My first Tumbling Tom tomatoes have spots, and some were resting close to the soil as they grew. I can’t tell whether the marks are from insects, weather, or a disease. How should I judge whether they’re edible, and what can I do to prevent more?
Are these speckled tomatoes still okay to eat?
Asked by MapleKite
Answers
A photo or description of spots alone usually isn’t enough to identify the cause. If the fruit is still firm and the marks are dry and limited to the surface, wash it well and cut away the affected areas. If it’s soft, leaking, moldy, or smells off, discard it rather than trying to salvage it.
If you’re unsure, composting a tomato is a reasonable choice. One questionable fruit isn’t worth making yourself uneasy.
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There are a few possibilities here, including insect feeding or a plant disease, and soil contact can make blemishes more likely. The spots don’t prove the tomato is unsafe, but nobody can confirm what caused them from that description. I’d be more cautious with deep, spreading, or sunken lesions than with small, dry marks.
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For the next ones, try lifting the stems or fruiting branches so the tomatoes don’t sit against damp soil. A layer of mulch can also help keep soil from splashing onto the fruit. Pick them once they begin to color and let them finish ripening indoors if ground contact or pests are a concern.
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MapleKite:
That helps. I’ll check each one for softness or anything spreading before deciding.