Troubleshooting
Tomato problems — and how to fix them
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Yellow lower leaves
Early blight, nitrogen depletion, or natural senescence.
Full tomato yellow lower leaves diagnosis →Curling leaves
Heat stress, herbicide drift, or a tomato virus.
Full tomato curling leaves diagnosis →Brown spots on leaves
Early blight or septoria leaf spot.
Full tomato brown spots on leaves diagnosis →Blossom-end rot
Inconsistent watering, not a calcium deficiency. Mulch and water deeply.
Cracking fruit
Sudden water swings after dry spells; mulch helps.
Prevent tomato problems before they start
Most tomato issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Tomato problems — FAQ
Why is my tomato yellow lower leaves?
Early blight, nitrogen depletion, or natural senescence.
Why is my tomato curling leaves?
Heat stress, herbicide drift, or a tomato virus.
Why is my tomato brown spots on leaves?
Early blight or septoria leaf spot.
Why is my tomato blossom-end rot?
Inconsistent watering, not a calcium deficiency. Mulch and water deeply.
Why is my tomato cracking fruit?
Sudden water swings after dry spells; mulch helps.