Goldsboro, N.C. (May 3, 2025) – For many home gardeners, nothing beats the satisfaction of harvesting a ripe, juicy tomato grown right in their own backyard. But as any seasoned gardener knows, tomatoes can be particularly vulnerable to a host of diseases. Jessica Strickland, Horticulture Extension Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County, says the key to healthier tomato plants starts with smart variety selection.
“Unfortunately, once tomato plants begin showing signs of common diseases like verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, or nematodes, there’s little that can be done,” said Strickland. “That’s why it’s so important to take preventative steps before planting, especially when it comes to choosing disease-resistant varieties.”
With hundreds of tomato varieties available, gardeners may feel overwhelmed when deciding what to grow. According to Strickland, while personal taste and tomato type certainly matter, selecting disease-resistant cultivars is crucial to avoiding common pitfalls.
Tomato plants often come with labels or descriptions marked by abbreviations that indicate disease resistance. Strickland offers a quick guide to the most common abbreviations:
- V – Verticillium Wilt
- F – Fusarium Wilt
- N – Root-knot Nematode
- TSWV – Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
“If you’ve dealt with certain diseases in the past, look for varieties with resistance to those specific issues,” Strickland explained. “And if remembering all the abbreviations is too much, just know that the more letters listed, the better your odds of reducing disease severity.”
In addition to selecting disease-resistant varieties, Strickland emphasizes the importance of crop rotation. Planting tomatoes in the same spot year after year can lead to a build-up of soil-borne diseases, making each season worse than the last.
“If you’re short on space and can’t rotate crops, consider planting tomatoes in containers instead,” she said. “Container gardening offers a clean slate, free from the lingering pathogens that might live in your garden soil.”
Resources for Local Gardeners
Wayne County residents in need of gardening guidance can take advantage of several resources:
- Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic
Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (March–June)
Phone: 919-731-1433
Email: [email protected]
Location: The Maxwell Center, 3114 B Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro - Extension Gardening Email List
Sign up for timely gardening tips: wayne.ces.ncsu.edu/email-me - Follow on Social Media
Facebook: @waynecooperativeextension
Instagram: @waynecountyextension - Plant Toolbox
Explore more plant ideas: plants.ces.ncsu.edu
About Jessica Strickland
Jessica Strickland is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County, where she supports local gardeners and agricultural efforts with research-based advice and educational outreach.
