Question
I mixed 4 parts potting soil to 1 part deodorized manure for my patio tomatoes, now the leaves are curling and turning brown.  My husband said it should have been 7 parts soil to 1 part manure, oops.  Is there any way to rescue the tomatoe plants short of repotting them?  I already have some flowers on them.  The plants are 17" high, the pots are bottom waterers 11" tall and 14" across the top.  Thank you!

Answer
Clarissa,

The only other things I can think of would be to remove some of the soil in the pot and replace it with straight soil.

However, tomatoes are fairly heavy feeders and I am not convinced that over fertilizing is the problem. I have never liked the self watering pots that water from the bottom. In my experience they keep the roots of many plants too wet causing just the symptoms that you described. Even tomato plants need to dry out between waterings. I would bet if you worked you  hand down to the bottom of the pot along the side you will find the soil to be a pretty wet and soggy mess.

You need to not keep the resevoir full at all times. Let it go dry so the soil will dry out and then fill it and you will have a healthier plant. Or simply water the plant from the top and ignor the resevoir. The rain waters from the top and I firmly believe that plants will stay healthier watered that way. Roots rot if kept too soggy. When they rot the leaves curl and turn brown. Good luck.

Darlene