[Lynda Koeppen]

I have fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt that overwinter in my garden. My garden is not big enough to do a true crop rotation. I also usually grow a few tomato plants in bags on my patio. Last year I had one plant in a grow bag that got diseased and died. I have never had that happen in a grow bag before. I’m assuming that that disease has stayed in the bag. I usually submerge them in bleach water in the spring before I plant. Will this kill the disease that is likely still in the bag from last year? If so, how long should I keep the bags submerged in the bleach water. Thank you.

[Eric Vinje]

Hello Lynda! I’m sorry to hear about those pesky diseases getting in your tomato garden! There are a few different ways to sterilize that may work for you including vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach. If you decide to go the bleach route, I would say that doing a bleach soak for around 10 minutes of 1 part bleach and 5 parts water may work, but I would also suggest adding Mycostop to your plants as well this year. It does wonders for Fusarium Wilt and I’m sure your garden will appreciate it.

Keep us updated on how it all works out! Those diseases can be pretty tough, especially since the Fusarium Wilt can survive in soil for up to 15 years. Make sure you sterilize your tools too!

Check out our Mycostop here: https://www.planetnatural.com/product/mycostop/

Also, I thought you’d like to see our pages on particular tomato problems.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/fusarium-wilt/
https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/verticillium-wilt/
https://www.planetnatural.com/tomato-gardening-guru/pests-disease/

Good luck!

[Author]

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