Question
Hi,
I am in Eureka, CA. My tomato plants have that common fungus on them and they are quickly being overwhelmed by it. Their leaves turn yellow, there are spots on them and they also exhibit a kind of grey/brown on part of their leaves that end up looking like burnt paper and they crumble when touched. The stems are also affected. I would like to use something that is non-toxic. I was using that copper soap fungicide made by Concern which does help, but maybe not good enough. It is expensive to use and I cannot afford it.
I am looking for a cheap, homemade fungicide,if possible. Do you know of anything?
Thank you very much for any help.
Urania

Answer
Urania, copper is the primary fungicide that I recommend as an organic alternative.  Another option is liquid sulfur.  

The problem with fungus diseases is that they often cannot be cured.  Fungicides are more preventive measures than they are remedies.  That is why it is important to start spraying susceptible varieties early in the growing cycle.

Next year, I would grow varieties that are more disease resistant.  You can find numerous varieties in seed catalogs that are resistant to fungus diseases.  If growing the plants from seed is not an option, you should inquire at your local garden center as to which varieties they sell that are more resistant to such diseases.

One other alternative that is highly effective is to spray the plants with a solution of 1 gallon of water mixed with 3 tbs. of bakings soda, 1 tbs. epsom salts, and 2 tbs. of non-concentrated lemon dishwashing soap.  This remedy has been used for years by gardeners with great success at attacking many fungus diseases.  Whether or not is will prove successful in your case depends on the severity of the disease and the stage to which it has progressed.  But it is definitely worth a try.

Good luck, and have a nice holiday weekend.

Regards,

Mike