How can I tell if I am over watering my tomatoes?
QUESTION: What are the symptoms of tomato plant overwatering?
ANSWER: Overwatered tomato plants might resemble underwatered plants, so if you’re having trouble discerning the difference, check for these indicators while the soil around the plants is still damp.
Overwatered plants may have wilted or yellowed stems and leaves, or the leaves may develop bumps and blisters or fall off completely if the plants are overwatered.
When the situation is serious enough, checking the roots is another technique to distinguish between overwatered and underwatered plants. A plant that has received too much water for a long time may have roots that turn dark in color, in contrast to the pale color of healthy roots, or the roots may have a slimy texture.
You can rescue an overwatered plant in some cases by gently pulling it up, shaking off excess dirt, and resting the roots on a stack of two or three newspapers. Continue to place the plant on the newspapers until most of the extra water has been absorbed.
Then replant it in a pot that just fits its roots, filling up the gaps with compost. If too much rain is the culprit, you can always hang a plastic sheet or tarp over an overwatered plant, removing the sheet when rainfall ceases.
Related
Related Questions
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Am I overwatering or underwatering my tomatoes?
Overwatering and underwatering symptoms on tomatoes are similar. For plants stressed by underwatering, usually plants will wilt at least once before leaves begin to yellow. If water remains insufficient or with repeated wilting, yellow leaves will brown and die.
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Should you water tomatoes every day?
Tomato plants need daily or every other day watering unless there has been recent rain. The plants need 1-1.5 inches of water each week, whereas container-grown tomato plants require twice daily watering. Water your plants first thing in the morning before the sun becomes too scorching.
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What is the correct way to water tomato plants?
TOMATO WATERING TIPS
Water early in the morning to keep the soil wet throughout the day. Water at the bottom of the plant; watering from above promotes illness. Check tomatoes growing in pots often since they dry out quickly. Be consistent — fluctuations in water supply lead to cracking and blossom end … -
When should you stop watering tomatoes?
Tomatoes taste fantastic with little water. The secret is to keep plants well watered as they establish then reduce watering once the fruits start to ripen.