Homemade and Organic Fungicides for Tomato Diseases

Understanding Tomato Fungal Diseases

Yellowing leaves with spots, gray-brown "burnt paper" patches, and stem lesions indicate advanced fungal infection (likely early blight, septoria, or anthracnose). Fungicides are primarily preventive—once symptoms are severe, cure is difficult.

Organic Treatment Options

Baking Soda Spray (Proven Home Remedy)

Mix in 1 gallon water:

• 3 tbsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp Epsom salts
• 2 tbsp non-concentrated lemon dish soap

Spray weekly. This alters leaf surface pH, inhibiting fungal spores. Best applied early in the season or at first sign of disease.

Copper and Sulfur Products

Copper soap fungicide (like Concern) and liquid sulfur are standard organic preventives. Apply before disease appears and repeat per label.

Long-Term Prevention

• Choose resistant varieties (look for V, F, N, T, A codes in catalogs).
• Rotate crops—avoid planting tomatoes in same spot yearly.
• Mulch heavily to prevent soil splash.
• Water at base—keep foliage dry.
• Space plants for air circulation.
• Remove infected leaves promptly.

Start preventive sprays early next season. This year, try the baking soda mix—it's inexpensive and may slow progression.