Preventing Common Tomato Plant Issues with Summer Care | Farm your Yard

Many fungal diseases and rots that affect tomato plants can be prevented with proper plant care throughout the growing season. Carrie Hargrove of the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture discusses the importance of caging or trellising, consistent watering, and good mulch to surround tomato plants.
In this video, Carrie demonstrates both caging individual tomato plants with homemade 1.5 foot diameter cylindrical field fence cages and constructing a multi-plant trellis using t-posts and garden twine to provide good air circulation and prevent fungal disease. Carrie also shares good watering techniques to prevent blossom end rot -- that black rotten spot on bottom of tomatoes caused by a calcium deficiency -- and maintain healthy tomato plants with deep root systems. Finally, good mulch is key to keeping soil cooler and moist, and preventing pathogens from splashing up and onto tomato plant leaves; Carrie discusses using fall leaves or straw to encourage healthy mid-Missouri tomato plants.
IN THIS VIDEO:
0:00 Introduction
1:00 Using tomato cages, and why support is important for healthy tomato plants
1:52 DIY Tomato cages
2:49 Tomato cages versus trellising tomatoes
3:16 How to trellis tomatoes with t-posts and twine (or string)
6:36 Understanding blossom end rot, calcium deficiency, and the role of consistent watering to prevent black rotten spots
7:51 Watering tips for healthy and productive tomato plants
9:47 Encouraging strong, deep root systems through watering cycles and good mulch
11:00 The importance of mulching around tomato plants
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