Leaves on your tomatoes and cucumbers curling and drying out can significantly impact your vegetable yield. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward resolving this issue. Here’s how to diagnose and treat the problem effectively.

Identifying the Causes of Leaf Curling

  1. Leaves Curling Upwards: This typically indicates a deficiency in copper or magnesium. To address this, prepare a solution using:
  • 10 liters of water
  • 2 tablespoons of magnesium sulfate
  • 1 teaspoon of copper sulfate Mix well and apply 0.5 liters of this solution around the base of the plant.
  1. Leaves Curling Outwards: This is often a sign that the plant is overmoistened. Ensure you’re not overwatering and check the soil drainage.
  2. Leaves Curling Inward: This indicates a phosphorus deficiency. To remedy this:
  • Boil 5 liters of water and add 1 tablespoon of superphosphate.
  • Let the mixture steep for 24 hours.
  • After steeping, add another 10 liters of water to the solution. Use 0.5 liters of this solution per plant, applying it around the base of the plant.
  1. Leaves Curling Into a Tube: This could be a sign of poorly developed or damaged roots. Inspect the root system and ensure it’s healthy and well-established.
  2. Leaves Twisting in a Spiral: This often indicates a zinc deficiency. To correct this:
  • Dissolve 50 grams of wood ash and 30 grams of superphosphate in 1 liter of water.
  • Let it sit for 1.5 hours.
  • Dilute the solution with 9 liters of water. Apply 0.5 liters of this solution around the base of each plant.
  1. Brown Spots on Twisted Leaves: This signifies a molybdenum deficiency. Improve the plant’s phosphorus uptake by feeding them with superphosphate and wood ash. This will also help in reducing soil acidity.

By addressing these specific nutrient deficiencies and other issues, you can help your tomatoes and cucumbers recover from leaf curling and ensure a more productive harvest.

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