Bee, It sounds like your plants may not have late blight, as that disease typically kills plants very quickly. Overcrowding and lack of ventilation can lead to mold or other fungal issues, which are common in tomato plants, but not as aggressive as late blight. Removing affected leaves and branches and harvesting healthy-looking fruit is a good practice.

As for the fruit, as long as it looks healthy with no visible signs of rot or disease, it should be safe to eat. Late blight and other diseases usually show clear visual signs on the fruit, such as dark spots, rot, or soft areas. If the fruit looks firm, ripe, and free of any visible damage, it’s generally fine to use. Just be sure to inspect your fruit thoroughly before consuming or preserving it. If you’re unsure, you can always consult a local extension office for advice on identifying plant diseases specific to your area.

Rory, I’m truly sorry to hear about the loss of your tomato harvest due to late blight. It can be a devastating disease for gardeners. In response to your question, you can certainly plant different crops in the soil next year. Late blight can only survive on living tomato and potato tissue, so planting other crops should be safe. The key to preventing overwintering late blight is to ensure that all plant debris is thoroughly cleaned up at the end of the season. This includes any tomato or potato plant remnants. Wishing you a bountiful harvest with your new crops next year! 🌱

Rex, That is a great tip! Thanks for sharing.