What Is Going On With My Tomato Plants?

Question

I was recently given some tomato plants from a farmer. The leaves have went yellow on top with slight purple running through them. The underside of these leaves are also purple. Is it a problem for later down the line? Should I bin them? Is it fixable? New to all this food growing. And don’t know what I’m doing. I’ve attached photos so you can see what I mean

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Answer 1

There are a few causes. Unfortunately, this will have to be picked through, one at a time. Phosphorus deficiency is the main cause, but phosphorous deficiency isn't always straightforward. It could be that phosphorus is, simply, not available to the plant.

I notice that the soil looks wet and heavy. It doesn't appear to be potting soil. This could be a definite cause. Heavy soils that remain wet will suffocate the roots and cause symptoms of lack of nutrients. The pH of the soil could be off, as well. Very acidic soil can bind up phosphorus into salt forms, making it completely unavailable to the plants. Too much sun before hardening off little by little is another cause, as is any other environmental stress. Lastly, it could be an actual phosphorus deficiency. All of these parameters can be tested for, however.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/tips-for-growing-tomatoes.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-percolation-in-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm