2nd year growing tomatoes in the same variety (Moneymaker). Last year's tomato plant was a success. This year I decided to grow and buy a seedling of the same variety but it isn't producing as much fruits as my plant last time, despite being given the same care, routine and plant food, even the same location in my garden. This year's tomato plant had some hiccups with pests earlier in the spring season too, which again I didn't have from my plant last year.
Yesterday this plant was fine. Today I arrive back from work to find that the stem is rotting – the main stem (see photo). I am aware there is no stopping it from here and my plant will soon be dead.
A couple of questions:
- Should I kill this plant now or wait for the whole thing to wilt?
- Are the unripe tomatoes any good?
- Do I dispose of the soil as well, given this plant's bacterial/fungal disease?
P.S. I water only the soil, making sure never to touch the stem or any foliage. I disinfect my shears and garden gears, as I am paranoid about fungal spores transferring to my plants. But alas, this year's tomato plant just isn't as resistant to disease as my other plant last year.
Any advise will be appreciated! Ready to kill it now and get it over with.
Location: Auckland, New Zealand (Zone 10b)
by littlemissElina
2 Comments
Dont chop it, see how it’s only half brown? That green half is still transferring nutrients to and from your leaves & roots.
The tomatoes that are full sized will likely ripen eventually if left in a cool (not fridge, but not windowsill) dry place. Tomatoes ripen via ethylene gas, you can speed this process but putting your unripe toms in a box/paper bag with apples or bananas.
Honestly ride it out, money maker is an incredibly resistant variety & beyond that one speck of stem rot/disease, it looks very healthy.
This plant need more space and more soil those bumps mean it wants more roots