Tomato Lower Leaf Yellowing
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) · Yellow Leaves
Chlorosis where leaves lose green pigmentation, starting from lower or outer foliage.
Frequently triggered by either early nitrogen depletion in heavy-fruiting stages or irregular overwatering choking fine root hairs.
Possible causes
- Overwatering causing anaerobic root conditions
- Nitrogen deficiency (older bottom leaves fade first)
- Early blight fungus (Alternaria solani) starting from soil splash
- Insufficient direct sunlight on lower canopy
Care steps
- Check root zone moisture: Insert a finger 5cm deep; if waterlogged, pause watering until the top soil dries.
- Prune yellow lower foliage: Use sanitized shears to remove bottom leaves within 20cm of ground level to eliminate soil-borne spores.
- Apply balanced organic feed: Provide a slow-release calcium-nitrogen supplement or diluted organic fish emulsion at root level.
Prevention tips
- Mulch the base with clean straw or wood chips to prevent muddy splash onto foliage
- Water exclusively at the base early morning using drip or a focused spout
- Maintain 45–60cm spacing between plants for adequate ventilation