Please help. Its dying.
Hi @adkandel,
Your tomato plant looks stressed and is likely struggling from poor soil conditions and too much moisture around the roots. The soil appears compacted and damp, which can prevent the roots from getting enough oxygen and may lead to rot or nutrient problems. The plant is also very small and weak, and without support it can easily become damaged as it grows.
I’d suggest refreshing the soil with a quality garden soil mix such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotts-osmocote-25l-garden-soil-premium-planting-mix_p3010198? so it drains more freely and allowing the top layer to dry out between waterings rather than keeping it constantly wet.
Giving the plant support with a small stake or cage will also help it grow stronger.
An application of a plant tonic such as Seasol can also give your tomato a quick boost to help it get through the rough patch it is currently experiencing.
Check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/planting-and-growing/how-to-grow-tomatoes and https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/planting-and-growing/how-to-maintain-healthy-tomatoes for some further guidance.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
I should also mention that if you are in a colder climate, tomatoes can naturally decline or die off once temperatures start dropping, particularly overnight.
Improving soil conditions and reducing watering can help and would still be worthwhile long term, but if the tomatoes are reacting to the cold climate, unfortunately, this is unlikely to save them and you'll have to replant in spring when the weather warms.
do tomatoes grow in winter? May be in northern parts?
Hi @J-P,
I'm in Brisbane, where winter temperatures aren't always too low. I have seen tomato plants survive through the winter and even continue producing fruit in milder years although it really depends on the temperatures.
Tomatoes tend to start struggling when overnight temperatures drop below 10°C, which in most parts, is a bit of an inevitability.
Keeping them protected from frosts in a greenhouse will certainly help, but if those overnight temperatures really drop, they will likely still struggle. Usually, you're looking at removing them and replacing them when spring comes around.
