Reader Questions: Problems With Yellow Leaves on Tomatoes
By Vanessa Richins
As tomato season gets into full swing, problems start to crop up.
This week we have 2 questions dealing with yellow leaves.
From Kerrie in Utah:
“Hi, I planted my tomatoes & tomatillo’s about two weeks ago. I added compost and coffee grounds when I dug the holes. I have given them deep water a few times and it also rained a bit.
They plants were really healthy and I can’t see any evidence of bugs. I did get all the plants accept for one at the same nursery. I am worried they may have something I can’t fix, and need to know what it is in case I need new plants. Thanks.”
Hi Kerrie. First, it would be good to know how many times exactly you watered and how many days it has rained. From what I have heard, it hasn’t been too warm in Utah yet, so you shouldn’t need to water daily yet.
Yellow leaves can be caused by underwatering and overwatering. Tomatoes should be watered every 2-3 days for now, so if your watering schedule is different, that may be the cause.
Another possibility is nutrient deficiency, though perhaps not as likely since you added compost and coffee grounds. Nitrogen and iron deficiency may cause yellow leaves.
Since you don’t see any evidence of insects, that isn’t as likely of a cause. It could be a disease, but that would need pictures to diagnose.
From Renee:
“The center of my tomato leaves are green, but the outside is yellow and started to curl. They are not producing now. What is it? It has now traveled to other vegetable plants I have potted near them.”
One possibility is psyllids. Do you see any signs of insects? Sulfur is used in the control of psyllids. Here’s a page about the.
Another possibility is Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus. Do you live in a warm region or have a greenhouse? This virus is spread by a whitefly. What other vegetable plants do you have nearby?
If neither of these fit, write us back with pictures or more details so we can help.
Good luck Kerrie and Renee!
June 6th, 2009 at 10:03 am
My tomato leaves are turning yellow in the center, the tips are green. I’m in southern california
June 30th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
I have the same problem and I don’t want them to die while I’m on vacation in a few days. Can I send a photo?
July 10th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
In the instructions for my topsy-turvy, it said that you cannot over-water as supposedly all the water flows down and out the bottom if not needed. Is this wrong? Do I have yellow leaves from over-watering? (Not all of the leaves on my plant are yellow, just one portion.) I do have some green tomatoes so the plant is productive, at least.
July 21st, 2009 at 4:14 am
I have a 5ft tomato plant with plenty young tomatos but i have a problem with a white powder looking problem on the leaves which has quickly spread all over the plant as yet has not affected the tomatos it has also been very humid for the last couple of months, the plants are in a plastic greenhouse which is well ventelated every day.
August 9th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
I have plant that is a let blumer. It ahve put on flowers all season but no tomatos I was about to cut it down a person tole me ot give epson salt which I did then be hole I had tomato buds pop out all over they not grown any. I have sence gave it anoyher shot of epson salt but nothing in two weeks (racho: 1 TSP per foot of plant to 1 Gal water) The buds are about the size of a small match head They are 5 gal bucket reaised The other 2 plant are making tomatos like crazy.
Thanks
Bruce
May 14th, 2010 at 11:43 am
I live in NW Washington, and have found tomatoes hard to grow. I recently planted 3 different varieties of tomatoes, but two are white on their leaf edges. Any solutions? Thank you.