how can I get rid of tomato blight from the soil

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Joanne-The best way to prevent disease and fungus which would include early blight on tomatoes is practicing good preventative measures. I noted a few links below to articles that can help you with causes and remedies for tomato plant diseases. Just click on the links to go directly to the articles. If spores or bacteria already exists in the soil any new planting of tomatoes should not be done this year. Planting in another area or in pots could be done if you are looking for tomatoes this year. Solarizing of the soil can be done to kill any fungal spores or bacteria in the soil. First make sure all parts of old or existing plants are removed from the bed. All parts of the tomato plant can contain this fungus and should be put in a plastic bag and disposed of as the fungus spores can easily be spread to other plants and or areas of the garden. The soil in the bed should be worked turning it to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Smooth out the soil then dig a 4 to 6 inch deep trench around the entire bed. Using a sprinkler slowly soak the bed over the area for an hour or so. Cover the entire area with heavy clear plastic such as a painter's drop cloth. This can be found at any home improvement or hardware store. Some nurseries or garden centers may carry this plastic also. Lay the edges of the plastic in the narrow trench you dug around the area and cover with soil to keep heat from escaping from under the plastic cover. The direct sunlight will heat the covered area killing the existing bacteria. The plastic covering should be left in place for a least 6 weeks. The longer you can leave the cover in place the better. This treatment of the soil should allow you to plant your tomatoes next year. Using some chemical fungicides may help but will only kill those spores that are on or near the soil's surface.

http://www.gardenality.com/Articles/1119/Plants/Vegetables/Causes-and-Natural-Remedies-For-Tomato-Plant-Disease/default.html

http://www.gardenality.com/Articles/83/Problems-and-Solutions/Diseases-and-Fungus/Disease-Control-For-Tomato-Plants/default.html

Hopefully this has helped you. Please ask if you have any other questions.

John)