Stunted Tomato Plants
The last two growing seasons my tomato plants have been stunted, growing very little and looking pretty frail. I rotate my plants and my soil test indicates plenty of nutrients. Please help, the pride of my garden has become an embarrassment.
Check the plants for aphids, leaf spots or other signs of insects or diseases. If none are present it is a problem with the growing conditions. Plant tomatoes in full sun (8-12 hours) with moist, well drained soils. Correct the growing conditions or move the plants to a better area. Make sure there are no black walnuts in the area. Black walnut trees contain juglone. This substance is toxic to tomatoes, vine crops and many other plants. Move your garden to an area at least 50 feet, preferably more, away from the black walnut tree. Or create a raised planting bed free of black walnut roots. Line the bottom and sides of the raised bed with weed barrier fabric. This will help keep the roots out of the soil in the raised bed garden.
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