Tomatoes need sulfur to grow.
Sulfur is one of the three most essential nutrients for growing quality vegetables. Tomatoes planted in soil with low amounts of sulfur generally have poor flavor, and the plants do not grow well.
Sulfur Deficiency
If your tomato plants' young leaves are turning yellow -- a process known as chlorosis -- sulfur deficiency might be the cause. Eventually, the whole plant may turn yellow, with stunted growth and decreased branching. While chlorosis may resemble nitrogen deficiency, sulfur deficiency forces a more uniform yellowing across the plant, and brown lesions or spots may occur where the leaf attaches to the branch.
Sulfur in Soil
Tomatoes grown in sandy soils with little organic matter are more susceptible to sulfur deficiency. If a soil test shows a low level of sulfur, you can amend with compost or gypsum. Fertilizer sources include potassium magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate and super-phosphate. Gardeners sometimes use sulfur to lower a soil's pH when it is too acidic. Tomatoes grow best in a soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5.
Keeping Plants Healthy
Sulfur-based insecticides are an organic way to control rust, powdery mildew and leaf spots on tomato plants. Sulfur sprays also can help control early blight fungus.
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