yellow leaves

[Skywalker]

I need some help! I planted my heirloom tomatoes and the next day the bottom leaves started turning yellow. By day 2 some of them were looking dry and brittle. I don't think my compost was too hot, could they be sun burned? Maybe I didn't let them get used to the outdoors enough? I really don't want to loose all 32 heirloom tomatoes I grew! Have no idea where to replace them!! Hope someone can help! Haven't had this happen before.

[terrianne]

I say just relax...your plants may have a little transplant shock is all. I use the transplant method of trenching. Dig a trench, lay all but the very top 4 or 5 inches of the tomato into the ground and cover it up. This gives the tomato plenty of stem to grow a giant root system and absorb water. This is especially helpful with the tomatoes that bear abundantly.

Each Heirloom will have it's own disease resistance too. You will find some get blossom end rot...wilt..etc. Keep a good garden journal. I remember my Cherokee purples....sad, sad looking plant...since I can my harvest I like to stick to Heirlooms that are pretty disease resistant.

Good luck with your tomatoes. :) terri anne

[kkinAL]

My tomatoes did the same thing this year (and have in the past) As long as the upper leaves still look healthy I wouldn't worry. I did fertilize them & added a little extra iron(Ironite) and they greened back up.

[Skywalker]

Gosh... everyone... thanks so much for the encouragement. This is only my 2nd year for heirlooms, and I couldn't imagine what I did differently this year that caused it. I LOVE my Cherokee Purple and Green Zebra and didn't want to loose them and have to go to Walmart to replace them with hybrids!!! I will be patient!!!

[drobinson]

When setting out small plants, tomatoes and other things, if the soil is too cold and the moisture is too high, the leaves will yellow because the roots cannot take up enough nitrogen to keep them green. But as soon as the roots settle in and the excess moisture level drops, and the soil warms - if there is sufficient nitrogen and other nutrients - they will green up nicely and GROW. It is best not to mulch tomatoes too soon, before the soil has a chance to warm up. Also, if you mulch your transplants, it will hold too much moisture in the ground for them to get a good start. When the tomatoes set blossoms, then mulch, if you choose. Leaf yellowing will also occur with mature tomatoes if there is not good drainage and they have too much water.

[Skywalker]

thanks everyone. The tomatoes have survived the drought, the heat and then a week of rain followed by more heat. Those horrible green worms are devouring some, but I am spraying the plants with garlic water and that has helped. My green zebra always seem to withstand the best. thanks again