There is plenty of information about treating tomato diseases and pests but not much about preventing them infecting and affecting your tomato plants in the first place.
Tomato diseases and pests flourish in poor soil, debris strewn beds and warm, moist conditions.
Greenfly is one of the worst pests to affect tomatoes and there are several ways of preventing them from decimating your plants. Firstly plant African Marigolds near and around your tomatoes; these will help to repel greenfly and also eelworms. Dogs don't seem to like them either so they won't start digging near your tomatoes.
Companion planting a variety of other crops nearby can ward off many tomato diseases and pests and promote healthy plants. Some of these are chives, oregano, basil, parsley, onions (any type), celery, geraniums, petunias and nasturtiums, to name but a few.
If you're not bothered about being organic, start spraying your tomato plants with an anti-aphid spray early in the season before the weather starts to warm up and continue to do so at least weekly. That way, the little devils won't get the chance to settle and lay their eggs.
Use good quality soil and an organic mulch around the plants and make sure that there is enough space between plants for air to circulate freely. This will prevent the spread of any disease.
Regular and careful watering is essential. Water daily at the same time, preferably in the early morning or late evening. Do not allow the water to splash soil up onto the lower foliage as this can cause blight. The best method is to use a timed dripper watering system which will deliver a set quantity of water slowly to the roots of the plants at the same time each day and save you the trouble of standing around with a hose.
Use organic tomato fertiliser as directed on the packaging. This should ensure a good crop of healthy tomatoes.
Weed your tomato beds regularly. Many tomato diseases and pests thrive in poorly maintained soil.
If you follow good gardening practices with regard to soil care, fertilising, watering and destruction of infected foliage, you should easily prevent tomato diseases and pests from infecting your plants.
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Published 02-09-2010
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