Garden Q&A: Why are the leaves on my tomato plants curling?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Tomato plant. File picture

Question

Why are the leaves on my tomato plants curling?

Answer

Leaf curling on tomato plants is a common issue and usually nothing to panic about. The most frequent cause is environmental stress, such as heat, wind, or irregular watering.

When it's too hot or dry, the plant curls its leaves to reduce water loss and protect itself. 

Another common reason is overwatering, which can stress the roots and lead to curling. 

Nutrient imbalance, particularly too much nitrogen, can also cause this issue, especially if the plants are lush and green but not flowering much. 

In some cases, pests like aphids or whiteflies can be the culprits, as they suck sap from the leaves, causing them to twist. 

Viral diseases are less common but more serious — they often cause yellowing or mottling along with the curl. —

If the plant looks otherwise healthy, monitor it, adjust your watering routine, and ensure it's getting balanced feed. Most of the time, the plant will recover naturally.

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