squiddy

There's probably no need to get rid of those containers. Just disinfect and use them for something else that doesn't get tomato viruses. You're sure the wilt didn't hitch a ride with the tomatoes you bought the first time you grew them?

I would get new containers for your tomatoes, though. Large light-colored plastic or ceramic ones would be best for several reasons. You want the soil to stay cool, and dark-colored containers absorb more ambient heat, and you want a non-porous inside container surface that you can disinfect after each growing season. The bleach you mentioned will do the disinfecting job just fine.

Bury your old growing soil in a compost heap where it gets really hot to kill off any diseases. If you don't have a compost heap, you can tie it up in a black plastic contractor bag (or a heavy-duty clear plastic bag) and leave it in the summer sun for several months. It will heat up and cook anything living in the bag!

It was said "use them for something else that doesn't get tomato viruses"

I'm curious. How does one jump to the conclusion of virus-affected tomatoes?

Beyond that, before anyone suggests what to do, we need to know more about what the OP calls "tomato wilt." That phrase is too vague to work with.

So, what symptoms did the tomatoes have?
And at what stage of their life?

Jean001

Tomato wilts (and there are many varieties) are viruses. I took the OP's word that that was the problem, since it occurred two years in a row.

But by all means, dig deeper! Maybe you can identify something else that was the problem.

Thanks to all who replied. Interesting thought is that 2 years ago I did get the plants from a place that I have not been before. Never thought abt that. As far as the wilt goes the plants would start out ok then a month or more honestly do not remember the whole structure would just start to wilt. Anyway I will try the plastic containers and will use a dilute bleach soln on the fiberglass container. Will see what happens this year.

Again thanks
Squiddy

squiddy

One more thought in aiming for healthy plants.

Go over to the Container Gardening forum and check out the recommendations for the very best kind of soil to grow vegetables in, as well as aeration, fertilization, and watering needs for container veggies. If any one of these factors is substantially "off", your plants will have problems.

In my opinoin, I would clean the wooden pots with bleach also. yes the wood color will dilute soon, but why throw them away if alittle color dilutes. Things are costing too much to keep throwing things away.