Question
Hi Mike,

Last spring I tried growing heirloom tomatoes for the first time. My little crop grew well and appeared healthy in the beginning. Unfortunately, they all died from Fusarium Wilt shortly after they starting bearing fruit. I would like to give Heirlooms another try this spring but, being an amateur gardener, I do not know how to prep the soil to best avoid wilt (or other tomato diseases). If effective, organic techniques are preferred. I'm in Zone 9a. Thank you so much for any advice.

Answer
Chris, that is the primary reason most gardeners grow hybrids, the fact that they are resistant to many of these diseases.

Most diseases that plague heirloom tomatoes are soilborne. Unless the soil is solarized with black plastic for several months, the disease can live for 2-3 years. That is why it is always a good practice to rotate your crops. In other words, never grow the same type of vegetable in the same spot in consecutive years.

The only way to prevent these diseases, other than by solarizing the soil and plant rotation, is through preventive measures. First, and most importantly, amend the soil every year with organic matter, such as peat, aged manure, and compost. You also must begin a preventive spray routine every 10-14 days. I recommend using copper-based fungicides. I personally use a product called Soap-Shield, an organic copper fungicide sold by Gardens Alive. Copper is known to prevent numerous fungus-related diseases. I have attached a link to their website for your review.

http://www.gardensalive.com

I hope this information proves beneficial. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike