My Tomato Seedlings Are Drooping: What Is Wrong?

Water

• Drooping foliage can make tomato seedlings look weak and limp all over. Sagging, drooping leaves could indicate that the seedlings aren't getting enough water, but it may also indicate that they are getting too much. Continually monitor the surface of the soil, checking it every day or so, to evaluate moisture content. Water dry soil. Very wet, sticky soil is being overwatered or is not draining properly. Add drainage holes to the pot or amend the soil as necessary to provide adequate drainage throughout.

Wilt

• Wilt diseases cause drooping, discoloration and other symptoms of ill health. Fusarium wilt affects the foliage of tomato plants. Leaves will turn yellow and droop when affected by Fusarium wilt. Verticillium wilt is one of the most damaging fungal diseases of tomato plants. Leaves also droop when Verticillium wilt is present. Look for the distinct, V-shaped discoloration near the tips of leaves that indicates Verticillium wilt is causing the problem.

Management

• Fungi that cause wilt diseases like Verticillium and Fusarium live in soil for many years. Avoid planting seeds in, or transplanting seedlings to, the same site year after year. Rotate tomato plants with other vegetables to avoid recurring wilt disease cycles. Remove weeds and debris from around soil; Verticillium thrives in weeds. You may use fungicides to treat wilt diseases and prevent them from spreading when they appear in tomato plants.

Care

• Often, gardeners support tomato plants with cages, stakes and other structures. Some species of tomato require support; without it, the plants will droop and sag. Begin training tomatoes to use support structures while the plants are seedlings. Surround the plants with a cage or trellis, or drive a tall stake next to the plant, to provide the necessary structure. Train the plant to use the supports by tying it loosely to the structure with clean strips of cloth.