Yes, it is quite possible that you are having more than one problem with your plants.

*IF* you have early blight (see tomato problem solver thread in this forum - specifically the TAMU problem solver link), understand that all fungal foliage infections are initially airborne. Also know that EB is not systemic (i.e., it is not going to be taken up by the roots and infect the plant.)

What does this mean?

(1) If you mulch well, splashback infection on the plants from spores in the soil can be minimized or even eliminated.

(2) Since all fungal infections are initially airborne, despite your best efforts above with #1, fungal spores can still blow in and infect your plants. So a preventative fungicide may be in order -- I prefer Daconil.

Regarding the BER, if you go to the main tomato forum, there is an excellent FAQ at the top of the page on BER.

Thanks suze9. I'll check into this. I'm fairly new to gardening and I'm in a bit of a panic thinking I'm not going to have fresh tomatoes for salsa this year!

I'll try the preventative measures you suggest and check out the BER FAQ.

"understand that all fungal foliage infections are initially airborne"

Fungal diseases can also be seed borne--that is one reason why fermentation is recommended. Plus the spores can be spread in water splashed up from infected soil.

This is from a little booklet from SYNGENTA entitled DISEASE IDENTIFICATION GUIDE for TOMATOES.

Early Blight Disease Cycle:

"The early blight fungus survives between crops on soil debris, on seed and on volunteer tomato plants and other solanaceous hosts. "

Primary infection occurs early in the season from conidia that are rain-splashed onto new seedlings. Lesions are visible 2-3 days after infection. Conidia formed on lesions serve as a secondary inoculum and are wind-disseminated.

Conditons for Development:

Periods of mild, rainy weather are ideal for infection. Conidia require free moisture for germination that can occur in just 35-45 minutes at temps of 82-86 degrees. Heavy dew or frequent rains are necessary for abundant sporulation. Early blight is usually less severe on tomatoes grown under high fertility."