2012 Late Blight is here!

[Petee]

I checked my tomatoes last week and noticed a very slight brown dusting on one of the stems.  Checked them 6 days later and every plant was dead and the tomatoes ruined.  Late Blight.

 

Now, I know what I did wrong and I know what my husband did wrong, but there's no fixing it this year.  The plants are pulled and in the process of being destroyed, and I found a great green tomato recipe that I put in the Recipe (Casserole) Section.  We had company for dinner who didn't like green tomatoes but politely tried it anyway and raved about how good it was.  I agree.  I was questioning whether it would be good and it was a hit!  That one is a keeper.

 

The tomatoes can be safely used fresh or cooked but NOT canned because the PH level can be off for safe canning.  Just wash the fresh tomatoes in a 9-1 bleach mixture before using because you never know who can be allergic to what.  Don't use them if you can actually see brown lesions.

[Seuly]

To prevent late blight, you can do preventive spraying with a product that contains chlorothalonil. I buy mine at a local feed store that has a convenient drive through. Other feed stores and garden supply stores should have it also.

 

I get the 32 ounce concentrate and mix it in a 2 gallon sprayer. I am still using up a bottle from last year. It needs to be sprayed every 7 to 10 days. Follow label instructions.