How to Keep Tomato Plants from Getting Blight

Tomato blight is a common fungal disease that can quickly kill tomato plants and ruin your garden. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent blight from affecting your tomato plants. In this article, we'll go over the different types of blight, discuss its symptoms, and provide tips on how to prevent and treat it.

Types of Blight

There are two main types of tomato blight: early blight and late blight.

Early Blight: This type of blight usually appears near the bottom of the plant, and is characterized by small, dark spots on the leaves that gradually turn yellow and then brown. The leaves may also become curled or distorted. Early blight typically appears in mid-summer.

Late Blight: This type of blight is more severe than early blight and can quickly kill an entire plant. Late blight usually appears on the upper leaves and stems of the plant and is characterized by large, irregularly shaped brown/black spots with a feathery appearance. Late blight typically appears in late summer or early fall.

Symptoms of Blight

It's important to be able to recognize the symptoms of blight so you can take action before it spreads throughout your tomato plants. The following are some common signs of blight:

Yellow/brown spots on leaves or stems

Curled or distorted leaves

Leaves dropping prematurely from the plant

Brown/black spots with a feathery appearance

Plant wilting or dying

Preventing Blight

The best way to deal with blight is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here are some effective ways to prevent blight:

Plant resistant varieties: Look for tomato varieties that are resistant to blight. This information should be available on the plant label or seed packet.

Rotate crops: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot year after year, as soil-borne fungal spores can build up over time.

Stake or cage plants: This can help improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal growth.

Avoid overhead watering: Water the soil directly at the base of the plant rather than spraying water on the leaves.

Maintain good garden hygiene: Remove diseased plants and fallen leaves promptly to prevent the spread of fungal spores.

Use fungicides as a preventative measure: Apply fungicides to your tomato plants before blight appears, following the label instructions carefully.

Treating Blight

If you do notice signs of blight on your tomato plants, there are steps you can take to try and save them:

Prune affected leaves: Remove any leaves that are showing signs of blight to prevent the spread of the disease.

Apply fungicides: If the blight is caught early, fungicides may be able to stop the disease from spreading. However, be aware that once blight takes hold, it can be difficult to control with fungicides alone.

Remove infected plants: If the blight has spread to the majority of the plant, it's best to remove it completely to prevent the disease from spreading further.

Clean up debris: Once infected plants have been removed, make sure to clean up all debris, fallen leaves, and fruit to minimize the risk of fungal spores spreading.

Conclusion

While tomato blight can be a frustrating and destructive disease, there are effective ways to prevent and control it. By practicing good garden hygiene, planting resistant varieties, and taking action at the first signs of blight, you can keep your tomato plants healthy and productive all season long.