Question
I live in SW Pennsylvania and my soil is fairly good, although a bit clayish.
My tomatoes this year started turning brown from the base up. Nothing seemed to stop it from happening. Did I miss something in the soil prep or was this some sort of disease.

Answer
Hi Karin. I was also born and raised in W. PA, although I've since moved to Ohio. But you may have hit on the problem when you mentioned your soil.

Clay is prevalent in the midwest to eastern part of the US. Clay tends to hold in the moisture, which makes it very difficult for the roots to absorb nutrients and oxygen. Once this occurs, the plants become stressed, and the foliage will either shrivel or discolor.

Next year, you need to build your soil up by adding organic amendments such as peat, aged manure, and compost. This will improve the tilth of your soil, and supply a constant source of nutrients for the plants. In short, plants grown in organic raised beds thrive as opposed to plants grown in native soils.

I hope this answered your question. Good luck the rest of the season, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike