What Can I Plant after Tomato Blight?
If you’ve experienced tomato blight, you know how devastating it can be for your garden. Blight is a plant disease that targets the leaves and stems of tomato plants, causing them to turn yellow and die. The disease is caused by a fungus called Phytophthora infestans and can quickly spread to neighboring plants.
If you’ve had to remove tomato plants from your garden due to blight, you may be wondering what to plant next. Here are a few options:
1. Potatoes
While potatoes are also susceptible to blight, they are not at high risk for the same strain of fungus that attacks tomatoes. Additionally, potatoes can help break up the soil and add nutrients to your garden. Opt for disease-resistant varieties like ‘Yukon Gold’ and ‘Kennebec’.
2. Beans
Beans are a great option for planting after tomato blight because they are not closely related to tomatoes, so they are not susceptible to the same diseases. They also help improve soil quality and are a great source of nitrogen.
3. Peppers
Peppers are another good choice for planting after tomato blight because they are not in the same family as tomatoes. They also prefer similar growing conditions as tomatoes and can be planted in the same spots where your tomatoes once grew. Be sure to choose disease-resistant varieties.
4. Squash
Squash is another option for planting after tomato blight. They prefer similar growing conditions as tomatoes and can help improve soil quality. Squash are also resistant to many common tomato diseases.
5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a great choice for planting after tomato blight because they are not closely related to tomatoes. They also help improve soil quality and are a great source of moisture for your garden. Be sure to choose disease-resistant varieties.
Conclusion
While tomato blight can be a frustrating experience for gardeners, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your garden season. Consider planting one of these options after removing your diseased tomato plants. Remember to choose disease-resistant varieties, practice good crop rotation, and maintain good garden hygiene to prevent the spread of disease in the future.