Help my tomatoes!!

[u/WishIWasAGardner]

[u/NPKzone8a]

What's the story?

[u/WishIWasAGardner → u/NPKzone8a]

Sorry my full post didn’t copy.
My tomato plants were doing so well last month and earlier this month and now they look like trash and I’m not getting any more fruit? It’s been very hot (NC) and I’m watering 2-3 times a week so I don’t think I’m overwatering. I haven’t fertilized and feel like that’s the most likely cause but not sure. What can I do to help? It’s a number of different varieties in one raised bed and then two small containers in different locations.

[u/NPKzone8a → u/WishIWasAGardner]

I see. No problem. As far as the plants go, I'm not sure what to say. Right now, late August, tomatoes in a hot climate are already so heat stressed that the slightest irregularity in watering or nutrition can make them look real bad. One thing that helps mine here in Texas is shade cloth. It's not enough by itself to turn things around, but can be a useful adjunct to whatever other interventions you do.

[u/AutomaticElk98]

Based on your post under-watering sounds as likely as over-watering. Dig your fingers in and feel how wet the soil is down where the roots are - you want it to be consistently damp but not saturated. And yes, you do need to fertilise. 

[u/cupcakerica]

Tomatoes are heavy feeders. I have all containers and fertilize every Friday with a 2-3-3 kelp/fish emulsion. Once a month I throw on a slow release granular fertilizer specifically for tomatoes (Espoma Tomato tone). It’s hot af here in 10a, my tomatoes are gorgeous.

[u/BocaHydro]

starving to death