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Tomato problems

I've done a bit of research and am just wondering if my tomato problems are just watering related (I found a thread on here from a couple of years ago which was very useful but with very differing opinions on watering).  I didn't realise tomatoes liked 'routine' and sometimes watering has been sporadic, although not forgotten and if anyone I've over watered rather than under watered as I didn't want them drying out.

These 3 pics show what I think are 3 different problems but possible related?  Any suggestions gratefully received as always image

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 Black spots on lower leaves

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 Yellow spots on lower leaves?

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Just generally sad looking!! The others are all very happy apart from the dodgy leaves!

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  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    I was told to use epsom salts on tomatoes but i cant remember why cos im a bit daft, probably worth googling as mine had yellow bits on the leaves too image
  • Orchid LadyOrchid Lady Posts: 5,800

    I read that last night Bekkie but can't remember why either....must also be daft image Will google now image

  • Orchid LadyOrchid Lady Posts: 5,800

    Well, silly me, how could I not have known that!!  Epsom salts are used as a fertiliser for plants, in particular peppers and tomatoes that can suffer from a magnesium deficiency in the soil to help give greener leaves and a higher flower production / fruit yield. image

    Ooh, how clever do I sound now image 

    Does anyone have first hand experience of using Epsom salts, I have been using Tomorite but only used it twice.

  • Orchid Lady wrote (see)

    I read that last night Bekkie but can't remember why either....must also be daft image Will google now image

     

    Google 'magnesium deficiency' OL.....not saying that's what it is mind!

  • Orchid LadyOrchid Lady Posts: 5,800

    I googled Epsom salts David, I think our posts crossed. Would Tomorite not sort that?  Off foe another google image

  • Orchid LadyOrchid Lady Posts: 5,800

    I think the browsing is magnesium deficiency, I think those plants are in a different grow bag to the ones on the other side with the yellowing leaves and 'sad' plant so I think that's a different issue.  Don't the lower leaves in tomatoes yellow anyway and need to be removed?  It's not the upper leaves just lower. 

    Im going to get some Epsom salts tomorrow and give that a go.image

  • Well, TBH I wouldn't be too concerned about the first two pics, but the third looks a bit like me i.e. seen better days. I think this has resulted from a dry atmosphere.....try mist spraying on warm days.

    Epsom salts (sulphate of magnesium) is to balance a magnesium deficiency.....which is what I think yours doesn't have.

    Yellow leaves are a sign of magnesium deficiency.

    Bet Monty Don don't know that! image

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    Epsom salts are used to counter Magnesium deficiency which can lead to symptoms similar to what is in the photo's.  You won't harm the plants by spraying them with a dilute Epsom salts solution and it may well help them, so worth a try.  Humid conditions and water on leaves will make them more likely to catch fungal infections, so don't  spray very often and never last thing at night - early in the morning is ideal.  Very good ventilation is the best way of avoiding tomato leaf diseases - the plants like it hot and dry whereas humidity will encourage problems.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Have you got a sprayer OL? Makes it much easier to apply on the foliage, it was years ago that i used it, but i seem to remember it worked image
  • Orchid LadyOrchid Lady Posts: 5,800

    I have been keeping my Method cleaning bottles to use as sprayers Bekkie.

    Thanks Bob and David, a little confused now so I will re-read in the morning but I do have auto vents and open the GH door when it's very hot.

    When I grew the toms and they were tiny I did have one that seemed to be struggling, I'm wondering if the one that looks 'past it' may well be that one.  It does have flowers though so not giving up on it yet.  Thank you again image

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