Question
I have several plants in pots outside.  In particular, 2 young tomato plants, and a pot that has daisys, pansies & marigolds.  Just today, the tomatoes leaves curled up, but the soil is moist... and the weather has been approx 75 w/mild cloud cover, and the pansies in my other pot have just become very limp and are turning brown, with the soil also moist.  What am I doing wrong?  I am a complete beginner... HELP!

Answer
First, carefully take the plants out of the pot. Look at the condition of the soil. Is the moisture all the way to the bottom of the pot? Is the soil entirely moist? Is the bottom part of the soil soggy? Do you have a saucer under the plants to catch the water? Is the plant allowed to sit in the drained water? If the plants are not able to drain freely, they will drowned. If, when you water, you only water the surface, they will still be dry. When you water, always remember to water thoroughly, and then let the plants dry before you water again. It is better to be on the dry side, then to over water. Make sure they have plenty of sun and air circulation. If the soil is dry, you can usually revive them by watering. But, if the soil is too wet, it is very difficult to dry them out, with out damage.
There are other factors that can cause problems, like insects and diseases, but I would start with the soil, and then, if it isn't there, look closely at the plants for signs of damage.
bakerplanter