Tomato growing has become so popular because there are so few problems. Gardeners love the short growing season and the fact that they are rewarded with such a universally enjoyed fruit.

Now having said that, one must be aware that though tomato plants are extremely hearty and will grow in just about any place on earth; they are susceptible to fungus, disease and pests.

Tomato plants like consistency and do not handle changes in climate very well. Any sudden changes in temperatures, i.e. frost, intense heat, lack of water, over watering, etc. will affect the growth of the plant.

Likewise there are many different kinds of diseases that can affect the plant. These diseases can be prevented to an extent by having the plants grown in containers, but the problem with the growth of tomato plants in containers is that it is not possible to grow a huge number of plants at one time. But, container plants are shielded from the outside climatic changes, pests, soil fungi and pathogens. Growing your tomatoes in containers outside, separated from other garden plants will aid in the your plants not being bombarded by pests and diseases affecting other garden plants.

The most common diseases that you will see include those from bacteria, fungus as well as virus. Each of these microorganisms can cause a myriad of diseases and fungus'. Many of the most common diseases that affect tomato plants and can be a major hindrance or a hurdle in their growth include the following:

Fungal diseases: The fungal diseases include anthracnose, Botrytis fruit rot, Buckeye rot, Damping off, Early blight, Fusarium wilt, Ghost Spot, Gray Leaf Spot, Gray Mold , Late Blight, Leaf Mold, Soil rot fungus and spotted wilt. Most fungal diseases begin in the soil and work their way up through the plant to the leaves. If you have more than one plant in the same container, the fungus will attack each of them. Carefully turning and aerating the top one inch or so of the soil will help reduce the potential of fungals. Over watering, puddling of water in the container, and not having a good drainage out the bottom of the container for the water will cause rot and fungus.

Bacterial diseases: Bacterial canker, Bacterial spot, Bacterial wilt are the major disease that are caused by bacterial agents. Again, have their beginning in the soil and from other plants. Many times the seeds themselves may have been infected with bacteria prior to planting.

Viral diseases: Curly top: (western yellow blight) and Mosaics are the two commonly seen viral diseases that affect the tomato plants in large numbers. The viral diseases also have the potential of causing deadly damage to the tomato plants.

Other than these diseases, your tomato plants can also be damaged by various kinds of insects that cause the wilting of your plants. Dependent upon the area in which you live; Colorado Potato Beetles, Corn earworm, Cut worms, European corn borer, Flea beetles, Tomato Hornworm and Whitefly are all irritating pests that will sample your leaves and tomatoes before you.

A visit to your local nursery with an infected leaf or branch will is all that is necessary to acquire the necessary application. Note that as a tomato plant matures and begins to bear fruit many of the lower leaves and small branches will begin to wither and die. This is normal. Pinch them off. It is wise to keep the stalks of your plants clean and leaf-free for about the first 4-6 inches above the ground.

A very useful, effective and organic solution for controlling most pests and some fungal is a mixure of a couple of tablespoons of dish washing soap in a spray bottle with water. Simply spray the plant and soil with the solution every couple of weeks or as needed.

In spite of all the problems you may have with growing your tomato plants, they are still the darlings of the plant lovers because of the quick growth of the plant and the yield of those lucious tomatoes.

Happy Gardening