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Fertilizer for tomatoes #865043

Asked April 18, 2024, 8:57 PM EDT

I grow 50 plus tomatoes each year and each year I have issues with Septoria Leaf Spot where the bottom leaves die off. I've tried Miracle Grow for tomatoes but it did not help. Is there a in-ground fertilizer that you would recommend to help cure? i normally spot water my plants.

Mason County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Charles, thanks for the question.

While fertilizer won't prevent Septoria Leaf Spot, plants with proper nutrients may resist diseases better than those that are nutrient-deficient. Septoria spreads mainly via rain splash but can also be windborne, insect-transmitted, or seed-borne. It can survive the winter in plant debris. Therefore, fall cleanup and plant sanitation are crucial. Removing lower and infected leaves can be beneficial. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Mulching and crop rotation are advantageous. As a preventative measure, apply a fungicide listed for Septoria. You can also plant Septoria resistant varieties such as:

   Heirloom: Chiapas, Coyote Cherry, Green Zebra, 

   Plum: Invincible, Juliet F1, Katya    

   Slicer: Brandywise, Iron Lady F1, Seiger, Stellar F1, Wisconsin 55

If you are concerned about your fertilizer, you can get a Home | MSU Soil Test through MSU.

Check out the following links for additional information on Septoria leaf spot

Septoria Leaf Spot of Tomato | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu)

Septoria Leaf Spot | Extension | West Virginia University (wvu.edu)

Disease-resistant tomato varieties | Cornell Vegetables

I hope this helps.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 19, 2024, 8:45 PM EDT

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