Tomato Woes

[Python15]

I have a problem with my Tom's which is really puzzling me. The leaves started to go yellowy soon after moving to bigger pots. It didn't just start with one plant but all together. After a while the leaves go biege and papery. At first I thought it was magnesium deficiency so I gave them a spray of Epsom salts. I've done this before with remarkable success but this time nothing, the leaves continue to look yellow with the paperyness. They're not dead as new side shoots have started to grow where the stalks have died. I wondered if I had cooked them in the greenhouse but as soon as I saw the leaves I moved them out into a little blow away greenhouse where they got a bit more shade. Is it worthwhile giving them another spray with the Epsom salts? I didn't feed them as I was told this may cause more harm than good. Any idea's?

[maverick451]

I dont like the sound of the stalks dieing, have you got a pic?

I think cold weather exacerbates any nutrient deficiencies have they been outside long?

I would give them a feed or atleast try feeding some to see if it helps, I like to feed younger plants with a more natural seaweed based fertilizer just to make sure I dont overdo it.

once they have got into bigger 3l pots I feed with regular stuff but I makes sure it was trace elements in.

[Python15]

Thanks for the quick reply Mav, I'm at work right now so can't put up a picture just yet. They aren't in the big pots yet as they aren't big enough which also worries me as usually they've taken off by now. Could it be some kind of virus? I've had them in the unheated greenhouse since the end of April.

[WendyC]

What compost did you use? Is anything else affected?

[Scarlet]

What has been the night time temps with you? It's been very cold, especially if you are keeping them in a plastic blowaway.

[Python15]

It was just bog standard MPC. I re-potted my chillies with it too and they're ok.

[Scarlet]

But did you keep your chillies outside in the cold?

[rhyswales]

A quick look on the met office, the temps where you live haven't been too bad, lowest is around 7/8 degrees so can't see it being a cold problem.

[Python15]

I didn't think it had been too cold but you never know. The chillies went out at the same time and they are a picture of rude health. Is yellowing leaves a sign of being over cold? I thought they went a sort of bluey colour when that was the problem.

[Scarlet]

A quick look on the met office, the temps where you live haven't been too bad, lowest is around 7/8 degrees so can't see it being a cold problem.

That's this weeks forecast. The damage is already done. These tomatoes have been out since the end of April. I live in the South West and I carried my plants in every evening due to prolonged cold and frosts up until 10days ago.

The leaves started to go yellowy soon after moving to bigger pots. It didn't just start with one plant but all together. After a while the leaves go biege and papery....the leaves continue to look yellow with the paperyness.

A photo would help but leaves that go "papery" have often been damaged by cold, they've wilted and scorched. The wet inside the blow away wouldn't have helped either.
Leaves and stems do go purple if left in the cold for a prolonged time but I think yours have been damaged by a cold snap/with the leaves frosted - especially as you have new growth.

[Python15]

Thanks Scarlet, I'll try and get a photo up as soon as.

[Python15]

OK, here goes with the pitiful objects.

[Scarlet]

I'd still stick my neck out and say they have been frosted. It may be best to go out and get some replacements but if you keep them warm, in the GH during the day they may come back. Cut off the shrivelled stuff. If you've got armpits growing it might be best for you to take a few cuttings.

[Python15]

Thanks again Scarlet, a couple of things briefly came to mind. They were raised next to other seedlings, is there a chance that something has put them off? I just find it weird how it started with the lower leaves and worked it's way up. Would you not say that they'd had their day then?

[bramble]

If you give them a lot of TLC, I think the are saveable.
The top of the plants look healthy enough and I can see little armpits starting to grow. You can pot those up when they get bigger and it will give you some new plnts.
Like Scarlet, I went up and down the garden bringing my pants in and out while we had cold nights.
In fact, my chillis and cucumbers are still being brought in at night.