How can I prevent blight on my tomatoes?

Foliar diseases of tomatoes are a common problem in the home garden.  Fungal diseases, such as early blight and Septoria leaf spot, overwinter on plant debris in the soil.  Fungal spores are splashed onto plant foliage by raindrops or splashing water.  A wet leaf surface is required for the spores to invade the plant tissue.  Wet spring and early summer weather favors development of foliar diseases on tomatoes. 

Home gardeners can reduce blight problems on their tomatoes with good cultural practices. 

Rotating Crop Location

Plant tomatoes in a different location in the garden each year.  Rotate crops so that tomatoes and other solanaceous crops (potatoes, peppers, and eggplants) are not grown in the same area for at least 3 or 4 years.  A 3 or 4 year rotation may not be feasible for gardeners with small vegetable gardens.  However, small plot gardeners should rotate as much as possible.  There is no home garden treatment that effectively destroys the disease pathogens in the soil. 

Air Movement and Wire Support

When planting tomatoes, space plants approximately 3 feet apart.  Wide plant spacing increases air movement and promotes rapid drying of plant foliage. 

Grow tomato plants in wire cages.  The foliage of tomatoes growing in wire cages dries more quickly than those sprawling on the ground.  Gardeners can buy tomato cages at garden centers or make their own using concrete reinforcing wire or hog wire.  A wire cage 2 feet in diameter and 4 to 5 feet tall should be adequate for most tomato varieties. 

Applying Mulch

In early June, apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around each tomato plant.   Shredded leaves, dry grass clippings, and straw are excellent mulches.  The mulch reduces the splashing of fungal spores on plant foliage.  Mulching tomato plants in early June allows the soil to warm up in spring. 

Avoid Overhead Watering

Avoid wetting tomato foliage when watering.  Apply water directly to the ground around plants with a soaker hose, slow running hose, or watering can.  If a sprinkler must be used, water in the morning so the foliage dries quickly. 

Use of Fungicides

While cultural practices can help control foliar diseases of tomatoes, fungicides may also be needed.  Apply fungicides, such as chlorothalonil, at regular intervals beginning 2 to 4 weeks after planting.  Thorough coverage is essential.  Be sure to spray both the upper and lower leaf surfaces as well as the centers of the plants.  Spray to the point of runoff.