our tomato plants have yellow leaves on the bottom and in 4 weeks the bottom half of the plant has turned yellow. This happened last year and we changed the spot in the garden as to where we plant. Can anyone help us as to why this is continuing happening.
Well there could be many causes, so it's difficult to know what's going on without soil analysis results or fotos....but one cause could ne Magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency in toms is noticed by the yellowing of the leaves. While the whole leaf can become yellow, it is most commonly noticed when one notes yellowing inbetween the veins of the leaf. Epsom salt is a source of Magnesium. To make a solution of Magnesium Sulfate for your plants: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water. For healthy tomatoes begin watering the soil just as flowering starts. You can also use this mixture as a foliage spray. While this could aid your plant, before using it I would recommend that you first try and determine if your soil is ,in fact, low in Mg. Good luck.
thanks for the info.. dont think it is fungus disease though because even though all the leaves turned yellow last year, we still had lots of tomatoes on the plant.. I just cut away the leaves. but maybe the magnesium deficiency is the answer. will try doing the epsom salt cure. Thanks so much for all the responses.
Question Hey bee, Did you get a chance to try magnesium? I seem to have what looks to be a similar problem, yellowing leaves but plenty of fruit, and have been unable to figure out after two weeks. Thanks for any input you can offer. Pete
hi! Epsom salts is a terrific plant "booster", whether you're tranplanting, or just scattering a little around the perimeter of the plant just before it rains. once a month or every few months is all the plants need. Gardenias and camellias took off a couple of weeks after application I use it on all the flowering and foliage plants, and the rose leaves are amazing. i've noticed a growth spurt. once a month is enough, do it before it rains so that you don't have to water it in. and i don't think extra magnesium could be a bad thing. I've seen bigger blooms on the rugosa roses and nandina as well. it works on all types of plants. i wish i hade before and after photos of the difference in the plants. Epsom salts worked well in my xeriscaped and rain gardens. There's a noticeable difference in the size and health of foliage quickly. It cured the yellow leaves on a struggling gardenia with yellowing leaves. I've put a tablespoon into the planting holes or around new transplants, and i apply it to the rows inbetween the shrubs. scattering it around so that everything benefits from the application. i also used 2 tbslp. or a little more into a bucket and hand-water directly on some plants. Epsom salts does not damage foliage. i always love soaking in the tub after a busy physical day. I use a healthy shake of in the tub and blend it It makes the muscles feel wonderful. don't pay the extra expense at a plant nursery or online. you can find it in your local drugstore in a large bag pretty inexpensively and suggested uses and directions are on the bag. i would imagine that if you use well water and not treated tap water, it would be a great idea. use it on all plants, it works well with no problems. mary
