Well here I am again with more challenging news about the gardens. Tomato season is almost upon us. Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable grown in our garden and very much anticipated. That’s why it’s disappointing to see some tomato problems starting. Just this week, my tomatoes began to exhibit Tomato Leaf Septoria. This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in humid, moist conditions. The bottom leaves of the plant develop small black spots , turn yellow, and then brown. The fungus doesn’t get on the tomatoes themselves but does weaken the plant and shorten it’s production period. Removing the yellow, diseased leaves and branches is the first thing to do. These should not be put into the compost pile but should removed from the garden area. When watering, try to avoid watering the leaves of the plant and focus the water around the base of the tomato plant. The idea is to improve air circulation and discourage the moist conditions that promote the fungus. A copper spray can be used on the healthy foliage to help protect it from the fungus.
And, while I was cleaning the diseased leaves from my tomatoes, I was lucky enough to find the first tomato hornworm on my tomato plants . The one I found was still on the small side and I couldn’t find others but I am sure they are there. They are like mice, if you see one, that means you probably have dozens. I will remind gardeners of my quick and easy way to deal with them: a pair of scissors cuts them in half . It’s faster than trying to pull them off since they have strong grasping feet and pulling on them usually means they end up exploding in your hand –not pleasant. However, if you see one carting around a bunch of grains of rice, leave it alone. Those are the eggs of a parasitic wasp whose larvae feed on the hornworm and kill it. We want to encourage those wasps.
By the way, I did harvest my first yellow Garden Peach tomato and a handful of Sungold cherry tomatoes. Happy Gardening
septoria leaf spot
Septoria leaf spot
tomato hornworm with parasitic wasp eggs
Tomato hornworm larvae and adult moth
Wagon Hill Farm Community Garden 