What to Do If Your Tomato Plant Has Blight

As a tomato gardener, discovering that your plants have blight can be disheartening. Blight is a fungal disease that can quickly spread and destroy your entire tomato crop. However, it is not a death sentence for your plants, and there are things you can do to control and manage the disease. Here are some steps to take if your tomato plant has blight.

Identify the Type of Blight

There are two types of blight that commonly affect tomato plants: early blight and late blight. Early blight appears as dark spots on the older leaves of the plant, while late blight causes large, irregular-shaped blotches on the leaves, stems, and fruit. Knowing which type of blight you have can help you choose the most effective treatment.

Remove Infected Plants

If you have an infected plant, it is essential to remove it from your garden immediately. This prevents the fungal spores from spreading to healthy plants. Pull the plant up, roots and all, and dispose of it in the trash or burn it. Do not compost infected plant material, as the spores can survive and spread in the compost.

Clean Your Garden Tools and Equipment

Fungal spores can remain on the surface of garden tools and equipment, so it is important to clean them thoroughly after handling infected plants. Use a disinfectant solution such as diluted bleach or rubbing alcohol to clean your tools, gloves, and any other equipment that may have come into contact with the infected plant.

Apply Fungicides

Fungicides can help control the spread of blight in your tomato plants. Look for a fungicide that is specifically formulated for tomato blight and follow the instructions carefully. Some fungicides are preventative, meaning you should apply them before any blight symptoms appear, while others are curative and can be applied after the disease has taken hold. Be sure to wear gloves and follow all safety precautions when handling chemicals.

Practice Good Tomato Plant Care

Prevention is the best way to avoid blight in your tomato plants. Practicing good tomato plant care can help keep your plants healthy and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Here are some tips:

Plant disease-resistant tomato varieties.

Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot year after year.

Keep the soil around your tomato plants well-drained and fertile.

Avoid overhead watering, which can spread fungal spores.

Prune and trellis your plants to promote good air circulation.

By following these steps, you can control blight in your tomato plants and enjoy a healthy, bountiful harvest.