What Do Underwatered Tomato Plants Look Like?

Tomatoes are among the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens across the world. They produce juicy, delicious fruits that many people love to eat. However, growing tomatoes isn't always as easy as it looks. One of the most common problems that tomato growers face is under-watering. In this article, we will discuss what underwatered tomato plants look like so that you can identify and take action quickly to save your crop.

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing leaves are one of the most common signs of underwatered tomato plants. When tomato plants don't receive enough water, their leaves begin to turn yellow, starting from the bottom and working their way up. This is because the tomato plant diverts the energy from the bottom leaves to the top leaves in search of more water. If the problem persists, the yellow leaves turn brown and eventually fall off.

Wilting Plants

Another prominent sign that your tomato plants are underwatered is wilting. When tomato plants don't receive enough water, they wilt and hang down like limp noodles. This happens because the lack of water causes the plants to lose their turgidity, which is the state of being swollen with water. If the problem isn't solved immediately, wilting tomato plants may end up dying altogether.

Dry Soil

A third sign of underwatering in tomato plants is dry soil. If you notice that the soil around your tomato plants is always dry, it's a clear sign that the plants are not receiving enough water. Tomato plants need moist soil to grow and thrive, so if the soil is dry, it's a clear indication that your plants are not getting the necessary amount of water.

Cracks on the Fruits

One of the most significant problems with underwatered tomato plants is that the fruits may crack. When tomato plants don't get enough water, the inside of the fruit shrinks, causing the skin to break or crack. This is not just unsightly; it also invites rot and pests, which can damage or destroy the entire crop altogether. So, as soon as you notice fruit cracking, be sure to increase watering to avoid further damage.

Conclusion

Watering your tomato plants is a crucial part of their care, and it's essential to understand the signs of underwatering so that you can take action quickly. Yellow leaves, wilting plants, dry soil, and cracked fruits are some of the most common signs of underwatered tomato plants. If you observe one or more of these signs in your tomato plants, increase the watering frequency immediately and monitor the plants closely. With proper care and attention, your tomato plants will thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.