Why is my tomato plant wilting? 5 common causes and how to fix it

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Don't ignore a drooping tomato plant. When heat hits and your prized tomatoes suddenly sag, they’re throwing up a red flag. It’s a heartbreaking sight, but that dramatic slouch is actually a cry for help.Wilting is a copycat symptom for five completely distinct issues, from simple thirst to hidden pests. Guessing the cure can cost you your harvest, and applying the wrong fix could finish the plant off entirely.Fortunately, most tomato drama is completely reversible once you know what to look for. Here's 5 common reasons your tomato plant wilts and how to fix fast.

1. Underwatering

Tomatoes are thirsty plants that need 1-2 inches of water per week. During hot, dry summers, they need even more. If you're watering on a schedule that made sense in spring, it probably isn't enough now that temperatures have risen.Check the soil 1-2 inches below the surface. If it feels completely dry, underwatering is the problem. Look at the leaves too. Dry, papery leaves confirm the plant isn't getting enough water.Increase watering frequency rather than dumping more water at once. Water more often with smaller amounts so the soil stays consistently moist without becoming soggy.