Early Blight, Tomato Blight and Septoria Leaf Spot are all common tomato diseases in the home garden. Fungal pathogens are carried from plant to plant by direct contact with infected plants, water, wind and insects. To help prevent the spread of these diseases, the following is recommended:

– Purchase seeds or plants that are resistant to blight

– Practice crop rotation; never plant tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant or peppers in the same spot within a two- or three-year period

– Apply a layer of mulch around your plants and use a soaker hose or drip irrigation lines to prevent water from splashing on the plant’s foliage

– Use tomato cages or stakes to prevent leaves from touching the ground

– Check your plants periodically for yellowing, wilting leaf, brown lesions and dark spot as these are signs of infections