On Aug 12, 6:59*am, Homercles nobodyhere.edu wrote:
Something's in the ground where I raise tomatoes, killing the back row. *
* I planted them about 3 feet forward last year and it didn't happen (I had
a bumper crop), but this year I've lost the back row again.
They just wilt and die after they get about 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall.
There's no sign of cut worms and it's been an established gardening spot
for 15 years, with only tomatoes for 10.
*I've been told by an old timer that there's a blight in the ground and
it's moving forward. I've also been told it's walnut blight as there's a
walnut tree about 30 feet away, but I've not found any roots in the ground,
but it's only been tilled to about 10 inches deep.
*The tomatoe patch is mulched with landscaping fabric (black plastic) with
pine chips on top.
*Whatever it is kills hybrids as well as heirlooms.
Anyone have any idea what it sould be, and if I make it a raised bed would
it stop?

*Thanks

Sounds like blight or some fungus (the walnut tree toxins would kill
the tomato plants right away, not after they grow 2 to 3 feet).

Not much you can do, sorry to say, other then commercial fungicides.
You can try not planting tomatoes in that area for several years, even
then, many weeds can host the blight and keep it alive and happy
waiting for your tomatoes to return.