"martin godliman" wrote in
message ...

Just got back into gardening after many years of not bothering and grown
my own tomato plants from seeds I probably put them outside a bit too
early (two weeks ago) now I notice the lower leaves have black spots on
them and not looking very good.
I Googled for an answer but I'm not sure I've had the definitive reply
exactly, so far it's only the lower leaves and the plants have started
to grow again after the sudden shock of all that cold rain...are they
doomed do you think?
martin godliman

Are they spots or patches? Are they black or purplish brown? Are they brown
on the outer edge of the leaf? If spots are they small or large?

If they are purplish brown starting on the lower leaves, then it sounds like
Tomato Leaf mould. This usually occurs in greenhouses but can happen outside
too.

If brown on the outer part of the leaf then blight could be the cause.

If small spots occur then a deficiency may be the cause or the cold which
has a similar affect (the plant can't access the nutrients properly if the
weather is cold.).

PDM