I just found out (too late) that the large tree next to my tomato
patch is black walnut, not pecan. The tomato plants have been in the
ground about 4 weeks and are from 1.5 to 3 feet high. From what I've
now read, it appears they will probably die of walnut wilt later this
summer. Is it too late to dig up and transplant in an area hopefully
unaffected by the walnut tree?

Jerry wrote:

I just found out (too late) that the large tree next to my tomato
patch is black walnut, not pecan. The tomato plants have been in the
ground about 4 weeks and are from 1.5 to 3 feet high. From what I've
now read, it appears they will probably die of walnut wilt later this
summer. Is it too late to dig up and transplant in an area hopefully
unaffected by the walnut tree?


Pick an overcast day (or time things for about dusk), water well several
hours ahead of time and give it a shot. Dig the hole for the new home
before digging them out of the existing one. When you get them in their new
digs (pun intended), give 'em a deep drink of compost tea or fish emulsion
to compensate for the facts that you just broke about 50 miles of
microscopic feeder roots. If you really want to be a gardening hero, give
them some light shade for a few days while they are sending out feeder
roots again.

If I overlooked anything, I'm sure someone will fill you in.
Bill C