an eye on the plant for any signs of improvement. Healthy new growth and strong green leaves are good indicators that your plant is recovering. With a little care and attention, your tomato plant should be back to its healthy self in no time.

Conclusion

Drowning a tomato plant is a common mistake, but it can be fixed if you act quickly. By assessing the damage, carefully digging up the plant, re-potting it with fresh soil, providing it with enough sunlight and nutrients, and watching for signs of recovery, you can save your drowned tomato plant and enjoy a bountiful harvest of juicy, delicious tomatoes.