Why Are Tomato Plants Suddenly Turning Brown And Wilting?

Question

My tomato plants were doing really well. They were in direct sunlight for most of the day and so I was watering them daily. Suddenly, they started wilting. Thinking that I was overwatering the plants, I reduced my watering to once a week. The plants continued to wilt. At this point, animals started to eat the tomatoes, so I moved the plants to a crop cage in an area that was shadier but still received sufficient sunlight. After the tomato stems began to turn completely brown and the leaves started drooping severely to the point of nearly falling off, I tried transferring the plants from the root pouches they came in to self-watering pots. The plants didn’t improve. Attached are a few pictures of the current condition of my tomato plants.

Answer 1

It would seem that overwatering has led to infection. This is unfortunate so late into the season. You may still get a little fruit from the plants, but you will want to start over for a better crop.

Fungicides will be in order to make an attempt at saving these. Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/biofungicide-information.htm

Make sure to let all extra water out of the container bottom. Sitting water will go bacterial, very fast. Really, the container should have drainage holes to allow water out, freely. Make sure that the soil dries out down to about 2 or 3 inches before they receive more water.

Here is an article to help you grow tomatoes to their potential:

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

To download a free, comprehensive e-book on the subject, follow this link:

https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/ebooks/essential-guide-to-growing-tomatoes/

Answer 2

Thank you for your help!