How to Grow Tomatoes Without Black Spots of Mold
A common form of tomato mold is Alternaria alternata (A. alternata) that affects tomatoes only after they have ripened. The inoculum (spores) lives in the soil and thrives on decaying organic material. It will also winter in the soil, so proper steps should be taken throughout the growing season. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Tomatoes and Mold
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Place tomato plants at least 2 feet apart, which will give them enough space to dry off after watering or rainfall. This is important because bacteria thrives in wet environments.
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Stake your tomatoes or surround the plants with individual cages. This keeps leaves off the ground and away from potentially harmful bacteria.
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Be vigilant in weeding your garden because weeds often harbor garden diseases.
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Keep your plants dry. Bacteria thrive in wet environments. During a particularly rainy season, you can cover the lower leaves of your tomato plants with fungicide. Use can also use a mulch to protect the bottom of the plant.
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Harvest your tomatoes when they are ripe. Leaving them on the vine after ripening leaves them vulnerable to A. alternata.
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Bury your garden debris or dispose of it in the municipal trash since backyard compost piles do not usually reach the 145 degrees necessary to kill bacteria harbored in the debris.
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Tips & Warnings
If you choose to use a fungicide, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Protect your face and wear long pants and long sleeves when applying the chemical. Do not inhale the fungicide, and do not use it near a water source or a wetland area.
